The decision by IMPPA has been delayed, but appreciated: Shalini Thackeray

In the wake of the current hostile situation between India and Pakistan, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) on Thursday passed a resolution to temporarily ban all Pakistani artists in India. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader, Shalini Thackeray on Friday said that although the decision has come a tad bit late, it is a welcome step.

Appreciating the step taken by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thackeray said, "In the last few days, post the 5 terror attacks, keeping in mind, the feelings of the people, I want to congratulate the Prime Minister for this step.

"I appreciate the step by IMPPA, but why did they initiate this step after MNS? This is a very old organisation which has all the power on its hands. As such, this initiative should have first come from them because the film industry is an integral part of the country. The artist and celebrities are what they are because of our people and if there is a common emotion running in the people of the country, the Producer's association should have taken this step well in advance. The government themselves should have put this ban, but there was no such thing," she added.

IMPPA has passed the resolution to ban Pakistani actors, actresses and technicians in India till the situation gets normal.

After the terror attack at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, there has been a strong demand from different corners of the country to ban artists from the neighbouring country as Pakistan apparently has a hand in the terror activities.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had warned all the Pakistani artists in India to leave the country and also demanded a ban on Bollywood films that feature actors and actresses from the neighbouring nation.

"After MNS took the step and people accepted and appreciated this step, if they come forward with such a decision, I think it is a bit late for this. But, better late than never, therefore we welcome and appreciate this step," she concluded.

While many have been supporting the demand of banning Pakistani artists in India, many others had opined that art and cinema should be kept aloof from political issues.