The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Friday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani actors and musicians to leave Bollywood projects in the aftermath of the Uri attack, and warned of disruptions on film sets and recording studios.
Though anger at Pakistan over terror attacks is said to be the trigger, the MNS appeared to target actor Fawad Khan, hugely popular in India for his charming looks and acting prowess, and Mahira Khan, who will make her Indian debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in January next year. “Actors like Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan are hijacking the opportunities of Indian artists,” Shalini Thackeray, MNS general secretary, said.
She said they had sent letters to the two actors asking them to stop their projects and leave Mumbai.
While Fawad Khan stars in the Karan Johar-directed Ae Dil Hain Mushkil slated to release on October 28, Mahira Khan plays the female lead in the Rahul Dholakia-directed Raees . “We would also issue letters to prominent film production houses asking them why they are hiring Pakistani actors when there is ample talent available in India,” said Ms. Thackeray.
Plum roles opposed
While thousands come to Mumbai and struggle to find opportunities in movies, the big production houses offered plum roles to Pakistani actors, she said.
The MNS was not the only one breathing fire against cultural relations with Pakistan. Playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya criticised Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt, both of whom promote Pakistani talent in their films, for “breeding” and “feeding” Pakistani artistes.
