'Happy New Year' to 'Thugs of Hindostan': Performance of Diwali releases in last 5 years

<p>Not many years ago, Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and Ajay Devgn's 'Shivaay' were set to clash at the Box Office as they were both releasing on Diwali. A few weeks prior to the film's release, Devgn, who had starred, produced and directed the film, accused Johar of paying self-proclaimed critic Kamaal R Khan Rs 25 lakh to badmouth 'Shivaay'and praise ADHM.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Things turned worse when Kajol retweeted Ajay Devgn's accusations saying, "Shocked!". That seemed the end of Kajol and Karan Johar's friendship and KJo in his book, 'An Unsuitable Boy' accused Kajol of ending their 20 years long friendship without hearing his side of the story.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
But that seemed to be a thing of past. On Thursday, Kajol and Ajay Devgn shot for an episode of 'Koffee With Karan'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actress shared images of her and her husband on the sets of the show on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="kajol" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6eb43923-df51-46ed-a2d9-f15ed1ad43cb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/kajol%20ajay%20koffee.jpg" /></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqMjCULgUIb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">All is well........ 😜</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kajol/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kajol Devgan</a> (@kajol) on <time datetime="2018-11-15T09:32:52+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 15, 2018 at 1:32am PST</time></p>
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<p>Kajol and KJo reportedly made up sometime last year but it was refreshing to see Devgn and the filmmaker patching up and letting go of the past differences. What is more unique is the fact the Kajol and Ajay Devgn will be sharing the couch together for the first time. Both have appeared on the show earlier but with other celebrities.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqMr4OGjTfo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Koffee today with the talented husband wife!!! @kajol and @ajaydevgn ❤️❤️❤️ #koffeewithkaran @starworldindia @hotstar</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karanjohar/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Karan Johar</a> (@karanjohar) on <time datetime="2018-11-15T10:49:06+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 15, 2018 at 2:49am PST</time></p>
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<p>This is one episode that will be interesting to watch as one can be assured that Johar, the chat show host, will bring up Devgn and his feud and discuss it on the national TV.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This season has seen some interesting pairing of guests. Saif Ali Khan and his daughter Sara will feature in the upcoming episode. Johar has also shot with Arjun and Janhvi Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh and Badshah, Abhishek and Shweta Bachchan, Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal.&nbsp;</p>


Not many years ago, Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and Ajay Devgn's 'Shivaay' were set to clash at the Box Office as they were both releasing on Diwali. A few weeks prior to the film's release, Devgn, who had starred, produced and directed the film, accused Johar of paying self-proclaimed critic Kamaal R Khan Rs 25 lakh to badmouth 'Shivaay'and praise ADHM.

Not many years ago, Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and Ajay Devgn's 'Shivaay' were set to clash at the Box Office as they were both releasing on Diwali. A few weeks prior to the film's release, Devgn, who had starred, produced and directed the film, accused Johar of paying self-proclaimed critic Kamaal R Khan Rs 25 lakh to badmouth 'Shivaay'and praise ADHM. Things turned worse when Kajol retweeted Ajay Devgn's accusations saying, "Shocked!". That seemed the end of Kajol and Karan Johar's friendship and KJo in his book, 'An Unsuitable Boy' accused Kajol of ending their 20 years long friendship without hearing his side of the story. But that seemed to be a thing of past. On Thursday, Kajol and Ajay Devgn shot for an episode of 'Koffee With Karan'. The actress shared images of her and her husband on the sets of the show on Instagram. View this post on Instagram All is well........ 😜 A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) on Nov 15, 2018 at 1:32am PST × Kajol and KJo reportedly made up sometime last year but it was refreshing to see Devgn and the filmmaker patching up and letting go of the past differences. What is more unique is the fact the Kajol and Ajay Devgn will be sharing the couch together for the first time. Both have appeared on the show earlier but with other celebrities. View this post on Instagram Koffee today with the talented husband wife!!! @kajol and @ajaydevgn ❤️❤️❤️ #koffeewithkaran @starworldindia @hotstar A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) on Nov 15, 2018 at 2:49am PST × This is one episode that will be interesting to watch as one can be assured that Johar, the chat show host, will bring up Devgn and his feud and discuss it on the national TV. This season has seen some interesting pairing of guests. Saif Ali Khan and his daughter Sara will feature in the upcoming episode. Johar has also shot with Arjun and Janhvi Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh and Badshah, Abhishek and Shweta Bachchan, Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal.

