Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala says the decision of cinema owners association to not allow screening of films with Pakistani actors was unfortunate and he would request them to reconsider the move.
Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India on Friday announced that it won’t release movies starring actors from Pakistan, in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.
Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, now faces an uncertain release.
The movie, also starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, is scheduled to release in India on October 28.
“It’s unfortunate for Karan that this film began production two years back when the situation was different. We are going to request all the parties, all the concerned authorities, that he is an Indian. An Indian should not suffer from the hands of another Indian,” said Nadiadwala.
“We will humbly go and request everyone. He is an Indian citizen, please help him. Our entire team thinks we will be successful.”
Varun Dhawan, who was also present at the event, said he agrees with Nadiadwala.
“I totally agree with what Sajid sir said. I stand by him,” he said.
The filmmaker said considering what the nation is going through, they all stand in solidarity with the army.
“We all are behind our nation, our army. Several associations have decided that at present we are not going to work with [Pakistani actors],” said Nadiadwala.
Actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal took to Twitter and said that producers are being punished for no fault of theirs.
“Terrorist have claimed one more life. of solidarity of Indian film industry! Pak artist got their money and travelled club class and safely went back home. And we punish our own producers for no fault of theirs. Think [sic],” posted Rawal.
