Pakistan-born actor Marc Anwar was sacked from British soap opera Coronation Street after he posted a few offensive tweets about Indians, according to UK daily Sunday Mirror. The 45-year-old actor was fired after the newspaper informed commercial TV network ITV about his posts that branded Indians as "b*****ds" and "p**s-drinking c**ts".
While his tweets have now been deleted, viewers of the show have reportedly demanded a police investigation. Anwar, who plays Sharif Nazir on the show, also asked Pakistani actors to stop working in India. His tweets came in response to the film wing of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena issuing a 48-hour deadline to all artists from Pakistan to leave India.
A statement released by ITV said Anwar will "not be returning to Coronation Street with immediate effect" as a "consequence of his comments", according to PTI. "The show does not tolerate racism, whatever the context. They [ITV bosses] had to act quickly to avoid any controversy, and this is a small price to pay," an official from the show was quoted as saying by Mirror. The actor featured in a number of movies, as well, such as Captain Phillips and 51st State.
Bilateral ties between the two countries have worsened since the militant attack on the Army base camp in Kashmir's Uri, for which India blames Pakistan. The countries have engaged in a war of words at the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!