Titles include Sushant, Sushant Singh Rajput – Biography, and The Unsolved Murder Mystery – Rajput
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; August 24, 2020)

From Galwan Valley to coronavirus, filmmakers have been registering film titles on all the current developments. Now, they are registering titles related to the Sushant Singh Rajput case, too. Even as the CBI is probing the case in Mumbai, the late actor’s life and untimely death have inspired filmmakers, who are lining up to block titles related to his name.

The film registration offices have received several film titles related to the SSR case. A source from a producers’ association informs, “We’ve received applications for three film titles related to Sushant Singh Rajput. The requests that we have received are for Sushant Singh Rajput — Biography, Sushant, and The Unsolved Murder Mystery — Rajput.”
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‘REJECTED TWO TITLES BASED ON VIKAS DUBEY’

People called Vikas Dubey’s death in an encounter by the UP Police filmi, and now, producers are planning films and web series on him. A source from a producers’ association says, “The titles we’ve received are Most Wanted Vikas Dubey, Do Nail Vikas Dubey,Vikas Dubey Kanpuria, and Baahubali Vikas Dubey.” T P Aggarwal, President, IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers Association) confirms receiving titles on Dubey. He says, “We’ve received two applications for film titles related to Vikas Dubey, and we’ve rejected both.”

The Bombay High Court quashed the government’s decision to exclude cast and crew members above 65 from shooting. Those concerned welcome the judgement
Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 8, 2020)

In a relief for senior actors and technicians from film, TV and digital, the Bombay High Court on Friday quashed the Maharashtra Government’s GR that prohibited those over 65 years from shooting in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is following actor Pramod Pandey’s petition in the Bombay High Court challenging the GR.

The 69-year-old actor had been rejected from a TV show on the grounds of his age recently. “When the shoots began post lockdown, and only those above 65 were denied work, I naturally felt angry and wanted to do something about it,” says Pandey, who reached out to friends from his hometown Agra for help, but to cover the legal fees and other expenses, he had to part with a family heirloom: his late father’s gold ring. “This judgement has come as a sanjeevanibooti for many actors, lightsmen, junior artists and spot boys who fell in this age group and were compelled to sit at home.”

Amit Behl, senior joint secretary and chairperson - Outreach Committee, CINTAA, welcomed the judgement but regretted the predicament of those who were dropped from projects in the interim period. “Our senior members can now heave a sigh of relief and work peacefully. But those who have lost their jobs or have been replaced in the time it took for this order to come through, is an unfortunate collateral damage,” says Behl.

Actor Kanwaljit Singh, who was dropped from a forthcoming web series on account of his age, is hopeful and excited by the judgement. “Obviously, we are very happy to hear this news. It’s a pity that some of us lost out on some roles but that’s alright, and we’re looking forward to doing some good work now,” says Singh, who is to resume shooting for a Nikkhil Advani film on August 23, where he has two days of shoot pending. “We are delighted that it’s come in our favour,” adds the 69-year-old who was replaced by a younger actor in a web series recently. “They waited for me for too long, hoping the age rule would get amended but finally, I just told them to carry on with someone younger.”

Prithvi Zutshi is another actor who had been informed by the makers of the TV show Pyaar Ki Luka Chuppi that his character’s track is going to be terminated as they had to resume shooting and couldn’t wait for a GR amendment to come through. “I was also replaced from a web series that was to commence in March, but began only when shoots started,” says Zutshi, adding, “But this judgement is great news, and I am looking forward to returning to the sets.”

Actress Farida Dadi, 67, who was to commence shooting for the third season of a web series, but hadn’t heard from the production, is relieved too. “The government has finally realised that you can’t force anyone to retire,” says Dadi. “We have loans and this ban was taking a toll on my mind. Thankfully, the industry has always respected elders and I am sure actors and studios will take all possible precautions going forward.”

Virendra Saxena, who has a few days of shoot remaining for the Salman Khan-starrer Radhe and a series among his forthcoming projects welcomes the judgement. “Every film needs senior actors, and by forcing us to stay at home, we were being made to feel old.” says Saxena, who is to resume shooting for a web series and a movie.

