A day after Salman Khan said that actors aren’t terrorists, hence such a move was uncalled for, the Shiv Sena was quick to slam the actor. There has been a great debate over banning Pakistani actors in Bollywod. Despite all the Pakistani actors who were targetted by the MNS, returning to their home country, the trouble still seems to linger.
Salman Khan had on Friday said “They are artists, not terrorists. It’s the government who gives them work permits and visas. Art and terrorism should not be mixed.” Giving a backlash, the Shiv Sena on Saturday said that Salman too should migrate to Pakistan if he likes the Pakistani actors so much. Now, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, at a press conference, spoke at length about the matter. Taking the war of words to a level higher, Raj said “Are we short of artists in our country? Why do we need Pakistani artists to work in our films? I don’t understand. Jawans are fighting for us at borders.What’ll happen if they decide to put down their weapons? Who’ll guard borders? Salman Khan?”
Now, even MNS chief Raj Thackeray has issued a statement, questioning Salman’s support to the artists from across the border. He has asked Salman if he thinks there was a dearth of good talent in India.
The MNS had demanded of banning Pakistani artists including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam and Raha Fateh Ali Khan from working in Indian film industry. This came in the aftermath of the Uri terror attack. Channel Zee Zindagi, which used to exclusively broadcast Pakistani shows, also changed the line up of the channel by removing Pakistani shows altogether.
Salman Khan’s statement came a day after the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a unanimous resolution at its annual general meeting, to “henceforth, not to work with any artists, singers or technicians from Pakistan until the situation of hostilities between Pakistan and India subsides and the Government of India declares that all is well with Pakistan and India.”
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:www.idiva.com)
