I don’t take the govt seriously: Abhay Deol on India not banning Pak artists

Ever since the Uri attacks in Jammu and Kashmir took place, there has been widespread demands from few political parties and general public at large of banning Pakistani artists from performing in India. The Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) has already put a temporary ban on artistes from across the border till the situation improves between both nations. 

But in a surprising twist to the tale earlier in the week, the government of India announced that they haven’t put any blanket ban on Pakistani artistes. A government official said, “Notwithstanding the current debate on allowing Pakistani artistes to work in Indian films in view of the tensions between India and Pakistan following the Uri terror attack, the government of India has not revised its policy of issuing work visas to Pakistani artistes. Nor is there any proposal yet to revoke the work visas already issued to them.” 

Actor Abhay Deol reacted strongly on the stand of the government. At an event, he said, “If you want to ban anything to do with Pakistan, and then go the distance. Don't just ban filmmakers, ban imports, exports etc.” 

But that’s not all. He also categorically said that he doesn’t take the government seriously after this move. He added, “When you do half a job, no one is going to take you seriously. I don't take the government seriously. Right now it’s not looking like you mean it, it just looks like it gets you a lot of publicity and makes noise.” 

The entire situation has put Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’s release in quandary as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has vowed to stall the release their way. Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra and Rajnath Singh, the Union home minister, have assured a smooth release for the film though.