Apart from the threat of losing out on assignments, some actors were put out of commission since their productions were indefinitely stalled by the Coronavirus lockdown. “I am thrilled because this means that one can now work but finding work is another thing,” says Suhasini Mulay, who refused a project recently and the two web shows that she was slated to shoot have been postponed to November and January. “It’s stupendous that Pramod Pandey has fought for the senior artists community instead of just sitting and moaning like some,” adds Mulay.

Even T P Aggarwal, president, IMPPA, is ecstatic by the judgement. “So many actors, producers and technicians were grounded. Now thousands from the industry will be gainfully employed again.”

J D Majethia informs that state govt is tweaking SOPs following Thursday meeting; order to be issued soon
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 16, 2020)

The Maharashtra government had issued an order on May 31, which allowed the Film and TV industry to resume shooting in non-containment zones while adhering to certain conditions and guidelines. On Thursday, TV broadcasters had a meeting with the government officials to decide on the future course of action.

According to J D Majethia, chairman of the TV and web wing, Indian Film and TV Producers Council, the meeting was held to get some clarity on the issued guidelines. “For instance, the order stated that we require permission to resume work. So, we asked when it would be granted and were informed that it was not required and that we can begin shoots while adhering to the mandated safety and social distancing guidelines. We have requested them for clarity in writing,” he reveals.

Filmmaker T P Aggarwal, president of the Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA), had told Mirror (June 6) that it was not feasible to maintain some of the Standard Operating Procedures stated in the Government Resolution issued on May 31. “If there are 10 shoots at Film City, you can’t have separate sets of ambulances, doctors and nurses stationed there at all times. At a time when doctors and nurses are contracting Covid-19 on the job, resulting in shortage of healthcare professionals, it’s not feasible to keep them at shoots,” he had pointed out.

Majethia says that he is on the same page as Aggarwal, adding, “Considering the medical situation in the city, keeping an ambulance for a whole day on set doesn’t seem feasible, so we have requested the government to reconsider that. Then, we were under the impression that the SOPs forbid people below the age of 10 years and above 65 years from working. However, we were informed that it is a nationwide order issued by the centre for all sectors, that has been included in our guidelines. We have requested during the latest meeting that they look into that.”

The actor-filmmaker goes on to add that a clearer communication on all these points is expected from the state government in a day or two. “We will be able to decide an exact date to get back to work only after that, but we expect to begin shoots in a week.”

Stills from Maidaan and The Big Bull

IMPPA president points at discrepancies in SOPs mandated to resume work; requests govt to take cue from Kannada industry
MUMBAI MIRROR (June 6, 2020)

Almost two-and-a-half months after they came to a standstill following the Coronavirus outbreak, the film and TV industries are gearing up to return to work. Following meetings between industry representatives and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, permission to resume shooting and other production work was granted last Sunday with the condition that all prescribed guidelines be followed.

While filmmakers hailed them as effective and promised adherence, T P Aggarwal, president of Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA), has written to the CM, pointing out certain discrepancies and requesting that they be reviewed. For the mandated presence of a doctor, nurse and ambulance on sets, Aggarwal suggests that instead, they should be summoned when required. “If there are 10 shoots at Film City, you can’t have separate sets of ambulances, doctors and nurses stationed there at all times. At a time when doctors and nurses are contracting Covid-19 on the job, resulting in shortage of healthcare professionals, it’s not feasible to keep them at shoots,” he reasons.

The filmmaker also believes that arranging accommodation for crew near shooting sites in hotels or apartments is impossible as the government has reserved these premises for quarantine and treatment of Covid-19 patients. “Even if they are available, it will be impossible to block it exclusively for unit members,” he says.

IMPPA has also suggested that the state government take a cue from guidelines issued by Karnataka government. However, while the latter prohibits those under the age of 10 years and over 65 years from reporting to shoots, the film body has sought the removal of this guideline. Aggarwal defends the demand, saying, “There are several actors and technicians over 65 who are masters of their craft. And what if a project in its last leg of shoot has older characters?”

