Over 100 MNS workers stage protest outside Karan Johar’s Bandra residence
Picture: ANI
The aftermath of Karan Johar’s interview with a leading channel, where he questioned MNS’ move of asking Pakistani artistes to leave the country, is exactly what he was afraid of – being victimized by the party.
Reportedly, at least 100 party workers gathered outside his Bandra residence around 12 pm and shouted slogans against the Johar, who has cast a prominent Pakistani actor in his upcoming release.
MNS leader Shalini Thackeray, who led today’s agitation, said, “These Pakistani artistes gain fame and money in India and till date have not spoken against Pakistan for encouraging terrorism. If Johar feels so much, let him migrate to Pakistan and make films there.”
In a letter sent by MNS to Johar’s office, the party has claimed that just as he has the liberty to make films with Pakistani artistes, they would ensure that his films are not screened in theaters.
Owing to the protest, Bandra police sent extra personnel at his residence to maintain law and order situation. At least a dozen more officers have been stationed near the Dharma Productions’ Andheri office as well.
Meanwhile, Joint commissioner of police (law and order), Deven Bharti, has said foreign nationals with valid visas need not worry as adequate security will be provided to them if necessary.
Following the Uri attack last week, the MNS had asked all Pakistani artistes like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan to leave India, failing which the party threatened to take ‘appropriate’ action against them.
In the wake of his comment, Johar had said “I understand the anger and the anguish that surround us and I empathise, my heart bleeds for the lost lives. There is nothing that can justify this terrible feeling of terror. Then you are faced in a situation such as this (asking for ban on Pak artistes). If this was truly a solution, one would take it.”
“But this is not a solution. I don’t believe it is. The larger forces have to come together and sort the situation and this cannot be banning talent or art,” he added.
Fawad stars in Johar’s upcoming film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, which is slated to release this Diwali.
During the interview, Johar even confessed that he felt ‘scared and vulnerable’ speaking about it publicly.
“I feel vulnerable and scared while even saying this. I completely feel the pain and anger. If my film is targeted because of this, it will make me exceptionally sad because my intent was to put out a product out of love and nothing else,” the director had said.
Security outside Johar’s office
#KaranJohar tightens security outside #Dharma office after receiving threats from #MNS pic.twitter.com/oLGh3i11O6
— pinkvilla (@pinkvilla) September 27, 2016