Ajay Devgn buries his differences with Karan Johar, shoots for 'Koffee With Karan' with wife Kajol

<p>24 years ago when a sultry, blue-eyed girl came knocking at Aamir Khan&#39;s door asking for a Pepsi, she left the entire nation enamoured by her beauty. A year later Aishwarya Rai went on to win the Miss World title and inspired literally a generation of young girls to try their luck in the glamour industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When she made her debut in films, in Mani Ratnam&#39;s political drama <em>Iruvar</em> in 1997, critics panned her for her poor dialogue delivery and stiff acting. A film that had stalwarts like Mohanlal and Mamooty, Iruvar failed to make a mark at the Box Office despite critical acclaim. Aishwarya&#39;s Hindi debut the same year, <em>Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya</em> also failed to make a mark. &nbsp;Most had written her off as yet another pretty model who could not act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But with passing years, the actress not only managed to shut her critics with good performances, but also emerged as one of the biggest global names. She continues to capture the imagination of hundreds of fans despite not doing films regularly.</p>

<p>While much is written about her beauty, her global presence and how she continues to be an icon for nearly three decades, not much is written about the memorable characters she has portrayed on screen over the years. On her 44th birthday, here&#39;s a look at some of her best performances till date.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Kandukondain Kandukondain:&nbsp;</strong> Rajeev Menon&#39;s Tamil Film was an adaptation of Jane Austen&#39;s Sense and Sensibilities. A story of two sisters, Aishwarya was pitted against Tabu, an already award-winning actress by then. Yet Aishwarya held her own and even won critical acclaim&nbsp;for her innocent performance, complimenting Tabu&#39;s mature character.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>A still from the film Kandukondain Kandukondain. (Others)</p>
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<p><strong>Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam:</strong> Aishwarya&#39;s big ticket to fame came in form of Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s romantic drama. Her character Nandini ages through the film- from a naive young girl to a restrained, mature wife. The film earned her her first Filmfare Best Actress Award.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (Others)</p>
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<p><strong>Chokher Bali: </strong>&nbsp;Rituporno Ghosh saw what no one else could when he decided to cast a commercial actress like Aishwarya Rai in a classical film like <em>Chokher Bali</em>. Despite an alien language, (the film was in Bengali), a story set back in time, Aishwarya managed to make Binodini her own. A restrained performance, <em>Chokher Bali </em>perhaps managed to shut her critics up about her acting prowess.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Aishwarya Rai in Chokher Bali (Others)</p>
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<p><strong>Raincoat: </strong>After the critical success of <em>Chokher Bali</em>, Rituporno Ghosh again teamed up with Aishwarya for <em>Raincoat</em>. A Hindi film about two estranged lovers who meet one rainy day to exchange anecdotes about their lives, Raincoat was a beautiful film about longing, separation and pain that love causes. &nbsp;Dressed simply, Aishwarya delivered a restrained performance as the ailing Neerja and emoted through her eyes.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Aishwarya Rai In Raincoat (Others)</p>
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<p><strong>Guzarish: </strong>&nbsp;Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s second film with Aishwarya dealt with the grave topic of euthanasia. Co-starring Hrithik Roshan, the film had Aishwarya playing Sophia D&#39;Souza, his nurse in the film. A subtle story of love and loyalty, the actress as well as the film earned critical acclaim but was not a commercial hit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Aishwarya Rai In Guzarish (Others)</p>
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<p><strong>Provoked: </strong>&nbsp;Perhaps Aishwarya&#39;s best performance till date, <em>Provoked</em> was based on a real-life story. Directed by Jag Mundhra, Aishwarya played a battered wife who after suffering for years at the hands of her abusive husband, retaliates. The actress showcased a range of emotions on screen with absolute ease- never going overboard at any point. It was a difficult role to essay but Aishwarya delivered a memorable performance.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Aishwarya Rai in Provoked. (Others)</p>
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<p><strong>Jodha Akbar:</strong>&nbsp; Ashutosh Gowarikar&#39;s magnum opus dealt with Emperor Akbar&#39;s love for his first wife, Rajput Princess Jodha. Looking drop-dead gorgeous is all frames, Aishwarya let her eyes do the talking throughout the film.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Aishwarya Rai in a still from Jodha Akbar (Others)</p>
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<p><strong>Ae Dil Hai Mushkil:&nbsp;</strong> Although her role in the film was small, Aishwarya Rai managed to create maximum impact with her portrayal of a poetess in love with a much younger man. She stepped out of her comfort zone and played seductress and fans couldn&#39;t stop drooling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On her 44th birthday, here's a look at some of her best performances till date.

