The cinema wing of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has issued an open threat to Bollywood filmmakers against recruiting Pakistani artists, warning them to not hire artists from the neighbouring country.
“It has come to hear that few Bollywood filmmakers have started re-recruiting Pakistani artists. This low mentality keeps arising time by time, hence we are giving clear hint that not only in Mumbai but anywhere in India for any drama/film if Pakistani talents will be seen then related makers will have to face consequences,” the MNS said.
A tweet shared by the President of MNS cinema wing Ameya Khopkar warned the filmmakers in the industry that there will be dire consequences if the warning is ignored.
MNS has always had an aggressive stand against Pakistani artists, time and again opposing the casting of Pakistani actors in Bollywood films. In 2021, Raj Thackeray’s right-wing had issued a statement emphasising that no Pakistani artist will be allowed to work in India.
Earlier in 2019, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artistes in India in the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama. The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama on February 14 claimed the lives of 40 jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
“We’re officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in film industry. Still if any organisation insist on working with Pakistani artists will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them,” read the letter, signed by AICWA general secretary, Ronak Suresh Jain.
