Subhash K Jha (DNA; October 28, 2015)

With a political party not allowing Pakistani artistes in Mumbai, at least two major producers in the thick of their latest projects, find themselves in a major dilemma. The political party has specifically mentioned two major Pakistani stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan who are working in films produced by Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar. The two Pakistani artistes have been pointedly pulled up for their presence in Bollywood.

What would the solution be? Apparently, Karan Johar, who has already shot one film Kapoor & Sons with Fawad in India is now shooting a second Ae Dil Hai Muskil with Fawad in London, won’t invite Fawad to Mumbai. “He won’t take the risk of bringing Fawad to Mumbai for any shooting or promotional activities. Karan has already been in trouble with the same political outfit earlier for referring to ‘Mumbai’ as ‘Bombay’. He can’t take the risk again,” says a source in the know.

As for Mahira, she has already shot some scenes with Shah Rukh for director Rahul Dholakia. According to a source, “Chances are the producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani may shoot Mahira’s portions in Dubai or some other location away from Mumbai where most of Raees has been shot.”