Actor Amitabh Bachchan, who was under attack from MNS chief Raj Thackeray for "preferring Uttar Pradesh to Maharashtra", has professed his love for the coastal state in a novel way -- by publishing a newspaper advertisement.
AB Corporation Limited, the actor's company, published the ad in Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' on the occasion of the 49th Maharashtra Day yesterday.
MNS leader Nitin Sardesai told PTI: "We have nothing to say about the ad but if indeed Bachchan feels remorse for his action and has proclaimed his love for the state, it is a welcome gesture."
The ad, titled "Garja Maharashtra Majha" (cheers to my Maharashtra) contains a photograph of the Hutatma Chowk memorial where 105 people were killed during the agitation for Samyukta (united) Maharashtra.
Bachchan is known to enjoy cordial relations with Sena chief Bal Thackeray and has on many occasions referred the 82-year Thackeray as a "father-like figure".