He also points out that as per the guidelines, the Managing Director of Film City has the sole authority to grant permissions for shoots in Mumbai, while district collectors will approve those outside the city, but there has been no communication in this regard. “Film City says they haven’t received any GR (Government Resolution) and therefore, are unable to help with permissions,” he informs.

When pointed out that the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure) were formulated after Film and Television Producers Guild of India shared recommendations, Aggarwal keeps it short, “The SOPs were discussed with other industry bodies in the loop. We are all on the same page with respect to the matter.”
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After government issues shoot guidelines, IMPPA dashes off a letter to CM terming them 'impractical', urges him to modify protocols as per those followed in Karnataka
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 6, 2020)

The week began on a positive note for the entertainment industry as the state government greenlit the resumption of shoots. While several cine bodies welcomed the decision, the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) has shot off a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, terming the guidelines "impractical". The rules in contention include the barring of actors and technicians above 65 years of age from shooting and the presence of a doctor and nurse on the set.

"We have so many stars who are over 65. Bringing an elderly person on the set is risky, but we will take more precautions. We will shoot for only four hours with them instead of eight hours and complete their portions first. We will also keep them secluded," says Anil Nagrath, secretary, IMPPA. The cine association deems the presence of a medical team on set as a sheer wastage of precious resources in these pressing times.

The government has stated that the crew reporting to a set must be put up in a hotel, thereby eliminating the possibility of them infecting their families. However, Nagrath pokes holes in the suggestion. "That is impossible to implement as most hotels have been taken up by the government as quarantine centres. Their suggestion of casting actors' family members in the supporting roles [to restrict contact with others] is impractical. Not everyone belonging to a star's family is an actor! They have put roadblocks by way of the regulations."

Ahead of the resumption of shoot of films, including Maidaan and The Big Bull, IMPPA has not only urged the Thackeray-led government to modify the protocols, but also sent a copy of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Karnataka government. Quiz him on the differences in the guidelines, and he says, "They don't have [ad hoc] rules [about casting family members and having medical personnel on set]. Their guidelines offer flexibility."

Bharati Dubey & Subhash K Jha (DNA; October 2, 2017)

The Hindi film industry is going through tough times, reeling under the impact of fewer hits and big-budget films failing. Amidst this, the Tamil Nadu government has slapped local body tax on the Hindi films. As per the new notification, non-Tamil films need to pay 20 per cent local body tax from this week. The film industry is unwilling to accept this burden, and plans to make a representation to the TN government. The concern is that other states will follow suit, further damaging the industry that has had a terrible year at the BO. Distributor Ramesh Sippy says, “Today, TN has levied this tax and if we don’t object, other states like Rajasthan, Bengal and Andhra Pradesh will do the same. We don’t need to look at the value but as a principle, we cannot allow this to happen to us.’’

High tax rate
Producer Ramesh Taurani says, “What has happened is unfair to us and we’ll be making a representation to the TN government soon.’’ Hindi film industry is already paying an entertainment tax of 48 per cent and an additional 28 per cent of GST. Kulmeet Makkar, CEO, Indian Film and Television Producers Guild says, “The additional tax would mean that audiences in Chennai will now have to pay 53.6 per cent as an effective gross tax on tickets for non-Tamil films. How can an industry survive with tax at this rate? Unless the state government wants to ensure that either the TN film industry is forced to shut down or the attempt is to make sure the audience in Chennai is deprived of films in other languages.’’ Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Production, adds, “I think this is not correct because the idea of GST was that it would be the one and only tax that’ll prevail. The film industry is already going through pressures in terms of the number of films that are doing well, this is only going to burden the whole business of films and everyone involved. This is something that needs to be avoided completely.”

A meeting soon
President of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, L Suresh, said that Tamil films have to pay 10 per cent local body tax and they’re upset with the government, too. He said, “We are convening a meeting on Wednesday to request the government to withdraw this notification.’’

