'Popcorn' defender Shobha De takes on protesting Marathi promoting Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena workers gathered outside novelist Shobha De's Cuffe Parade residence on Thursday to protest against her remarks opposing the state government's order to air Marathi films at prime time.

The protesters, numbering around 100, were seen carrying trays of "vada pav" and "dahi misal" to mock the tweet made by the famed novelist that Marathi food would now be served at multiplexes as opposed to the standard popcorn fare.

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An unperturbed De reacted to the protests by saying she had complete confidence in Mumbai Police with regard to it ensuring her safety.

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"Such protesters need to be told that what they are doing is a criminal offence, intimidating tactics aren't a way to protest", De told ANI.

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"I am extremely confident about Mumbai Police and I have got a lot of support from them. So, I am not at all worried. We will see what is to be said and done", she added.

She also said that she was ready to face a privilege motion in the Maharashtra Assembly should she be summoned for it, and added that she had the freedom of speech as per the Constitution to air her views on any matter.

The controversy spiked up when De expressed her disagreement with the State Government's diktat of showing Marathi films in theatres.

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"No more popcorn at multiplexes in Mumbai ? Dahi misal and vada pav only. To go better with the Marathi movies at prime time," De posted on the micro-blogging site twitter on Wednesday.

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Thursday's protest came after Maharashtra Culture Minister Vinod Tawde had on Tuesday defended the government's decision to promote Marathi language movies.