Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan has faced a backlash soon after he came out in support of Pakistan artistes being threatened to leave India.
Indian nationalist political party Shiv Sena said on Saturday that Salman should migrate to Pakistan if he liked Pakistani actors so much. Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande said, “Salman Khan needs to be taught a lesson. If he has so much love for Pakistani artists, he should migrate there.”
Bucking the trend: Indian, Pakistani celebs root for peace
Expressing disapproval of the actor's statement, leader of the Indian hardline organisation Subhash Desai said, “This maybe Salman Khan’s matter, but the stand of Shiv Sena is clear that the country which has taken up enmity with us, killed innocent people and infiltrated borders at several areas, we do not think it’s appropriate to maintain relations with any artists or players from that nation.
"These are feelings of the nation and only patriotic people can understand them,” The New Indian Express reported. “Salman Khan should take the advice and counsel of his father, Salim Khan,” he added.
Addressing the media on Friday, Salman had said, "Pakistan actors are not terrorists. They come with valid visa."
Salman Khan requests MNS to let ADHM, Raees release peacefully
MNS leader, Raj Thackerey also joined the bandwagon and stated that Salman should be taught a lesson.
“If he feels so much for these actors, then he should take a Pakistani permit and work there,” Thackeray said while addressing a press conference in Mumbai, reports The Indian Express.
He further added saying, "They may not be terrorists but how do you know that they are not informers who are passing information from here to there."
“More than the actors, these producers and directors are to be blamed. I think they will not understand unless we stop watching their films,” Raj said.
Earlier, the Bollywood actor had taken one step ahead to ensure that ADHM and Raees released peacefully. Salman who often lands himself in hot water over controversial statements, did what no one else yet had for Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan’s upcoming releases.
According to reports, the Sultan star called up Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray to request him to put an end to the entire brouhaha surrounding the release of ADHM and Raees. The Indian nationalist party had called for a ban on Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees after the Uri attack as the fims feature Pakistani actors in pivotal roles.
This article originally appeared on The Indian Express
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