Won’t allow films with Pak actors to be screened: MNS

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has stepped up its agitation against Pakistani artistes saying it would not allow films like Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees to be screened till it replaced its Pakistani actors.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) continued its agitation against Pakistani artistes on Wednesday, saying it won’t allow films such as Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees to be screened unless the Pakistani actors in them are replaced.

On Tuesday, the MNS workers launched an agitation outside film maker Karan Johar’s Andheri office as he had defended his casting of Fawad Khan in his movie and spoke against the ban.(Satish Bate/HT)

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, while Raees features Mahira Khan.

Ameya Khopkar, president, MNS Cine Workers Association, said MNS was firm on its demand. “There will be no compromise on this issue,” said Khopkar. “If Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan want to release their movies, they should replace the Pakistani actors. Fawad has a minor role in the film, which can be deleted, while Mahira can easily be replaced as the film is yet to be completed,” he added.

He claimed that various people are seeking a compromise but said the MNS will not budge from its stance. “The country comes first, and then arts and culture. If these Pakistani artistes, despite gaining fame and money in India, refuse to condemn the terrorist attacks, then why should we allow them on our soil,” he said.

Following the Uri terror attack, in which 18 army jawans were killed in an ambush, MNS last week issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Pakistani artistes to leave India. On Tuesday, MNS workers launched an agitation outside film-maker Karan Johar’s Andheri office as he had defended his casting of Fawad Khan.

MNS also warned other actors and producers not to support Pakistani artistes. “If producers dare to cast Pakistani artistes in their films or serials, they and the actors will be dealt with in MNS style (with violence),” said MNS leader Shalini Thackeray.

Meanwhile, MNS denied reports that actor Salman Khan had telephoned party chief Raj Thackeray on the issue. “There were no such calls,” said Ameya Khopkar. “Salman is a friend but personal relationships are separate from agitations,” he added.