MNS's Shalini Thackeray says the censure on Pakistani artistes continues, a go-ahead has only been given only for three movies
Manishaa R (DNA; October 25, 2016)

The Film Producers Guild has issued a statement that MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) has agreed not to oppose films starring Pakistani artistes that are complete or under production.

Only three escapees
However, MNS Chief Shalini Thackeray, has clarified that the agreement applies to only three movies. "They had discussed and specified three movies and it applies to them including Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Raees and a movie called Dear Zindagi and nothing beyond this," she said. Furthermore, she said that the decision was taken keeping in mind that the three films were complete and that the shooting had ended.

The ban is forever
She added that the Film Producers Guild had agreed to an all-time ban on all Pakistani artistes, "We made it clear that we wanted a permanent ban on Pakistani artistes, technicians and singers. We will ensure that no filmmaker works with Pak artistes in the future, even if the relations between the two countries improve. It is not timely or periodic, it will be forever and we will ensure that it is complied with," she said.

Why the change of heart?
When asked about what led to the change in the MNS stance, she said, "There was no change of heart. We started with this issue a month back and called for a ban on Pakistani artistes. The industry refused to take our call after which we took a stand that we would also protest against the release of films starring them. When we realised that the issue of ban on Pakistani artistes was being sorted out with the involvement of the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, we decided to take this decision. Nobody can say that we did it without taking the Government into confidence," she added.

Blaming the producers
When told that the Government had not stopped issuing visas to Pakistani artistes, she said, "The Government should do that but the artistes can secure visas only if they have a valid contract with producers here. It is only then that they get the required visas. There should definitely be stringent laws on the same."