Popular Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan still have fans in India. Recently, it was announced that their hit film Maulana Jat Saga will be released in India soon. After this news, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has once again opened a battle line against Pakistani artists and films. The leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Ami Hopekar, has made it clear that no Pakistani film will be allowed to be released in India. Not only that, if any Pakistani actor comes to India, he will be beaten up.
Pakistani films are not allowed to be screened
Amay Khopkar made these important statements while speaking to Dainik Bhaskar. During the interview, he was asked about the real reason behind the strong backlash against Pakistani artists. To this, Amay said, “Our country is constantly under attack from Pakistan. There were also some attacks last week in which our soldiers were killed. There were also attacks in many cities of our country in which our good policemen were martyred. In such a situation, why do we need Pakistani art? Don’t we have artists in our country? Aren’t movies made here? Why do we need artists from Pakistan?”
Aamai Hopkar further said, “When the TVs of the policemen who died in the Mumbai terror attack were turned on in their houses, would they watch these Pakistani artists’ shows? Our soldiers and policemen were martyred because of this. We don’t want their artists. We will not allow any artist or film from Pakistan to be released here. Our party is limited to Maharashtra but I have also told other states that they should not allow any Pakistani artist or film to be released in their cities and oppose it. We will definitely protest. Pakistani films will not be released in Maharashtra and this should be considered a threat.”
Amay Khopkar also shared his views on how to separate art and culture from politics. He said, “I believe art, culture and politics are different things. But when people who attack our country use the same art, we don’t need that art. For us, country comes first and then art. We will not tolerate those who attack our country in the name of art. One day, when Pakistan’s attacks on our country stop, we will talk. Absolutely not for now.”
Will break the hands and feet of Pakistani actors
Ami Hopkar has also collaborated with Bollywood stars in addition to Pakistani actors. He has a message for those Bollywood stars who support working with Pakistani artists. “Bollywood people should be ashamed,” Ami said. “We have so much talent in our country, so why do we need to bring in artists from abroad, especially from Pakistan? No matter how hard we try, we will not allow any Pakistani artist to perform or screen a film here. There are talks going on for Pakistani artists to come here for promotions. So I want to tell them not to think about it. Forget about getting promoted, or you will get beaten up. You will break your arms and legs.”
Indian court lifts ban on Pakistani artist
Pakistani artists were banned from working in India after the Uri terror attack in 2016. Citing “security” and “patriotism”, the Indian Film Producers Association introduced a rule not to allow cross-border talent to work in India. Since then, artists like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan have not worked in Bollywood.
In October 2023, the Bombay High Court lifted the ban, stating that it was “not conducive to cultural harmony, unity and peace”. The court also said that being against foreigners, especially citizens of neighboring countries, does not show patriotism. After the court’s ruling, the door is open for Pakistani artists to work in Indian films. With this in mind, Zee Zindagi announced the release of the film Maula Jatt in India. Its release date has been set for October 3.
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