MNS threatens channel over Asha Bhonsle's show

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has issued a diktat to Colors TV channel, warning it to not broadcast a show featuring singer Asha Bhonsle and Pakistani vocalists on September 8.

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has issued a diktat to Colors TV channel, warning it to not broadcast a show featuring singer Asha Bhonsle and Pakistani vocalists on September 8.

Failure to adhere to the diktat would result in party workers disrupting future shoots conducted by the channel, it added.

The film wing of the MNS has also requested Bhonsle to refrain from joining Pakistani singers at the show, named 'Sur Kshetra'.

Giving reasons for their action, outfit president Ameya Khopkar said, "They (Pakistanis) talk of art, but they forgot everything when they banned Ek Tha Tiger in their country. Our artistes are being discriminated against."

"When Pakistan is inflicting injuries on us, why should we entertain Pakistani artistes?" he said, adding, "We have also asked Colors to not invite Pakistani singers, and warned the channel of serious consequences if it airs the programme with them."

Bhonsle, however, sought to play down the issue by stating that the "language of music" has nothing to do with politics.

Bhonsle even broke into Marathi during the conference.

"I am a Maharashtrian. I believe in the motto athithi devo bhava (the guest is God). Without naming anyone, all I would say is Jai Maharashtra," she said.