Chief minister Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Friday praised Shatrughan Sinha at the Patna release of the actor-turned-politician's biography, Anything But Khamosh, an event marked by the absence of BJP leaders.

Shatrughan, the BJP MP from Patna Sahib, invited Nitish and JDU MP Pawan Verma. Sources said some Bihar BJP leaders too were invited, but it was not borne out by the attendance.

Lalu used the occasion to attack BJP leaders at the Centre. " Ye log to apko use karke phek diye hai (These people threw you out after using you)," Lalu said. "You are the pride of Bihar. There was time when we feared you for the harm you could cause us by speaking against us, given your aura and charm. I suggest you don't remain khamosh (silent)," said Lalu in the presence of Patna High Court Acting Chief Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari and actress Poonam Dhillon. Interestingly, when Lalu entered the venue, every one, including Ansari, stood up from his chair.

Later, Shatrughan revealed that it was Nitish who inspired him to write the biography. "He was the main person who told me not keep silent, not to compromise with self-respect and keep on going ahead in life."

Lalu also used the occasion to mock at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his upcoming Madame Tussauds wax statue. "I heard that Prime Minister Modi is getting his wax statue made. I wonder what will happen if someone puts a heater near the statue. It will melt," Lalu said. Even Shatrughan could not hide his smile.

Lalu did not miss the opportunity to offer Shatrughan an invite. "I do not know in which party you are but I am always there with you."

Nitish, too, praised Shatrughan, saying he had never compromised with his self-respect and stood firmly behind the truth. Like Lalu, Nitish too indicated that he was always there with Shatrughan. "I always wonder why he speaks a lot, but I realised that he speaks whenever he is pained. He may be thinking of leaving the party... that is his choice. Lalu ji always provokes him, but I will not. However, whatever decision he takes, we are always there with him," Nitish said.

Nitish also asked Shatrughan and another actor, Shekhar Suman - who too was at the event - to come forward to set up a film city in Bihar, saying the state government would extend all possible support. Suman had once contested an election against Shatrughan. Ansari praised the book and said it was an inspirational biography. Also present was biographer Bharathi S. Pradhan.