‘Ban Pakistani Artistes, Content': Shiv Sena Leader To Maharashtra Governor After Pahalgam Attack

News18

23-04-2025

Last Updated:
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Rahool Kanal demanded that no Pakistani artists should be hired by any Bollywood projects.
Pahalgam terror attack: Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Rahool Kanal on Wednesday urged to ban the telecast of all Pakistan-based entertainment content, including movies and web series in wake of the Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam carnage that killed 26 tourists.
He further demanded that no Pakistani artists should be hired by any Bollywood projects till the time India doesn't get clarity on the issue of terrorism from Pakistan.
In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, Kanal in a veiled attack on the neighbouring country, urged the Maharashtra government to take a strong stance against terrorism and its sponsors.
'One way to demonstrate this resolve would be to ban the sale of Pakistani products in Maharashtra. This would not only be a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the victims and their families but also a practical step towards reducing economic support to entities that may be linked to terrorism. Furthermore, I request that the government consider stopping the telecast of Pakistani movies and serials in Maharashtra. This would help to reduce the cultural influence that may be perceived as promoting or glorifying anti-India sentiments," the letter read.
He further demanded that no Pakistani artists should be hired by any Bollywood projects.
'I suggest that no Pakistani artists should be hired by any Bollywood projects until we receive clarity on the involvement of Pakistani entities in terrorist activities and a clear assurance that such incidents will not recur. By taking these measures, Maharashtra can set an example for the rest of the country to follow, demonstrating our commitment to national security and solidarity with those affected by terrorism," he added.
The romantic drama, said to be a cross-border love story, has already sparked controversy since its announcement, largely due to the casting of Fawad Khan, a Pakistani national, amid strained diplomatic ties and heightened tensions at the borders. Abir Gulaal marks Khan's comeback to Indian screens after nearly nine years.
Now the Pahalgam incident has reignited public outrage with netizens raising questions about the Indian film industry's decision to work with Pakistani artists despite ongoing tensions.
There are several calls from the users to boycott the movie, and the backlash is getting severe, with many demanding that the film be pulled from release schedules.
A user wrote, 'Why are Pakistani artists still being welcomed in Indian cinema while our soldiers are being martyred at the borders and innocent lives are being lost?"
'Are we still going to allow movies like Abir Gulaal to be made?" another user asked on X.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, took responsibility for the attack.
Terrorists targeted a group of people, including women and elderly individuals, in the brazen attack afternoon.
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