Naseeruddin Shah, actor:
We should not be surprised any more at this cultural fascism which is being propagated by hate-filled right wingers. Art is an antidote to this hostility. And these are the voices that are being silenced. Obviously many of us do subscribe to the belief of shoot the messenger since we cannot get at the real culprits. This is truly scary and it is not inconceivable that the day may come when moral police can barge into your home and demand to know what you are reading and even what food you are eating.

William Dalrymple, author:
I can understand where the reaction is coming from and do feel strongly about it. But you've got to keep the dialogue open. People should have access to books and thoughts that help them understand what they think and feel.

Lillete Dubey, theatre personality:
It is all very natural to have this kind of gut-level reaction. And it was so ironic for me since I had recently performed in Pakistan - very close to the Gaddafi Stadium where terror had struck. After my performance, we sat in the open listening to a variety of artistes from the subcontinent. There was a feeling of camaraderie that prevailed. This reaction is because we feel invaded, hurt and helpless. It is a symbolic statement that we want nothing to do with Pakistan - their artistes, their players. Will this make any difference politically, to the guys who have to take a call in Pakistan? Not really.

Farah Siddiqui, art curator/gallery owner:
This move is a dampening of creativity. Being a sensitive person one can understand the sentiments of the people in the city, but it should not become a violent reaction. To show art or books from Pakistan again will take a while. Creative people are not in the business of provocation - creativity binds people. My gallery did open with shows of a few artists from Pakistan. I have cancelled a couple of shows that were scheduled for January. But, art and terrorism are two different things altogether.

Mahesh Bhatt, film-maker:
In the age of the communication revolution, such a ban on music or books or films is only going to push us back into the Ice Age. A lot has been done to bring India and Pakistan close, but all this is a blow to all the progress which has been made.

With inputs by Prithwish Ganguly