The Shiv Sena believes actor Salman Khan "needs to be taught a lesson" for speaking up in support of Pakistani actors. Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande told ANI, "If he has so much love for Pakistani artistes, he should migrate to Pakistan."
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray also questioned the need to have Pakistani actors work in Indian movies. "Are we short of artistes in our country? These artistes should put their nation first...or else we will ban their movies, as well," he said. In a direct jibe at Khan, Thackeray asked whether he would protect India's border if soldiers laid down their weapons, ANI reported.
Kayande's remarks come a day after Khan said Pakistani actors are "artistes, not terrorists", adding that it was the government that gave them permits and visas for their projects in India. Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal had also spoken in favour of Pakistani actors, saying they came to India because they were called for projects, and that they had nothing to do with their country's government.
On September 29, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association had passed a resolution to "ban" Pakistani actors and technicians from shooting in India till "normalcy" returned. The move followed MNS' 48-hour deadline to all Pakistani artists on September 23 to leave India. Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya had also criticised the Hindi film industry for what he called "breeding and feeding" Pakistani artistes.
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