MNS threatens to beat up Pakistani artistes including Ali Zafar, Fawad Khan

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has threatened to beat up Pakistani artistes Ali Zafar, Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and comedian Shakeel Siddiqui if they do not leave India by Sunday. Not to be left behind, the Shiv Sena demanded that those who engaged the artistes to be booked for “supporting a terrorist nation.” Following the threat, the Mumbai Police has promised protection to the artistes in the city.

MNS film wing president Amey Khopkar warned that all Pakistani artistes working in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra would be beaten up if they don’t leave the country by Sunday. “We can reach wherever they are shooting or residing after the deadline. It is better that they leave Mumbai before we reach there,” said Khopkar. The MNS leader said that it was ‘cruel’ for people to invite Pakistani artistes to perform in the county when soldiers’ families were in mourning. “When our 18 soldiers died, there was rejoicing in social media in Pakistan. It is unfair for the families of our jawans that Pakistani artistes are enjoying our hospitality while our jawans are killed by terrorists,” he said.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti in a statement reassured the artistes: “All foreign nationals who are in Mumbai on valid documents provided by the Government of India need not worry. We will provide adequate protection when required.” Khopkar said MNS would also target producers and directors engaged in making movies/shows with Pakistani artistes. “If they still go ahead and screen the film and shows with Pakistani artistes then we will see how it is screened in Maharashtra,” he said. Fawad Khan is involved with the movie, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Ali Zafar is shooting for Dear Zindagi, Mahira Khan stars opposite Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees and Shakeel Siddiqui is in a comedy show.