Will hamper footfalls
While the film industry plans to make a representation, some film trade people say that TN is not a big territory and one should not bother as it’s only five per cent business, and films with big star cast run in cinemas in that state. Unless they’re dubbed, the business is not big. T P Aggarwal says, “South Indian states had a cap on ticket pricing and it was affordable to everyone, but after additional taxation, the rates will go up and affect footfalls. As an industry, we’ll come together and fight against this. If we don’t resist, other states will also do the same. As it is, films are not doing well, and now, the local body taxation.”

Films that will suffer
“The Hindi industry must take a cue from this and put ideas together for its own benefit and protection. We’ve seen that governments do little to protect or promote us; it’s time we looked after ourselves and made sure governments did too,” stresses Anubhav Sinha. Films up for release in the coming months — Golmaal Again, Secret Superstar, Tiger Zinda Hai and Padmavati — will be affected.

Shailendra Singh: United we stand, divided we fall. This move makes this even truer. Why use entertainment as a political agenda? Sad new low in political strategy.

Nishikant Kamat: It is unfortunate... art should be above languages and provinces. It might instigate other states to emulate.

Sheetal Talwar: It’s protectionism at its best. Whereas Tamil cinema has its strength in the quality and style of storytelling, there is no reason that English, Hindi and Telugu cinema should not be given equal opportunity in a state where cinema and cinema viewing is a religion.

Despite legal notice, producer adamant that he won’t edit out scene of pregnant woman doing the saat pheras
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 6, 2017)

Makers of Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana didn’t see it coming. Earlier this week, a right wing outfit had staged protests outside producer T P Aggarwal’s office over a scene that shows a pregnant Akshara Haasan taking ‘saat pheras’, but he refused to succumb to ‘pressure tactics’, as reported by mid-day. Now, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has sent a legal notice to the production house, accusing them of attempting to maliciously outrage Hindu sentiments.

The film, starring Akshara, Vivaan Shah and Gurmeet Choudhary, is scheduled to hit theatres tomorrow. The matter will come up for hearing in court today. Reacting to the controversy, director Manish Harishankar tells mid-day, "There is no question of deleting the scene. It's a film about culture and traditions in changing times. The scene is integral to the story. I have asked our producers to hold a meeting with the VHP activists and reason this out. I don't want the matter to reach the court."

While an out of court settlement is a possibility, Aggarwal had been confident all along that nothing would stop the film's scheduled release. "I don't see why they are waking up just two days before the movie hits screens. Our promos have been on air for the past month," he argues. What is his plan of action, especially on such short notice?

"They have asked us arrange a screening for them. We aren't even considering the worst-case scenario — about Laali Ki Shaadi... being stalled. I have immense faith in the judiciary. What works in our favour is that it has already been cleared by the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification). Pahlaj Nihalani (CBFC boss) follows the rulebook to the T. If there indeed was something immoral or objectionable about our film, the Board wouldn't have passed it without suggesting cuts," adds Aggarwal.

The Uri Attack of September 2016 left a deep scar on India-Pakistan relationship and Bollywood paid a heavy price for it. Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which was to release just 40 days later on October 28, 2016 was threatened with dire consequences by Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena since it starred Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. The anger towards the artistes of the neighbouring country was so strong that it seemed that they’ll never be able to work together in Bollywood. T P Aggarwal, who heads the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a resolution banning Pakistani artistes and technicians across the film, television and theatre mediums in India until normalcy is reinstated between the restive neighbours. Aggarwal then decided to lead by example – he decided to replace the voice of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from a song from his film Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana. His grouse was that none of the Pakistani artistes condemned the ghastly attack and hence, he felt justified to boycott them.

It’s been 6 months since the ‘ban’ was passed. Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana is about to release and shockingly, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s voice has been retained (check out the song in the YouTube video below)! According to a report, music composer Vipin Patwa managed to convince the makers. The same report carries a statement of T P Aggarwal in which he admits that he decided to replace Rahat saab’s voice because he wanted to ‘play safe’.