24 years ago when a sultry, blue-eyed girl came knocking at Aamir Khan's door asking for a Pepsi, she left the entire nation enamoured by her beauty. A year later Aishwarya Rai went on to win the Miss World title and inspired literally a generation of young girls to try their luck in the glamour industry. When she made her debut in films, in Mani Ratnam's political drama Iruvar in 1997, critics panned her for her poor dialogue delivery and stiff acting. A film that had stalwarts like Mohanlal and Mamooty, Iruvar failed to make a mark at the Box Office despite critical acclaim. Aishwarya's Hindi debut the same year, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya also failed to make a mark. Most had written her off as yet another pretty model who could not act. But with passing years, the actress not only managed to shut her critics with good performances, but also emerged as one of the biggest global names. She continues to capture the imagination of hundreds of fans despite not doing films regularly. While much is written about her beauty, her global presence and how she continues to be an icon for nearly three decades, not much is written about the memorable characters she has portrayed on screen over the years. On her 44th birthday, here's a look at some of her best performances till date. Kandukondain Kandukondain: Rajeev Menon's Tamil Film was an adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibilities. A story of two sisters, Aishwarya was pitted against Tabu, an already award-winning actress by then. Yet Aishwarya held her own and even won critical acclaim for her innocent performance, complimenting Tabu's mature character. A still from the film Kandukondain Kandukondain. (Others) × Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam: Aishwarya's big ticket to fame came in form of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama. Her character Nandini ages through the film- from a naive young girl to a restrained, mature wife. The film earned her her first Filmfare Best Actress Award. Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (Others) × Chokher Bali: Rituporno Ghosh saw what no one else could when he decided to cast a commercial actress like Aishwarya Rai in a classical film like Chokher Bali. Despite an alien language, (the film was in Bengali), a story set back in time, Aishwarya managed to make Binodini her own. A restrained performance, Chokher Bali perhaps managed to shut her critics up about her acting prowess. Aishwarya Rai in Chokher Bali (Others) × Raincoat: After the critical success of Chokher Bali, Rituporno Ghosh again teamed up with Aishwarya for Raincoat. A Hindi film about two estranged lovers who meet one rainy day to exchange anecdotes about their lives, Raincoat was a beautiful film about longing, separation and pain that love causes. Dressed simply, Aishwarya delivered a restrained performance as the ailing Neerja and emoted through her eyes. Aishwarya Rai In Raincoat (Others) × Guzarish: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's second film with Aishwarya dealt with the grave topic of euthanasia. Co-starring Hrithik Roshan, the film had Aishwarya playing Sophia D'Souza, his nurse in the film. A subtle story of love and loyalty, the actress as well as the film earned critical acclaim but was not a commercial hit. Aishwarya Rai In Guzarish (Others) × Provoked: Perhaps Aishwarya's best performance till date, Provoked was based on a real-life story. Directed by Jag Mundhra, Aishwarya played a battered wife who after suffering for years at the hands of her abusive husband, retaliates. The actress showcased a range of emotions on screen with absolute ease- never going overboard at any point. It was a difficult role to essay but Aishwarya delivered a memorable performance. Aishwarya Rai in Provoked. (Others) × Jodha Akbar: Ashutosh Gowarikar's magnum opus dealt with Emperor Akbar's love for his first wife, Rajput Princess Jodha. Looking drop-dead gorgeous is all frames, Aishwarya let her eyes do the talking throughout the film. Aishwarya Rai in a still from Jodha Akbar (Others) × Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Although her role in the film was small, Aishwarya Rai managed to create maximum impact with her portrayal of a poetess in love with a much younger man. She stepped out of her comfort zone and played seductress and fans couldn't stop drooling.

Aishwarya Rai @ 44: 8 roles which made her a mega star!

