Dino's move of not seeking extension of gym frustrates Aaditya

Image
Press Trust of India Mumbai
Last Updated : Jan 30 2016 | 12:28 AM IST
Actor Dino Morea, whose firm had installed an open air gym at Marine Drive last year, has decided not to seek extension for the fitness station, prompting Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray to blame systemic apathy and political rivalry for stalling such initiatives.
Aditya vented out his frustration in an open letter he wrote today which he later posted on his Twitter handle.
The open air fitness centre was installed at the Marine Drive promenade in July last year by Dino's DM Fitness and was inaugurated by Aaditya.
"Earlier this morning, I was informed by Dino Morea that he has taken off the open air, free to all gym stations he had installed at Marine Drive, not choosing to seek an extension. I respect his sentiments.
"I find it funny that the objections to the open gym, politically motivated, range from reasons such as obscenity of shorts to heritage precinct not feasible for working out...I have no personal stake in the gym. It's a free of cost initiative done by Dino. Such facilities are needed. I will support anyone who does this for my city," he said.
Attacking BJP's Colaba MLA Raj Purohit for opposing the open air gym, he said, "MLA Shri Raj Purohit ji, in his interview said it (gym) has become an obstruction for walkers. Also the place has become obscene for women as men come to the gym wearing shorts.
"We are in 2016! Most of us do work out or even roam around in shorts. It's normal, not obscene," the Thackeray scion said.
"We cannot let politics kill such initiatives. Politics must do good for the city, rivalries are for elections. I would rather urge others to support such initiatives, not just by Dino, but anyone who wants to do such great stuff for citizens. The scale does not matter, its the utility we are providing.
"I apologise on behalf of those who lacked the empathy in the system, to see how this benefits you, and I'm sure we shall have this initiative again, when we have people who care, who understand and talk development, not politics," he added.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 30 2016 | 12:28 AM IST

Next Story