Mahesh Babu has right to say whatever he feels: Boney Kapoor | Exclusive

Mahesh Babu, in a recent media interaction, said that the Hindi film industry 'cannot afford him', so he wouldn't waste time in doing a Hindi film.

Mahesh Babu's 'Bollywood can't afford me' comment has gone viral. Reacting on the same, India Today spoke to senior producer Boney Kapoor, who has produced films in both Hindi and south languages.

Boney, who has produced many South Indian films in the past, feels that everyone is entitled to have a say about what they feel. When asked about his thoughts, Boney said , "I can't comment on this because I belong to both sides, Bollywood and South. I have done films in Tamil, and Telugu and soon will be doing a Malayalam and a Kanada film. So I am not the right person to comment on this. Also, Mahesh has the right to say whatever he feels and he probably feels the Hindi film industry may not be able to afford him. He may have his own reasons for saying this. To each is his own opinion who are we to comment? I am the last person to comment on this. If he feels that way, it is good for him."

Continuing further, Boney states, "It's a free world and everybody has their own opinion, everybody can say what they feel is right. I am doing my job to the best of my abilities. I belong to both worlds. I started my career with a South remake. My foundations were laid by doing a south remake. Hum Paanch was a remake of the Kannada/Telugu film Paduvaaralli Pandavaru, then I made Woh Saath Din with Anil Kapoor, which again is a remake of the 1981 Tamil film Andha 7 Naatkal, so my connection with the South has been personal too. I belong to the whole country, but at this point in time, I am divided between both South and Bombay."

During one of his recent interactions with the media, Mahesh Babu said that 'Bollywood can't afford him' and added that he wouldn't want to waste time, especially since he enjoys the top position in the Telugu film industry. This comment went viral and a section of Bollywood followers criticised Mahesh Babu, saying that he belittled Bollywood. The actor has now clarified that he loves cinema and respects all languages.