Even as loud protests at a number of places greeted Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ‘s release across the nation, the film directed by Karan Johar opened amid tight security on Friday.
Protesters took to the streets in Bihar’s Patna, demanding a ban on films featuring Pakistani actors. The protesters also burnt pictures of Karan Johar, while chanting Anti-Pakistan slogans. Hitting out at politicians and Bollywood actors, the group demanded that those in support of Pak-based actors should be sent to Pakistan.
Similar protests erupted in New Delhi, where the Hindu Sena held a demonstration demanding a blanket ban on Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. In Maharashtra’s Kalyan, the Sambhaji Brigade also held a silent march opposing the film’s release.
The film featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan had run into trouble, after the Maharashtra Navnirman demanded a blanket ban on it. Citing patriotic reasons, the MNS wanted Johar to remove Fawad Khan from the movie.
The situation was averted at the last moment after director Karan Johar pledged to not work with Pakistani actors in the future. Giving in to the MNS’s demand, Johar also agreed to pay Rupees five crore towards the Army Welfare Fund.
Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
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