Pakistan divides Bollywood: Strong voices for and against Pakistani actors in Indian film industry

A day after the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPAA) passed a resolution to ban Pakistani actors from the industry in the wake of the Uri attack, strong voices are being raised for and against the Pak artists. However, no statement has been made by the Centre and Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra in this regard.

The IIMPA resolution came after the Indian Army announced on Thursday that seven terror launch pads were targeted across the LoC by special forces during a ‘surgical strike’.

Earlier on Friday, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan came out in support of Pakistani actors, saying artistes from Pakistan should not be treated like terrorists and art and terrorism should not be mixed. Here is all you need to know about this big story:

How it all started?

Last week, Raj Thackeray-led MNS issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes and actors including Fawad Khan, who is part of one of the productions under Salman’s banner, and Ali Zafar, to leave India by September 25 or else they would be “pushed out”.

The party wrote an open letter to Bollywood producers and production houses, asking them why they need to rope in actors from the neighbouring country when enough talent is available in India.

Actors like Mahira Khan (featuring in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Raees’) and “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” star Fawad are hijacking the opportunities of Indian artistes, MNS General Secretary Shalini Thackeray had said.

It all happened after the Uri terror attacks. Heavily armed militants stormed the headquarters of the Army in North Kashmir’s Uri town in the wee hours of September 18, killing 18 jawans and injuring 19 other personnel in the terror strike in which four ultras were neutralised.

Who said what?

Salman Khan: Pakistani artistes are just artistes and not terrorists. Terrorism and art are two different subjects.  Ideal situation should have been that of peace. But, now a reaction to an action has happened. It was a proper action as they were terrorists. But still in this day and age, I think if we lived in peace and harmony it would have been better for everyone and especially for common people.

Shyam Benegal: I have no stand on any of these issues. The actors are here because they have been invited to act in Indian films. Now they are not necessarily representing their government. If they were representing their government, then clearly they should go back. They are here as individual artistes. I don't see any reason why they should be asked to go away.

Karan Johar: If you want to send Fawad Khan, alright send him. Tell us the five next steps. What problems will be solved after sending Fawad Khan?

Mika Singh: There shouldn't be any boundary musically, but will support the government's decision.

Ashoke Pandit: Remaining Silent on the act of terrorism by your country is also a form of terrorism. @BeingSalmanKhan Sir. Respected #ShyamBenegal ji. #Pakistan has killed thousands of our people & you say War is still not declared. Sad. #PakArtistsBanned

Concerts cancelled:

Recently concerts of Pakistani singers Shafqat Amanat Ali and Atif Aslam, scheduled in Bengaluru and Gurgaon, respectively were also cancelled.

IMPPA member resigns

IMPPA member Rahul Aggarwal, who was unhappy with the decision to ban Pakistani actors and technicians from working in India, resigned from the association.

“With utmost respect and humility, I would like to tender in my resignation from the executive body of IMPPA following the ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry. I strongly feel that art is above politics and as the custodians of this art; it is our responsibility to bring people together rather than divide them,” he wrote in his letter.

(With inputs from PTI)