<p>The ban on Pakistani actors has become a thorny issue for the Indian film industry. Filmmaker Karan Johar on Tuesday said he was hurt on being labelled &quot;anti-national&quot; ahead of the release of his controversial film &quot;Ae Dil Hai Mushkil&quot; starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After facing threats by political parties in Maharashtra of vandalising theatres over the screening of the film, Karan said he would not engage with talent from Pakistan &quot;in the circumstance&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video statement, the director said: &quot;Remained silent because of deep sense of hurt that I felt, that there are a few people who actually believe that I am being anti-national. I need to say this and I say this with strength that for me this country comes first,&quot; Karan said.</p>

<p>&quot;Nothing else matters to me but my country. I have always felt that the best way to express your patriotism is to spread love and that is all I have done through my work.&quot;</p>

<p>Karan, who spearheads the Dharma Productions, said he respects the Indian Army for their unending commitment and everything they do to protect the nation. However, he also appealed that the efforts of his 300-member Indian crew must be considered before hindering the release of the movie.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the producers of the film - Fox Star Studios and Dharma Productions - met the Mumbai police commissioner to seek police protection after the political outfit Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threatened to physically hurt Karan Johar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and joint police commissioner (law and order) Deven Bharti assured the team full protection ahead of the release. Ashok Dudhe, the DCP of Mumbai Police, has come out in support of ADHM and said, &quot;We, Mumbai Police, will provide adequate protection to cinema theatres as and when required.To maintain law and order, we will provide protection to every cinema theatre in the city.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt, who is the president of The Film and Television Producers Guild of India, further said: &quot;Why are we Indians fighting one another? We are one, we are Indians, let us not get fragmented and let the terrorists feel that they have won by separating us. I know they are upset, we are also upset but we are helpless as the movie has already been made.&quot;</p>

<p>After much speculation over the release or a complete ban on the movie, the filmmakers have decided to stick to the initial schedule. The movie will hit cinemas worldwide on October 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the political party had given an ultimatum to Pakistani artists to leave the country, in response to the terror attack on the Indian Army in Uri, Kashmir last month.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Industry veterans sought police protection after political parties threaten to vandalise theatres showing films starring Pakistani actors

The ban on Pakistani actors has become a thorny issue for the Indian film industry. Filmmaker Karan Johar on Tuesday said he was hurt on being labelled "anti-national" ahead of the release of his controversial film "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. After facing threats by political parties in Maharashtra of vandalising theatres over the screening of the film, Karan said he would not engage with talent from Pakistan "in the circumstance". In a video statement, the director said: "Remained silent because of deep sense of hurt that I felt, that there are a few people who actually believe that I am being anti-national. I need to say this and I say this with strength that for me this country comes first," Karan said. "Nothing else matters to me but my country. I have always felt that the best way to express your patriotism is to spread love and that is all I have done through my work." Karan, who spearheads the Dharma Productions, said he respects the Indian Army for their unending commitment and everything they do to protect the nation. However, he also appealed that the efforts of his 300-member Indian crew must be considered before hindering the release of the movie. Earlier in the day, the producers of the film - Fox Star Studios and Dharma Productions - met the Mumbai police commissioner to seek police protection after the political outfit Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threatened to physically hurt Karan Johar. Police commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and joint police commissioner (law and order) Deven Bharti assured the team full protection ahead of the release. Ashok Dudhe, the DCP of Mumbai Police, has come out in support of ADHM and said, "We, Mumbai Police, will provide adequate protection to cinema theatres as and when required.To maintain law and order, we will provide protection to every cinema theatre in the city." Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt, who is the president of The Film and Television Producers Guild of India, further said: "Why are we Indians fighting one another? We are one, we are Indians, let us not get fragmented and let the terrorists feel that they have won by separating us. I know they are upset, we are also upset but we are helpless as the movie has already been made." After much speculation over the release or a complete ban on the movie, the filmmakers have decided to stick to the initial schedule. The movie will hit cinemas worldwide on October 28. Earlier, the political party had given an ultimatum to Pakistani artists to leave the country, in response to the terror attack on the Indian Army in Uri, Kashmir last month. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian filmmaker Karan Johar says won't work with Pakistani talent

<p>Amid a&nbsp;furore over ban on Pakistani artists and technicians from working in the Indian film industry, the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) on Monday decided to boycott Pakistani movies.</p>

<p>The organisers of the Mumbai Film Festival have decided not to exhibit any Pakistani film in this year&#39;s edition after a local social organisation threatened to protest against the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistani film &quot;Jago Hua Savera&quot; which was to be screened at the 18th edition of the festival, being held from October 20-27, has also been banned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Given the current situation, the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has decided not to programme &#39;Jago Hua Savera&#39; as part of the Restored Classics Section,&quot; organisers of the festival said in a statement.</p>