Replacing an actor after the film is shot is next to impossible. Hence, the entire demand to replace Fawad Khan from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Ali Zafar from Dear Zindagi and Mahira Khan from Raees was just not feasible since all these films were shot (except Raees) when the Uri Attack happened. But replacing a singer can be done anytime. One of the big examples of it was Arijit Singh’s voice replaced by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan himself for Jag Ghoomeya from Sultan. Therefore, it’s shocking that T P Aggarwal didn’t do so after boasting about the same in front of the media and the country. But his recent statement has made it clear – he was not being patriotic, he was being safe. He felt that the anger towards Pakistan is tremendous and it’s best to take safety precautions. Or else, he might get into trouble just like how Karan Johar did for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Obviously, he couldn’t admit that he’s taking the decision of replacing Rahat Fateh Ali Khan due to fear. So he gave his decision a nationalistic colour!

And that’s not all. Makers of Irrfan Khan’s May release Hindi Medium that stars Pakistani actor Saba Qamar shot for a promotional song, Hoor, sung by Pakistani singer Atif Aslam! The singer himself was present during the shoot and was seen posing with Saba and choreographer Ahmed Khan.

With time, the anger towards Pakistani artistes has subsided and hence, Bollywood is neatly taking small steps of bringing these talented people back into our movies. And this was bound to happen since the cultural bond between India and Pakistan is hard to break. The singers and actors from that country have done some great work that would be remembered for years. Also, as explained in this post, while Bollywood was pressurized to ban Pakistani artistes, the trade between the two countries went on without a single glitch. This shows that all the netas and self-confessed patriots who were spearheading the ‘Ban Pak artistes’ were doing it just for publicity and not for the love of the country.

The Pakistani artistes still aren’t allowed in India. Atif Aslam and Saba Qamar shot for the song in Georgia. Saba won’t even be present in India to promote Hindi Medium, just like Mahira wasn’t allowed to enter India to promote Raees. But that Bollywood has started taking Pak artistes back shows that slowly and gradually, we’ll soon have hopefully Fawad Khan, Ali Zafar and Mawra Hocane entertaining us in Bollywood films in future!

Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; April 4, 2017)

Members of a right-wing group have raised objection to a ‘saat phera’ scene in upcoming film Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana and held protests outside the makers’ office yesterday. The said scene involves lead actress Akshara Haasan’s character, a pregnant girl, observing the ritual of seven rounds around the fire. Activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad argue that as per Hindu customs, if a pregnant woman participates in saat pheras, the child that she carries in her womb also gets married to the man.

Laali Ki Shaadi… producer TP Aggarwal says an activist had sent him a text message about cutting out that portion from the film after the promos went on air, but he didn’t pay heed to it. Yesterday, he was shocked to find a group of activists demonstrating outside his office in Andheri.

Says Aggarwal, “They raised slogans demanding that the scene be removed, but I told them the Censor Board has cleared the film and I won’t bow to pressure tactics. After protesting for a while, they dispersed. I categorically told them that the scene will not be deleted." Incidentally, in the long-running telly soap Balika Vadhu, a heavily pregnant Sugna (Vibha Anand) was shown getting married to Shyam (Vikrant Massey).

Meanwhile, Akshara continues to remain missing from the film’s promotions, as reported in hitlist on March 28.

Guru Randhawa, Saba, Irrfan and Sukhbir post a song shoot
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 31, 2017)

Cultural ties between India and Pakistan, which had strained last September, now seem to be limping back to normalcy. Or so it seems, post elections in Uttar Pradesh and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls here.

Irrfan is filming three promotional tracks for his next project, Hindi Medium, with Pakistani actress Saba Qamar in Tbilisi, Georgia. A unit hand says, “Saba and singer Atif Aslam flew down from Pakistan while Sukhbir came from Dubai. Fellow composers Guru Randhawa and Arjun arrived from the US. All of them were quite ecstatic about the shoot.”


Saba Qamar with Ahmed Khan and Atif Aslam on the set in Georgia

One of the songs is a fresh spin on Guru and Arjun’s popular number, Suit Suit, which will feature Irrfan and Saba along with them. The actors also shot for a romantic number, Hoor, sung by Atif and composed by Sachin-Jigar, apart from Sukhbir’s chartbuster, Tare Gin Gin. The shoot began on March 24 and wrapped up yesterday.

