Amid the controversy surrounding the inclusion of Pakistani artists in Indian cinema, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray attacked actor Salman Khan for his support for Pakistani artistes working and performing in India.
“I think Salman should go to Pakistan and get a work permit there. Out jawans are dying on the border and all he is worried about is song and dance,” Thackeray said.
He warned that the MNS could even consider demanding a ban on Salman Khan’s films if the actor doesn’t apologise. The MNS has already threatened to prevent the release of big budget films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees which feature Pakistani actors.
“The nation comes first. Otherwise, we will have to ban his (Salman Khan) films to teach him a lesson,” he added.
Read more: Pakistani artists, actors are not terrorists: Salman Khan
According to Indian Express, Thackeray went on to suggest that Pakistani artistes may be operating as spies in India.
“They may not be terrorists but how do you know that they are not informers who are passing information from here to there,” he said.
He also asked why Pakistani artistes were being hired when there’s no dearth of talent in India. “More than the actors, these producers and directors are to be blamed. I think they will not understand unless we stop watching their films,” he added.
Read more: Salman Khan asks MNS to allow release of movies starring Pakistani actors
Last week, Raj Thackeray-led MNS issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani artistes and actors. Incidentally, Fawad Khan – one of the prominent faces facing the threats for his upcoming movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil along side Anushka Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – had left the country before the threats were issued. Fawad had reportedly ditched promotions for the film and returned home as his wife is pregnant.
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