What is this? Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back? Well, what the scenario between the multimedia industries of Pakistan and India is currently, the title of the 1980 classic sums it up quite well. If you remember correctly, The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) banned the chart-topping hit ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ as it feared that it has anti-ISI motives. This single move convinced the film wing of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to ask legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle not to sing with singers across the border on September 8.
Not only that, but a threat has also been issued to the television channel that plans to air the show of the legend singing with Pakistani artistes. The Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena (MNCKS) issued a letter to Asha Bhosle and Colors channel; warning them about teaming with Pakistani musicians and argues, “Pakistan is inflicting injuries on us then why should we entertain Pakistani artistes”.
The letter issued states, “We respect art, but where did this respect go when Ek Tha Tiger was banned in Pakistan… We will not allow any shoot of Colors if they go ahead. We will also ban products of sponsors if they sponsor this programme.”