Another unit hand says, “We finished the shoot in no time. Everyone in Tblisi was quite overwhelmed to have film faces in their midst. The media and the crowd stood for hours to catch a glimpse of Irrfan.”

Producer Dinesh Vijan considers his latest film album special. Says Vijan, “I wanted to collaborate with a diverse variety of musicians for an original soundtrack, so this is a tick off that bucket list. I can promise you that this will be a memorable album.” Co-producer Bhushan Kumar says, “These are super-hit cult songs and we are confident that the audience will love their recreated versions in the film."
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Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; March 31, 2017)

While actors from across the border became the centre of attention following the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association's ban of Pakistani artistes and technicians in Bollywood, the disappointment of the other artistes affected by the move, including Pak singers, rarely got an audience.

Following the September 2016 Uri attacks, which prompted the ban, prominent Pak singers were out of work on this side of the border. But art has managed to break boundaries.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan had lent his voice to a song titled 'Rog Jaane' for Akshara Haasan's upcoming film, 'Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana'. While the makers wanted to drop the love track, which was recorded before the Uri attacks, to avoid controversy, the film's music composer, Vipin Patwa, says he managed to convince them to retain it.

Speaking exclusively to mid-day, Vipin says, "I thought replacing his voice would be disrespectful. I managed to convince the makers to retain his version. [There would be room for controversy] if we had recorded the number post September."

When contacted, the film's producer, T P Aggarwal, admits they wanted to "play safe". "We didn't want to offend anyone. The song is amazing, right from the composition, to the lyrics, and then there is the brilliance of Rahat saab's voice."

'Rog Jaane' is picturised on Akshara and Vivaan Shah in Kashmir.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 7, 2016)

In the wake of the Uri attacks last month, the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) announced a ban on Pakistani artistes in Bollywood, after which the fate of films, which feature Pakistani names, has remained dodgy. That the right wing outfits have threatened to disallow release Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' starring Fawad Khan this Diwali and Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raees' with Mahira Khan on R-Day 2017 only adds to the industry's woes.

Yesterday, IMPPA members, including President TP Aggarwal and vice president Ashoke Pandit, met Ameya Khopkar and Shalini Thackeray of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)'s film affairs wing, to request for the smooth release of guild members KJo and SRK's films.

"During the meeting, we requested them to allow the films, which have already been shot, to release. Pakistani artistes have made their money and gone back to their country, but here, producers will incur losses (if the films don't release)," said Aggarwal.

Questioning why Indian producers are being compelled to bear the brunt of the ongoing Indo-Pak tension, Pandit says, "Shah Rukh and Karan are members of IMPPA and, as a guild, it is our duty to stand up for them," he says.

Khopkar, who heads the MNS' cine wing and produces regional films too, says, "We met them, but we won't allow the release of the two films." Party insiders, however, say he might just give in sooner or later. Pandit is optimistic, too. "We hope Raj Thackeray (MNS chief) relents. He's a big cinema lover, after all. He is one of us and will understand."

He adds IMPPA will also facilitate a smooth release for Dinesh Vijan's rom-com, Hindi Medium, starring Pakistani actress Saba Qamar. The film, which also features Irrfan in the lead, has largely been shot. "However, given that YRF's Habib Faisal's next directorial venture starring Danyal Zafar (Pak singer-actor Ali Zafar's brother) hasn't gone on the floors yet, we would not lend a helping hand. For films that are complete, demanding a re-shoot would be criminal," Pandit explains.

Meanwhile, IMPPA has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray, requesting ban on tourist visas for Pakistani nationals and cancellation of work permits of artistes from across the border. Says Pandit, "We never know what an artiste from the other side is forced to do by their government. Anybody can be corrupt or be turned over. We need to put nationalism before everything else."

Following in the footsteps of the IMPPA, the Cinema Owners And Exhibitors Association of India has called for a ban on Pakistani talent for films that are yet to go into production.

