Members of the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) met Shalini Thackeray, working president, and other officials of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena yesterday to discuss the smooth release of films with Pakistani actors, namely Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Raees. The party has refused to alter their stand towards the films and announced that they will continue to oppose the release.
TP Aggarwal, president of IMPPA, said, "We told Shalini Thackeray to allow the release of these films as Indian producers have invested their money into these projects. If the films don't release, it will be a loss to Indian producers. Pakistani actors have worked, taken money and left. As a body, it's our duty to help producers."
IMPPA members had also written a letter to MNS leader Raj Thackeray, and the president of the Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray requesting them to allow these films to release. In the letter, they had cited that the ban on these films will incur heavy losses on producers. Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker and social activist, had tweeted about the incident
The statement from the parties has been clear. Reports suggest Shalini has clearly refused to withdraw the agitation. A national daily quoted her as saying, "This is no longer an issue about what we are thinking, but what people want. They are against the idea of watching a film which has Pakistani artistes, considering the situation in the country now. We will not go against the sentiments of the people and are firm on our stand of opposing the release of these films."
It looks like the troubles just won't end for Karan Johar.