The feeling of helplessness and shock in Bollywood over the Mumbai terror attacks was evident in the blogs of actors Amitabh Bhachchan and Aamir Khan, two of the most prolific bloggers of Mumbai's film industry.
The actors, in their effort to reach out to the public in the hour of crisis, described their numbness at the events that unfolded in their beloved city. "My pain has been the sight and plight of my innocent and vulnerable and completely insecure countrymen, facing the wrath of this terror attack. And my anger has been at the ineptitude of the authorities that have been ordained to look after us," says Big B in his new blog post.
Similarly, Aamir says he feels, "Shocked, heartbroken, helpless and angry" and writes he felt sick while watching the TV images of a terrorised Mumbai. "I have been watching television since yesterday and to see various locations in Mumbai turned into a war zone is shocking and heartbreaking to say the least," he wrote.
"My heartfelt condolences to families of persons killed and taken hostage. I was feeling sick in the stomach when the fire broke out at the Taj," he added.
Amitabh Bachchan confessed that he has been living in a constant fear since the attacks. "Last night, as the events of the terror attack unfolded in front of me I did something for the first time and one that I had hoped never ever to be in a situation to do. Before retiring for the night, I pulled out my licensed .32 revolver, loaded it and put it under my pillow. For a very disturbed sleep," he wrote on his blog.
Both stars expressed their solidarity with the slain police officers and offered their condolences.
"Brilliant officers and police personnel have laid down their lives for us. I can only but salute them and respect their sincerity in the call of duty," said Bachchan.
Paying his homage to Hemant Karkare and other officers, Aamir said, "Hemant Karkare of the ATS, who in the recent past was being targeted by various political parties for the work that he was doing. When will these politicians lealise and admit that terrorists HAVE NO RELIGION.
"Terrorists are not Hindu or Muslim or Christian. They are not people of religion or God. They are people who have gone totally sick in their head and have to be dealt with in that manner," an angry Aamir said.
Bachchan said he was disgusted with the often repeated cliche of "spirit of Mumbai". "Yes Mumbai is strong and resilient and shall not be cowed down by any such occurrence. But let us not conveniently use it as our cover sheet, pull it over our heads and go off to sleep," an angry Bachchan said.
While Aamir, who had played a young idealist police officer fighting against terrorists in his film Sarfarosh, warned against politicians taking undue advantage of the situation for petty gains. "I dread to think of how various political parties are now going to try and use this tragedy to further their political careers," he wrote.
The actor appealed for all political parties to set aside their differences and unite in the hour of crisis. "At least now they should learn to not divide people and instead become responsible leaders. An incident such as this really exposes how ill-equipped we are as a society as far as proper leaders go.
"We desperately need young, dynamic,intelligent, honest and upright leaders, who actually care for the country," Aamir's blog said.