MUMBAI MIRROR (September 30, 2016)

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) had passed a resolution which bans Pakistani actors and technicians from working in India till the relations between the two nations return to normalcy. The decision came in wake of the recent Uri attack in Jammu & Kashmir by Pakistani-based terrorists.

Unhappy with the decision to ban Pakistani artists, IMPPA member Rahul Aggarwal has resigned from the association. In a letter addressed to the President of the IMPPA, Rahul stated that though he condemns the terrorist attack, banning one another is not the solution. He stated that rather than banning one another, we should focus on bringing everyone together and showing the world that terrorism cannot divide these two great nations can and become a beacon for acceptance and hope.

However, Rahul stated that since the members don't see his point of view, he takes it as a personal failure and deems himself no longer useful to the organisation and hence tendered his resignation from the executive body of IMPPA.

Read his letter of resignation below:

To
The President
IMPPA
Mumbai

Sir,
With utmost respect and humility, I would like to tender in my resignation from the executive body of IMPPA following the ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry. I strongly feel that art is above politics and as the custodians of this art; it is our responsibility to bring people together rather than divide them.

We all agree that the people of these two nations are one and alike, thus it is the need of the hour for us to stick together. The Indian and Pakistani people are suffering from the same plague, which is fundamentalist terrorism. It is more important than ever for us not to fall prey to this calamity. Banning one another is not the solution, rather bringing everyone together and showing the world that terrorism cannot divide these two great nations can become a beacon for acceptance and hope, two characteristics that are the complete opposites of the fundamentalists that want us to go to war with one another. It is we the people of both countries who have the power to bring real change and I believe that this change could have been brought about by further strengthening our ties with Pakistani artists of all kinds and not banning them. Rather than breeding discord, our actions and decisions should unite. Rather than hatred and war, our words should bring peace and harmony. And believe me when I say this, the common man of both these countries wants peace.

I do understand your position and you have to do what your members want. Since they do not see my view point, I must humbly decide to not accept division but vote for unity and to not accept hate but put my hands forward in acceptance. Since the people who elected me to this valuable post do not see my viewpoint, I take this as a personal failure and am no longer useful to your esteemed executive body.

Therefore, it is with great sadness that I must announce that am not able to continue my relationship with the IMPPA. Though I strongly condemn the terrorist attack, I believe that the soft power of art is sometimes more effective than the hard line of sanctions and war. Kindly accept my resignation.

Regards
Rahul Aggarwal
Member of the Executive Body
Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association
IMPPA

IMPPA, India's largest filmmaker association, has passed a resolution disallowing artistes
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 30, 2016)

India’s surgical strike on terrorist launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan on Thursday morning coincided with the annual general meeting of the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) in Mumbai. In the 11 am meeting, the association’s members, led by President T P Aggarwal, Vice Presidents, Ashoke Pandit and Nitin Mavani and Senior Vice President, Abhay Kumar Sinha, passed a resolution banning Pakistani artistes and technicians across the film, television and theatre mediums in India until normalcy is reinstated between the restive neighbours.

While Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar is gearing up for the release of Gauri Shinde’s romance-drama, Dear Zindagi, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has been protesting outside filmmaker Karan Johar’s Khar office demanding the ouster of Pak actor Fawad Khan from his upcoming romance-drama, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. However, IMPPA has clarified that projects that have already been completed don’t fall under the purview of the resolution. “All the Pak actors including Fawad and Mahira Khan (Shah Rukh Khan’s leading lady in Raees) who have already filmed in India, even if only for a day, will not be subjected to any delays or bans,” Ashoke informed Mirror, pointing out that the move is in alliance with the State Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s vision. “These actors were granted permission by the Indian Government to work in the film industry. Now, they have all left the country and their will be no hindrance in the release of their projects,” a source from a leading Indian production house informed Mirror. Meanwhile, 32-year-old Pak model-actress, Saba Qamar, will be able to make her Bollywood debut in Ajay Devgn's Shivaay, since the film is complete. However, her follow-up project, Hindi Medium opposite Irrfan Khan, might get shelved in light of the recent developments.

