Ae Dil Hai Mushkil row: Producers who sign Pakistani actors will have to pay 5 crore as ‘penance’ for army welfare, says Raj Thackeray

Karan Johar's upcoming movie, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is scheduled to release on October 28.

Mumbai, Oct 22: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) today promised that they will not oppose the release of Karan Johar’s upcoming movie, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which is scheduled to release on October 28. Although MNS Chief assured a smooth release for the romantic flick, he said that producers who have featured Pakistani actors in their movies will have to make a contribution of Rs 5 crore each to the army’s welfare fund.

At a press conference in Mumbai, Thackeray said, “Every producer who has cast Pakistani artistes will give Rs 5 crore to Army relief fund.” Thackeray also demanded that producers give in writing that they will not take Pakistani actors in their films in the future. He said, “Producers will have to give in writing that they will not take Pakistani actors in their films.” Director Karan Johar accompanied by Producers’ Guild President Mukesh Bhatt met Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday assured him that filmmakers would not work with Pakistani artistes in the future. (ALSO READ: ADHM row- After meeting Devendra Fadnavis & Raj Thackeray, Mukesh Bhatt decides not to work with Pakistani artistes in future)

Following the meeting, Bhatt said that they have assured the CM that no filmmaker will work with any Pakistani artiste or technician in the future. MNS-led Raj Thackeray, had been opposing the release of the upcoming movie as Pakistani actor Fawad Khan features in a cameo role in the film, given the people’s sentiments in India post Uri attacks. Producers Sidharth Roy Kapur, Sajid Nadiadwala and Vijay Singh of Fox Star Studios were also present in the meeting at the chief minister’s residence. After the meeting, speaking to reporters, Bhatt said that it was “positive and constructive and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ will release as per the schedule.” Bhatt said, “We discussed the unfortunate events related to the film’s release. I shared the film industry’s emotions regarding the entire issue. We are Indians first and then comes our business.” (ALSO READ: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil to release peacefully on October 28, MNS-led Raj Thackeray not to oppose)

To pass a resolution on the decision, the Producers’ Guild will call a meeting soon. A copy of the same would be sent to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry as well as the Chief Minister, he said. Besides, Johar has also decided to put a special mention in the beginning of the film paying tribute to martyrs.

“Karan Johar will display a slate of tribute for Uri martyrs before ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ starts playing out in the screens. It is a tribute from us to our soldiers,” Bhatt said. The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anushka Sharma in lead roles. He also said, “We will also contribute a portion of its revenue. We owe this to the Army.”