Bhandarkar happy over end of protests against ADHM

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar on Sunday expressed happiness over Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) calling off its protest against Karan Johar's movie "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" (ADHM) featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.

Bhandarkar says all films shot before the recent attacks should get released.

"I am happy that the problem has now been resolved. I have always said that all those films with Pakistani artistes, which were shot before the recent attack, should be released without any problem," Bhandarkar told reporters.

The "Fashion" and "Page 3" fame director was in the city to inaugurate a charity exhibition organised by Jagriti Art Initiative and Ficci Ladies Organisation.

Karan received a major breather when MNS on Saturday allowed the release of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" but with a condition. All the producers who employed Pakistani artists, must pay Rs 5 crore each into the Indian Army's welfare fund as atonement. Distributors and cinema owners have also come forward in support of the film.

The MNS decision followed Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis' direct intervention in the matter after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited Mumbai and met representatives of Bollywood.

Fadnavis had convened a meeting on Saturday which was attended by MNS President Raj Thackeray, Karan and Film and Television Producers Guild of India's President Mukesh Bhatt, among others at his official residence in Mumbai to resolve the imbroglio.

Thackeray said henceforth, all Pakistani artistes, including actors, singers and directors shall be permanently banned from Bollywood.

Bhandarkar congratulated Bhatt for sorting out the issue.

When asked about his next film, the National Award-winning director said that he will soon start shooting for "Indu Sarkar" against the backdrop of the 1975 emergency.

--IANS

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