<p>The outfit, Sangharsh, had accused the organisers of playing with the nationalist sentiment of people of India, at a time when tensions are high along the border with Pakistan.</p>

<p>The group has also sought police permission to stage a protest against the screening of the 1958 Pakistani film at MAMI festival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film that tells the tale of life in a small fishing village during the days of undivided Pakistan (now independent Pakistan and Bangladesh) was shot in Dhaka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prithvi Mhaske of Sangharsh Foundation, who had filed the complaint against the organisers for the screening of the film said, &quot;if Mami has decided to not screen the film, we welcome the decision, that they have understood the sentiments.&quot;</p>

<p>Some from the industry too welcomed the decision saying the priority right now should be the national sentiment.</p>

<p>Directed by AJ Kardar, &quot;Jago Hua Savera&quot; was also selected as the entry from Pakistan for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 32nd Academy Awards in 1960.</p>

<p>On Friday, the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) also decided to boycott Fawad Khan starrer `Ae Dil Hai Mushkil` and said their decision has been taken considering the patriotic sentiments of the country amid tensions between India and Pakistan.</p>

<p>A state political body, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani actors to quit India and protested against the release of their movies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Organisers decided to boycott Pakistani movies at the event after a social organisation accused MAMI of playing with people's sentiments

Amid a furore over ban on Pakistani artists and technicians from working in the Indian film industry, the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) on Monday decided to boycott Pakistani movies. The organisers of the Mumbai Film Festival have decided not to exhibit any Pakistani film in this year's edition after a local social organisation threatened to protest against the event. The Pakistani film "Jago Hua Savera" which was to be screened at the 18th edition of the festival, being held from October 20-27, has also been banned. "Given the current situation, the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has decided not to programme 'Jago Hua Savera' as part of the Restored Classics Section," organisers of the festival said in a statement. The outfit, Sangharsh, had accused the organisers of playing with the nationalist sentiment of people of India, at a time when tensions are high along the border with Pakistan. The group has also sought police permission to stage a protest against the screening of the 1958 Pakistani film at MAMI festival. The film that tells the tale of life in a small fishing village during the days of undivided Pakistan (now independent Pakistan and Bangladesh) was shot in Dhaka. Prithvi Mhaske of Sangharsh Foundation, who had filed the complaint against the organisers for the screening of the film said, "if Mami has decided to not screen the film, we welcome the decision, that they have understood the sentiments." Some from the industry too welcomed the decision saying the priority right now should be the national sentiment. Directed by AJ Kardar, "Jago Hua Savera" was also selected as the entry from Pakistan for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 32nd Academy Awards in 1960. On Friday, the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) also decided to boycott Fawad Khan starrer `Ae Dil Hai Mushkil` and said their decision has been taken considering the patriotic sentiments of the country amid tensions between India and Pakistan. A state political body, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani actors to quit India and protested against the release of their movies. (WION with inputs from agencies)

No Pakistani films at Mumbai Film Festival after protest threats

<p>Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and India&#39;s ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party have been at each other&#39;s throat&nbsp;over the boycott of a film featuring an actor from Pakistan.</p>

<p>A day after film &#39;Ae Dil Hai Mushkil&#39; was banned in four Indian states by an exhibitors&#39; association, Kashyap said that by the same logic Prime Minister Narendra Modi should also apologise&nbsp;for his impromptu meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on December 25, 2015, since it was&nbsp;the same day when the boycotted movie was being filmed as well.</p>

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retaliated by condemning Kashyap, saying that such comments were harming the country as the government has been trying to &quot;isolate Pakistan&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Making these statements when the Prime Minister and the government are isolating Pakistan doesn&#39;t go with the national mood. Somewhere I feel that pride of the nation is missing and pride of a movie has taken over Anurag Kashyap,&quot; BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh said.</p>

