Gajendra Chauhan wants Pakistani artistes and commentators banned

NEW DELHI: Film and Television Institute of India Chairperson Gajendra Chauhan has demanded that Pakistan artistes should not be given work visas as they, and even cricketers-turned commentators, may be passing on sensitive information about the country while usurping jobs from Indians and taking money out from here.

“India does not need talent from outside. Not just actors, but even cricket commentators from Pakistan should not be allowed here. One never knows what sensitive information they take away from here, along with the money that goes out of the country with them,” Chauhan told ET when asked about the controversy over Pakistani actors working here.

He made the point that unlike actors from UK — like Katrina Kaif — who obtain e-visa, there is no provision of giving such visas to Pakistanis coming for work to India. He maintained that such Pakistani actors are given work permits for “cultural activity.” He feels even cricket commentators from Pakistan should not be allowed to work here. The actors and commentators may be passing off sensitive information from here to Pakistan, he said.

Soon after the Modi government was formed in 2014, Chauhan had written to the ministries of home and external affairs, asking them to stop issuing work permits to Pakistani actors as then President of the Artists’ Association.

“I had raised the issue then and I raise it now. I spoke to MoS for home Kiren Rijiju in 2014 and he said the issue will have to be taken to Parliament for approval. Why should we entertain Pak artistes?”

Asked why producers and directors signed up Pak actors, Chauhan said it is to get “Pak territory (a reference to the revenue from places in Pak where such productions are shown)”. He said such producers should not hanker only after more money and think about ‘national interest.’