MUMBAI: Shiv Sena has cautioned film producers against hiring Pakistani artists. The Maharashtra Cable and TV Sena (MCTS), the cine wing of the party, has written to film producers and film associations asking them not to sign any Pakistani singers or actors for their projects.
The Sena has also threatened to take action against those producers who do not pay heed to their warning. This threat from the Shiv Sena comes after Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was charged under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Customs Act. The letter states, “We at MCTS would like to inform you that henceforth if anyone indulges in such an act, wherein Indian soil is used for Pakistani performers, we are determined to teach them a lesson in Shiv Sena style.”
Akshay Bardapurkar, president of the MCTS, said, “We will not allow any Pakistani artist to perform in Mumbai or any part of Maharashtra.” The MCTS has blamed the film fraternity for hiring Pakistani artists for songs, films and television shows which, according to them, is rendering Indian artists jobless.
Film producers have called for an emergency meeting to discuss the issue. Mukesh Bhatt, vice-president of the Film and TV Producers’ Guild, said, “We are an apolitical industry and do not want the interference of any political party in the working of our film industry.”
Earlier this year, the party said if Pakistan qualified for the Cricket World Cup 2011 final, which is to be played in Mumbai, its chief Bal Thackery would decide whether they can be allowed to play the match.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription