Indian film body bans Pakistani actors

Mumbai: The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association today passed a resolution to ban Pakistani actors from the industry in the wake of the Uri attack.

“IMPPA in their 87th annual general meeting passed (a resolution that) no Pakistani will be hired by their producer members forever,” producer TP Aggarwal, the president of IMPPA, told PTI.

The resolution came on a day the Indian Army announced that seven terror launch pads were targeted across the LoC by special forces during a ‘surgical strike’ overnight in which heliborne and ground forces were used.

Producer Ashoke Pandit, a member of the IMPPA, said, “IMPPA paid homage to the martyrs who were killed in Uri. It therefore felt its responsibility towards the nation and passed a resolution banning Pakistani Actors & technicians in India till normalcy returns. For IMPPA, nation comes first.”

18 Army personnel were killed in the Uri attack.

The decision came amid demands by various political outfits to ban Pakistani artistes from Indian films and performing here.

Last week, Raj Thackeray-led MNS issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani artistes and actors including Fawad Khan and Ali Zafar, to leave India by September 25 or else they would be “pushed out”.

Recently the concerts of Pakistani singers Shafqat Amanat Ali and Atif Aslam scheduled in Bengaluru and Gurgaon respectively were also cancelled.

Also, apparently Aggarwal has replaced the popular Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from his upcoming film “Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana”.

Fawad stars in a cameo in filmmaker Karan Johar’s “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”, which is slated for release this Diwali.

Reportedly, Faead has two Indian films in his kitty — Johar’s production co-starring Katrina Kaif and superstar Salman Khan’s production.

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has acted in superstar Shah Rukh Khan-led “Raees”, which is supposed to be her Bollywood debut.

“Raees” is set for January, 2017 release.

Ali has acted in Shah Rukh and Alia Bhatt-starrer “Dear Zindagi”, scheduled for November release.

PTI