Films starring Pak actors in limbo

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, September 24

Two films starring Pakistani actors, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and 'Raees', due for release in the next few weeks face an uncertain future after Raj Thackeray-led MNS and the Shiv Sena asked Pakistani artistes to leave India immediately, failing which the shooting of their movies will be stalled. 

BJP general secretary Sanjay Upadhyay has demanded that exhibitors do not allow these films to be screened. While Pakistani star Fawad Khan plays a major role in Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', Mahira Khan from the neighbouring country is in the lead role in 'Raees' opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

The BJP wants the roles of the Pakistanis to be snipped entirely from the two films.

A beleagured Karan Johar has, however, received support from film producer Mukesh Bhatt who lobbed the ball in the court of the Indian government. He told reporters that it was the government which decided on allowing Pakistanis to work in India and filmmakers who roped in actors from the neighbouring countries should not be victimised.