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."

MNS issues ultimatum to Karan Johar, denies speculation that it has extorted money in the guise of protesting against Pakistani actors
Hemal Ashar (MID-DAY; October 13, 2016)

“Delete Fawad from the movie,” says MNS general secretary Shalini Thackeray about the film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, which is slated for a Diwali release just a couple of weeks later. After pushing Pakistani artistes to leave the country, the party has now trained its guns on Bollywood movies starring Pak actors. And the next target? Pak cricket commentators.

While it got its blockbuster moment during the ‘no Pak artistes in Bollywood’ movement, it hopes to see to it that Pakistani actors don’t get any hits in Bollywood. Here are excerpts from an interview with MNS general secretary, Shalini Thackeray:

For how long do you think Pak artistes should be banned?
For how long will terror against India continue to emanate from Pakistan? Political and diplomatic isolation move slowly, and we believe culturally isolating Pak is the fastest way to send the message that India is in no mood to take this any longer.

You are against movies with Pakistani actors, like Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ with Fawad Khan.
Karan Johar has to replace Fawad Khan or delete him from the movie altogether. It is not too late; I am a producer too, I know this is possible.

There are rumours that stakeholders in the movie may give MNS money to allow the release. A figure of Rs 10 crore is being touted.
This is all rubbish. We have not had any meetings with Karan Johar or anybody, nor has any money being given. People will also boycott such movies, and donate to the families of defence personnel instead.

Pak commentators come here too...
We will talk to the BCCI too, soon.

Pak has stated they will also boycott our movies and stars in response.
(Laughs) They hardly ever showed our movies anyway. There is a huge piracy racket there for Bollywood movies and that money is channelled into terror. Pak artistes who work here pay taxes to their government. What will that money be used for? In a way, we fund the terror against us.

There are some, like Salman Khan, who say Pak artistes are not terrorists.
We have never stated that Pak actors are terrorists. Yet, can Salman Khan give us a guarantee that they are not informers? I have seen the Pak artistes tweeting about attacks in Paris, Syria, Beirut and yet there was not one word of sympathy for the Indian jawans or the country that has given them love, fame and money.