Director Zoya Akhtar feels film- maker Karan Johar is being "bullied" over release of his movie "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" and said Pakistani artists were taken in films in since they had valid visas.
"Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", slated for release on Diwali- eve, is facing threat of disruption from the Raj Thackeray-led MNS as it features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.
After the Uri terror attack, objections were raised in certain quarters over Pakistani artists working in Hindi film industry.
In a video statement Johar said he will no long work with Pakistani actors.
Asked about this, Zoya told PTI, "You (referring to Karan) are in a situation where you are being bullied and nobody is helping you...You are not being protected.
"This is chaotic. The Government is saying one thing, people (referring to MNS) are saying something else.In all this what a lone person is suppose to do."
The "Dil Dhadakne Do" helmer feels filmmakers followed the law by taking artists from the neighbouring country, who were in India on visas given by the Government.
"It's not about encouraging talent (from Pakistan). It's about following the law. They (Government) are giving visas to Pakistani actors. I am following the law. And any political party has to follow the law...
"If they are not doing so, those elected to power (the Government) should make sure they don't break the law. Filmmakers are not breaking the law (by giving work to Pakistani artists)," the 44-year-old said.
Zoya was speaking on the sidelines of 18th edition of Jio MAMI festival, where she is one of the jury members for Dimensions section.
(Reopens BES 43)
Actor Abhay Deol, too, came out in support of Karan.
Abhay, who was also present at the film festival, said he would have supported a ban on Pakistani artists if it were to help Indian soldiers in any way.
Last week, the Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India had said that they would not release movies featuring Pakistani artists in four states - Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Karnataka.
"I will support it if you think banning anything to do with Pakistan is going to help our jawans," Abhay said.
The actor said why should a ban be imposed only on artists when trades with the neighbouring country haven't stopped.
"If you want to ban anything to do with Pakistan, then go the distance. Do not just ban filmmakers, ban imports, exports etc. When you do half a job, no one is going to take you seriously. I don't take the government seriously," he said.
Actor Imran Khan, however, chose to keep his opinion to himself, saying if he speaks anything on the issue he would put himself in danger.
"I have many many views but my concern is if I voice those views, I am gonna have people come and try to burn my house. I do not want people to threaten me or beat me up, I want to avoid these things. Will keep my opinion to myself," he said.
Pakistani movie "Jaago Hua Savera" is another film being hit by the controversy. The film with an Indian cast was dropped from the line-up of the film festival due to a protest threat.
Directed by A J Kardar, "Jago Hua Savera", screened in the 'Classics' section of the Cannes Film Festival this year, was co-produced during the days of undivided Pakistan and shot in Dhaka.
Superstar Aamir Khan, who is known for expressing his views uninhibitedly, did not make any direct comment on the ban on "Jaago Hua Savera".
"You should ask MAMI about this," he said.
Actress Kalki Koechlin, however, was forthcoming in slamming the development.
"Censorship of any kind, or not being able to see films from all over world, is very sad." she said.
