The Maharashtra Nava Nirman Sena (MNS) has imposed a set of unprecedented conditions on Karan Johar’s film, Aae Dil Hai Mushkil, to allow it to be released because there is a Pakistani actor in the film. The Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh had earlier okayed Karan Johar’s film for distribution. The chief minister of Maharashtra who is from the BJP has a coalition government in the state with the Shiv Sena. The MNS has demanded that Karan Johar and other producers should deposit rupees 5 crore in the army welfare fund to enable the film’s release. That will apparently, in its opinion, atone for the inclusion of a Pakistani actor in the cast of the film. The film fraternity has meekly surrendered to the extortion. But army veterans are in high dudgeon. The MNS has a long record of violence. Migrant communities from other countries and other states have been subjected to great persecution by the organization. This attitude shows the extent of malignant identity politics and even betrays the base lumpenness of elected governments.
Artists are not to be equated with terrorists. That applies to Pakistan which is now having sharp differences with India. If the MNS prevails in its high-handedness, even trade with Pakistan will be jeopardized. The MNS has asked for severance of commercial ties between India and Pakistan. A line should be drawn between artists and terrorists. That awareness should help contain terrorism. Jingoism can be overdone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi still wants a dialogue with Pakistan if it can be possible to avoid military action. The attitude of the MNS can only make it difficult.
