Shabana Azmi's recent outburst that Muslims were being denied homes in many Mumbai localities because of their religion has caused a furore.
Many, like actor Shatrughan Sinha, felt that it was inappropriate for her to make such a statement.
Was Azmi an exception, or have been there other such cases? Who are the other Bollywood stars who have faced problems in finding an apartment in Mumbai?
Arshad Warsi
His onscreen persona as Munnabhai's Circuit may be endearing, but Arshad Warsi is among many Muslim actors who have found it difficult to buy a flat because of his religion.
Apparently, he even tried to buy one in his wife Maria Goretti's name but with no success.
In a recent interview to Mumbai tabloid Mid-Day, Arshad said, 'It was very frustrating. I can't buy a residential or office space anywhere in and around Juhu, or in any part of Mumbai. The JVPD Scheme where the cream of Bollywood lives, is closed to Muslims. I had negotiated and almost closed the deal for a property in Juhu when the builders got to know I was Muslim.
'They refused. Then I tried to buy property in my wife Maria's name. Even that didn't materialise. Now I've no choice but to live with my wife and children in a rented place and to work out of a rented office. Could this be happening in so-called cosmoopolitan Mumbai? I feel we are regressing in such matters.'
Saif Ali Khan
Not one to put himself through rejection, the actor approached Muslim builders when he wanted a house for himself.
'I know there are localities and building societies that won't sell real estate to anyone who's a Muslim. I didn't want to get involved in that problem. I went to a Muslim builder to avoid complications,' he told the Mumbai-based tabloid, Mumbai Mirror in an interview.
Saif insists that the problem of communal segregation is very real in Mumbai. 'And it's not restricted to building societies, it's there in society in general. It's common knowledge that in certain areas of Juhu and Bandra land and houses are not sold to Muslims.
'I'm constantly surprised by how much religion matters to some people here. Perceptions of religion are always based on experience or fanaticism. Some elements have spoilt things for the entire community. That's the sad truth about Islam,' he was quoted as saying.
Zeenat Aman
She wanted a house in Juhu but could not get the housing societies to budge even though she was ready to pay the market price.
Finally, after many attempts, she managed to buy a house.
Emraan Hashmi
The fact that he is Muslim just made things a little tougher. In the end he did manage to buy a flat for himself.
Amir Ali
In a public interest litigation in August 2007, Aamir said, 'If this practice is not curbed, it would grow manifold and cities in Maharashtra would be divided on the basis of caste. If that happens, it would hamper peace and communal harmony, growth and interest of the state and the public at large.'
Aamir further stated in his PIL that his petition is restricted to housing societies occupied by people following various religions.
The Bombay high court however dismissed his petition reiterating a Supreme Court order that made it clear that the decision on membership in housing societies should be left to their governing bodies.
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Jodha Akbar
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