Not against any individual, but 'nation' and 'art' cannot be separated: MNS

On 28 September, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) issued a statement clarifying that they were not against any individual, but that they cannot separate the idea of a nation from the art that it produces. This comes within days of issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani actors and artistes to leave India by 25 September, or face consequences.

"We don't have anything against an individual but we cannot separate art and nation. We respect artistes but country comes first," said MNS leader Amey Khopkar, addressing a press conference.

"When attacks happen in Syria and Paris then Pakistan artistes who get work and respect in India tweet sympathy but nothing on Uri attacks?" the MNS added.

Also read - MNS: We are not against Shah Rukh Khan or Karan Johar, but don't work with Pakistani artistes

Yesterday, members of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS staged a protest outside the production house of director-producer Karan Johar, leading to the arrest of around 15 of them.

Fawad Khan yesterday left India before the release of his upcoming Karan Johar film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil on 28 October.

According to Pakistani media, a source from Dharma Productions said that the Khoobsurat actor has left India as his wife is about to deliver a baby in September.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack as probe agencies reportedly recovered weapons and ammunition bearing Pakistani insignia from the site. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena has also targeted the promotions of Fawad Khan's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Mahira Khan's Raees, saying filmmakers and producers "should not cast Pakistanis in their films".

--ANI