BJP wants to chop Pak actors in reel life

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday asked the makers of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees to cut all scenes featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan in the two movies.

A day earlier, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had lashed out at Pakistani artistes working in India and asked them to leave the country within 48 hours.

BJP (Mumbai) general secretary Amarjeet Mishra said that they would not allow the release of these films if Fawad and Mahira’s scenes are not deleted.

The disconnect between the BJP’s national, state and local leaders came out in the open after BJP national spokesperson Shaina N.C. and BJP MP Kirit Somaiya on Friday had criticised the MNS’ stand.

They said it will put additional burden on the police who is already stressed. A visibly upset Mr Mishra said that they had written letters to B-town producers and directors asking them not to offer roles to Pakistani actors in their films and television shows.

“Their heart beats for Pakistan, not for India. Pakistani artistes working in India only tease us. I would like to make it clear that we are not against any movie, but we have maintained that no exhibitor should screen Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees in their theatres till the scenes of Pakistani actors are deleted from the movie,” he said.

On Friday, the Raj-Thackeray-led MNS had issued a threat to all Pakistani artistes working in India, asking them to leave within 48 hours or they would deal with them in “MNS style”. The party had also threatened to bash up Bollywood actors and producers, who come out in support of Pakistani artistes.

The MNS and BJP’s latest diktat spells trouble to the entertainment industry as Zee’s head honcho Dr Subhash Chandra also hinted that Zindagi could completely stop Pakistani programmes from being aired on the channel. He took to Twitter on Saturday to write: “Unfortunate stance of Mia Sharif at UN. Zee is considering stopping Zindgi programs from Pak, as well artists from there should leave (sic)”.

Social media was abuzz with cricketer Virendra Sehwag’s tweet on not watching any movies starring Pakistani actors after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. This is what Sehwag tweeted: “After 26/11 Mumbai attacks. I decided not to watch any movie and I’m sticking to my word till date”.

BJP (Maharashtra) general secretary Sanjay Upadhyay said that they are going to observe a complete boycott of ADHM and Raees. “We will protest outside every theatre and request citizens to not to watch these movies. It’s time we show unity on the subject of nationalism,” he said.

Mr Upadhyay added that he did not understand why our producers and directors were opting for Pakistani actors, when there are enough talented artistes in India. “What is compelling Bollywood to hire Pakistani actors We need to check whether they have connections with Dawood Ibrahim” he said.

However, the Mumbai police has assured all Pakistani actors in the city to remain clam. “Those with valid documents issued by the Government of India need not worry. We will give full protection as and when required,” said Deven Bharti, joint commissioner of police (law and order), Mumbai.

The Mahim police on Saturday evening issued a notice under section 149 of the Indian Penal Code to MNS leader Amey Khopkar after his open threat to Pakistani artiste and Bollywood filmmakers. The notice warns Mr Khopkar not to make inflammatory remarks or threats in future.

When contacted, Mr Khopkar said he respects the Mumbai police. “But I am firm on my stand against Pakistani artistes. You will see what I do tomorrow.\"