After the motion was passed, IMPPA members cheered on T P Aggarwal who was also given a standing ovation for deciding to replace composer-singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from his upcoming production, Laali Ki Shaadi Main Laaddoo Deewana (Mirror, September 29).

Across the border, a petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking a ban on screening of Indian movies, starting with Neeraj Pandey’s M S Dhoni: An Untold Story, which was to hit screens across the border today.

Joining the IMPPA movement, actors and National School of Drama alumni -- Kay Kay Menon, Manoj Bajpayee, Vijay Raaz and Anupam Kher -- have reiterated that the influx of Pakistani talent will no longer be tolerated in India. “I’m urging Bollywood to think about our martyrs. Blood and Bollywood can’t co-exist,” Kher thundered.

Pak singer Atif Aslam, who has delivered chartbusters like “Bas Ek Pal” and “Tere Bin” was to perform at a concert on October 15 in Gurgaon but the event has been called off by the Deputy Commissioner of Gurgaon, TL Satyaprakash, on the insistence of the Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Kranti Dal who advised the district administration against letting the concert happen in the city in the wake of Uri attacks.

KEY EVENTS

» The annual general meeting took place at 11 am on Thursday morning

» Actors including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar and Ali Zafar who have already completed projects don’t fall under the resolution’s purview

» Resolution in alliance with the State Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s vision

» A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking a ban on screening of Indian movies, starting with MS Dhoni: The Untold Story

» Atif Aslam’s concert in Gurgaon cancelled at the behest of Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Kranti Dal
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Producers’ guild rules against working with actors, singers and technicians from neighbouring country until further notice
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 30, 2016)

A day after producer T P Aggarwal dropped a Rahat Fateh Ali Khan song from his upcoming Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) headed by him banned all artistes and technicians from across the border. The decision came after producers raised the issue at the annual general meeting on Thursday.

Aggarwal says, “After the Peshawar attacks (in 2014) , each Indian artiste had expressed grief. (School) Children were killed mercilessly and it is not human to pardon that. But, none of the Pakistani actors are doing it (expressing sympathy post the September 18 Uri attacks). They criticise each terror attack, why is India any different? Many of them work here and it is beyond me why they can’t raise their voice.”

The association’s vice president, Ashoke Pandit clarifies that the ban will not affect films that have begun production or are on the verge of completion or release. “The decision to ban them is not permanent. But, keeping in mind the present scenario, it is better if we maintain distance (from Pakistani artistes). This is the oldest producers’ association in the industry and 70 per cent of producers, be it regional or Bollywood, are a part of this. Most corporate houses, too, are affiliated to us. But, the resolution applies only to future films. We, as a group, didn’t want to remain silent on the issue,” he adds.

T P Aggarwal has decided to replace the Pak singer's voice with an Indian one for a song in his new film.
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 29, 2016)

Looks like the ongoing protests seeking ban on Pakistani artistes in India following the Uri attacks is only gathering more steam. Mirror has learnt that filmmaker T P Aggarwal is gearing up to replace Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s romantic track “Maine socha na tha” for his film, Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana, with a version sung by an Indian singer. The makers are now looking for another singer even as they gear up to inform Rahat about their decision.

“We didn’t want to do this because it’s a lovely song. Rahat is a great singer and he has sung it beautifully. However, my bone of contention is that neither he nor any of the other Pakistani artistes in India have condemned the attack. After the Peshawar attacks, we had started one of our meetings at the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPAA) with a tribute to the victims and survivors,” Aggarwal informed Mirror. The film features Vivaan Shah, Akshara Haasan, Gurmeet Choudhary and Kavitta Varma in pivotal roles. It revolves around a royal marriage and characters who are hilariously trapped in their own tragedies. The song was picturised on Vivaan and Akshara in Kashmir this March.

Aggarwal believes he’d be better off promoting Indian talent instead of the ones from Pakistan while his director, Manish Harishankar, echoes his views. “They (Pak artistes) make good money here and also enjoy a lot of fame. I know they speak well of us but in a situation like this, it’s sad that they haven’t come out in support,” asserts Manish.