Bollywood bans Pakistani artistes once again in wake of Pulwama attack
Several developments have taken place in wake of the Pulwama attack in IoK. While India has removed MFN status for Pakistan in trade, the media across the border is attacking Pakistan and Pakistani artists left, right and centre. As a result, Pakistani artists have once again been banned by All India Cine Workers Association.
In a notice issued on Monday, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) said, “We strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers at Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AICWA stands with the nation in confronting such terror and inhumanity.”
“We’re officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. Still, if any organisation insists on working with Pakistani artists, it will be banned by AICWA and strong action will be taken against them. Our nation comes first, we stand with our nation,” stated the notice further.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also asked film-makers to stop working with Pakistani talent or even releasing their films in Pakistan, stated IANS. “The federation won’t allow Pakistani artistes to work in Indian films. Also, we won’t let producers release their films in Pakistan. The entire trade (with Pakistan) will be called off as far as the film industry is concerned,” said FWICE chief advisor, Ashoke Pandit
“One of the reasons why we have banned (film-makers from working with Pakistani talent) is that none of the Pakistani artistes have condemned the massacre. We hope the producers, distributors and music companies will support the federation’s demands,” he said. “If any producer or distributor does not cooperate, the FWICE will boycott their shootings and other work. This means technicians and workers will not work with them and they will not be able to function.”
Pandit further added,“We will not allow any film that has any Pakistani artiste or their song in it to be release. No artist is bigger than the country.”
In lieu of all these developments Indian music label T-series has also removed two songs sung by Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from their YouTube account. Baarishein by Atif Aslam and Zindagi by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, uploaded on February 13 and February 15 respectively have been removed.
