Pakistan actors ban issue: 'Mahesh Bhatt should go to Pakistan', says MNS

MNS on Friday welcomed the decision of Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) to not to release movies which have actors from Pakistan in four states – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.

“I congratulate Cinema Owners Association for taking such a decision. Won't allow any movie with Pak artists to release,” MNS leader Amey Khopkar said.

Amid growing demands for a ban on Pakistani artists, Khopkar lashed out at filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt for supporting Pak actors and said the latter is not an Indian and should go to Pakistan.

“Mahesh Bhatt is not even an Indian, he should go to Pakistan. I don't care about what he says,” Khopkar said.

The COEAI announcement on Friday put an uncertainty on the release of Karan Johar’s “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”, which sees Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in a supporting role and is slated to arrive in theatres this Diwali.

In the wake of Uri attack last month, Fawad, Mahira Khan and other Pakistani actors were targeted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which had issued an ultimatum to them to leave India within 48 hours or be forced out.

The party has also threatened to stall the releases of “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” and “Raees”, starring Mahira in the lead role.

(With inputs from PTI)

I congratulate Cinema Owners Association for taking such a decision. Won't allow any movie with Pak artists to release: Amey Khopkar, MNS pic.twitter.com/sn7wSwuVfK

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 14, 2016

Mahesh Bhatt is a stupid man, I think he is not even an Indian, he should go to Pakistan. I don't care about what he says: Amey Khopkar, MNS

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 14, 2016