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'A man of music cannot be a murderer'

Suparn Verma and Sharmila Taliculam

Victim: Gulshan Kumar

Nadeem killing Gulshan Kumar? All of Bollywood was united in disbelief.

Most film personalities claimed that a musician like Nadeem (of Nadeem-Shravan fame) could never become a murderer. The police had got things wrong this time, they claimed.

Accused: Nadeem Saifi

Shravan said Nadeem has been a friend, partner and brother to him for the past 25 years. He claimed Nadeem could not even think of doing such a thing. "We want to spread harmony and peace through our music," he said.

Shravan described Gulshan Kumar as their godfather since they had started their career with him in Aashiqui. He admitted that they had differences with him over the publicity of their album, Hi! Ajnabi, but claimed Gulshan Kumar had never tried to sabotage their career.

Shocked: Sonu Nigam

Singer and television star Sonu Nigam said, "I am sitting right now with Gulshanji's father and his brother Kishen Kumar. They both are in tears after hearing the news that Nadeem is the man behind the killing. I cannot believe that Nadeemji could have done such a thing. He is a man of music and I don't think such a person can commit such a crime.

"See, rivalries do exist among us, but that is no reason for someone to kill another person. We all hope this is untrue."

Singer Anuradha Paudwal, who was close to Gulshan Kumar, refused to comment on the matter. And singer Alka Yagnik had not heard the news. Her mother was shocked to hear that Nadeem was accused of the killing and said her daughter did not know that the composer is an accused in the case. She said Yagnik would not be in a state to talk after hearing this news. Alka Yagnik had had some differences with Gulshan Kumar a few months ago and Nadeem had stood up for her then.

Won't believe it: Anu Malik

"It's shocking news," said music director Anu Malik. "I refuse to believe it. A man who's immersed in music cannot be doing this. It's earth-shattering. Poor man. It's very depressing news and I am pained by this. I hope it's not true."

Director Mahesh Bhatt too felt that a musician could never turn to crime.

Sceptical: Mahesh Bhatt

"Nadeem was a man who spoke about love and about music... I can't believe that this man could think of murder. We all have fights and professional rivalries, but no one goes and kills the other. Let us hope that the word 'suspect' is where all this ends." He said Nadeem was "disturbed" by the charges against him. Bhatt said he had spoken to the music director who is in London.

The Bombay police claim it is a case of tit for tat. Nadeem got Gulshan Kumar killed because the music magnate was trying to destroy his career, they said.

"The whole fraternity is shocked by this news, said Bhatt. "We were just recovering from the news of Gulshan Kumar's death... I would like to believe my police commissioner because I have no other choice."

'Impossible': Jatin (left) with partner Lalit

"No one in the industry will talk to you. Right now everyone is speculating and waiting for something to happen," said distributor Rakesh Sippy, claiming he still doesn't know whether he should believe the story or not.

Composer Jatin of the Jatin-Lalit duo said he had not heard that Nadeem has been charged with killing Gulshan Kumar. Even if such a charge had been made, "I don't think it is possible," he said with finality.

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