CHANDIGARH: Amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) gave a two-day ultimatum to Pakistani film artistes and actors to leave India, failing which the party will force them out, according to reports published in Times of India.
The party also threatened that it won’t allow the release of two films – Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees – in the country as the films feature Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, respectively.
The report said that the MNS Cine Workers Association, Chitrapat Karmachari Sena (CKS), issued the ultimatum. CKS president Ameya Khopkar said the presence of Pakistani artistes in India is not acceptable. “How can we allow Pakistani artistes to perform in India when their country is busy killing our soldiers?” he said. The MNS order will also apply to sportspersons and singers, the party added.
The party has also kick-started protests against Karan Johar’s film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, as it stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.
MNS vice president Shalini Thackeray has threatened to stop shooting for films and TV serials featuring Pakistani actors. However, Joint Police Commissioner (law and order) Deven Bharti said, “We will provide adequate protection as and when required.”
The ultimatum comes close on the heels of both MNS and its “bête noire”, Shiv Sena, upping their anti-Pakistan stance, had demanded snapping of all ties with the neighbouring country following Sunday’s attack on an army camp in Indian-held Kashmir that killed 18 Indian troops.
Even in the past, the MNS and the Shiv Sena had opposed the presence of Pakistani artistes and players in India. They had forced cancellation of Ghulam Ali’s concert in Mumbai and opposed a T-2Earlier this week. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had asked the BJP government to take revenge of the Uri attack even as New Delhi launched a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan.
In an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamna, Sena had criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying: “His celebrated international status would be of no use if he could not carry out a US-style attack on the country.”
