Azaan row: Suchitra Krishnamoorthi hits back at Abu Azmi

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NEW DELHI: The issue of use of loudspeakers for azaan doesn’t seem to die down. After actor-singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi tweeted recently complaining about ‘ear shattering call’ for azaan, many more have reacted to her controversial tweets.

On July 22, at 5.33 pm, Krishnamoorthi tweeted: “came home at 4.45 am 2 most aggressive/ear shattering call of azaan. Nothing more lowlife & dumb than such extreme imposed religiousity”.

The tweet evoked angry reactions, with Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi saying: “Those who sing and dance till early hours, drink at 2 a.m. in parties in hotels, and sit with their arms on shoulders of strange men and talk, who have spoilt Indian culture have suddenly started criticising.” Azmi has come under attack on social media for using such language.

Saying that people like Sonu Nigam and Suchitra had no right to criticise ‘azaan’ or even tolling of temple bells, Azmi advised them to go to bed at 8 pm instead and get up early in the morning. Terming her statement “irresponsible”, another SP leader asked whether the prayer call was more important or her sleep.

Not to take things lying down, Suchitra hit back saying such political leaders need to be ignored and sent for “recovery”, reports DNA. She also said that her comment was not against any religion but the volume of azaan.

Meanwhile, not just politicians, celebs too joined in.

Showing her displeasure was jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali who tweeted: “My dear,I normally wuld not comment but yr description of d Azaan tht annoys u speaks lowly of u.U culd hav had more dignity in yr comment.”

Suchitra struck a conciliatory note, saying that she did indeed get carried away. “…and yes i agree my words were too strong. Its the writer & dramatist in me – i get carried away.”

Commenting on Suchita’s comments was Pakstani journalist Mehar Tarar too. She found some words in the actor’s tweet ‘vulgar and insensitive’.

Not to back off, Suchitra came back with a riposte on Sunanda Pushkar.

In April this year, singer Sonu Nigam courted controversy over the azaan issue. Nigam had earlier griped over the use of loudspeakers for azaan, calling it “forced religiousness”.

Following a storm of protests, he had shaved his head in protest after a fatwa (religious edict) and a Rs 10 lakh reward was announced by a Muslim leader for his scalp.