Shiv Sena slams Salman Khan; father Salim stays mum

Salman Khan

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday slammed film actor Salman Khan for his statement that Pakistani artistes are not terrorists. Reacting to Khan's statement Raut said, "Salim Khan is a true Indian. But, Salman has not learned anything from his father, it seems. Salman keeps getting his father and other family members in trouble by making controversial statements. Salim Khan senior should lock Salman at home to avoid controversies," Raut told mid-day.

Also read - Being 'Bhaijaan'! Salman Khan backs Pakistani actors, says they are not terrorists

Post the Uri attack, Raj Thackeray-led MNS and the Shiv Sena had demanded that Pakistani actors should not be allowed to work in Bollywood. Reacting to political reactions, on Friday, Salman Khan stated that art and terrorism shouldn't be mixed. "There is a difference between terrorists and actors; Pak artistes come with permission and a visa issued by Government of India. I guess this will have some reaction, it would have been better if we tried to have peace," Salman had said.

Raj retorted by saying, "Jawans are fighting for us at borders. What will happen if they decide to put down their weapons? Who'll guard the borders? Salman Khan? Bollywood? These artistes [Salman Khan] should realise ‘Nation first'. If they have so many problems, we will ban their movies too."

Fawad Khan

The Central Board of Film Certification Chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, spoke to us, saying, "This is not the time for entertainment. It is the time for being united for the nation. I wouldn't want to comment specifically on what a certain superstar said, but before we talk about how we target art and culture, let's take a moment to think about it pragmatically. I feel every citizen of Pakistan should be banned. The Government of India is gracious enough to give them work permits. But henceforth, there should be a clear stop from the Centre on this. Are our artistes allowed in Pakistan? Do all our films get official release there? Most of the time, movies are exported via Dubai and shown illegally there. We are fighting against terrorism; art and culture is not relevant at the moment when a bigger issue is staring us in the face. We as Indians must have one goal, one mission. A film releasing or not is secondary right now. We must follow the Government's diktats, whatever they decide, unquestioningly."

Though many came out in support of the superstar's vociferous views, his father decided to stay silent. "I am not interested in commenting on the deeds and misdeeds of my son," he told us.