<p>Kashyap took to Twitter again to defend himself. He also took a swipe at the &quot;blind fanatics&quot;&nbsp;who stop others from having a conversation with the prime minister.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I refuse to live in the fear created by blind fanatics that you cannot have a conversation with your PM or question him or expect from him</p>
&mdash; Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) <a href="https://twitter.com/anuragkashyap72/status/787595552552849413">October 16, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kashyap also urged the prime minister to offer the film industry more &quot;protection&quot; since it has always been a soft target.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have been vulnerable for long, and have been paying the price by being used by every one to find any kind of standing..</p>
&mdash; Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) <a href="https://twitter.com/anuragkashyap72/status/787592719950614528">October 16, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 44-year-old filmamker, who has made critically acclaimed movies such as Dev D and Gangs of Wasseypur, also questioned the nature of democracy if people were not allowed to pose uncomfortable questions to the government.</p>

<p>The movie &#39;Ae Dil Hai Mushkil&#39; was banned following strident calls from nationalist political parties in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The political outfits demanded that no movie&nbsp;starring Pakistani artistes should be released following the Uri attack on an army installation in Kashmir, which left 19 soldiers dead.</p>

<p>India has claimed that the perpetrators, four in total, were supported by Pakistan and have since then tried to put diplomatic pressure on their neighbours.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap was attacked by Bharatiya Janata Party for posing uncomfortable questions to PM Narendra Modi

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and India's ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party have been at each other's throat over the boycott of a film featuring an actor from Pakistan. A day after film 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' was banned in four Indian states by an exhibitors' association, Kashyap said that by the same logic Prime Minister Narendra Modi should also apologise for his impromptu meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on December 25, 2015, since it was the same day when the boycotted movie was being filmed as well. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retaliated by condemning Kashyap, saying that such comments were harming the country as the government has been trying to "isolate Pakistan". "Making these statements when the Prime Minister and the government are isolating Pakistan doesn't go with the national mood. Somewhere I feel that pride of the nation is missing and pride of a movie has taken over Anurag Kashyap," BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh said. Kashyap took to Twitter again to defend himself. He also took a swipe at the "blind fanatics" who stop others from having a conversation with the prime minister. I refuse to live in the fear created by blind fanatics that you cannot have a conversation with your PM or question him or expect from him — Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016 × Kashyap also urged the prime minister to offer the film industry more "protection" since it has always been a soft target. We have been vulnerable for long, and have been paying the price by being used by every one to find any kind of standing.. — Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016 × The 44-year-old filmamker, who has made critically acclaimed movies such as Dev D and Gangs of Wasseypur, also questioned the nature of democracy if people were not allowed to pose uncomfortable questions to the government. The movie 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' was banned following strident calls from nationalist political parties in India. The political outfits demanded that no movie starring Pakistani artistes should be released following the Uri attack on an army installation in Kashmir, which left 19 soldiers dead. India has claimed that the perpetrators, four in total, were supported by Pakistan and have since then tried to put diplomatic pressure on their neighbours. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India's ruling party, filmmaker at loggerheads over boycott of film

<p>A popular Indian film, which is slated to release later this month, has been boycotted in some Indian states because it features an actor from Pakistan.</p>

<p>Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) said they have refused to screen &#39;Ae Dil Hai Mushkil&#39; as the movie has Pakistan actor Fawad Khan in its ensemble cast.</p>

<p>A deadly attack on an Indian Army facility in Uri, Kashmir, last month soured India&#39;s relations with Pakistan, with nationalist parties calling for a ban on Indian movies starring artistes from across the border.</p>

<p>The exhibitors&#39; body, which deals with distribution of films in four Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa, said they came to this decision in order to not hurt &quot;patriotic feelings&quot; of people.</p>

<p>&quot;The COEAI has decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and the national interest of our country all our members and exhibitors will refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artiste, technicians, directors, music directors etc,&quot; the Association president Nitin Datar told reporters on Friday.</p>

<p>Datar also stressed that the decision was not taken due to any political pressure.</p>

<p>He also said movies featuring Pakistani actors will be boycotted till the time differences between the two south Asian nations are sorted out.</p>

<p>The decision to boycott the film has received criticism from some&nbsp;quarters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Renowned actor Om Puri said the decision should have been taken by the Indian government and not the exhibitors&#39; body.</p>

<p>&quot;If the government says not only actors but all Pakistanis, who have come here for business or to meet their relatives must go back to their country and their visas must be cancelled after three days, then I am with the government. Let the head of the country decide this and not us,&quot; Puri told Press Trust of India.</p>

<p>Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal said while he has no views on the matter, the decision could have been &quot;political, commercial or social&quot;.</p>

<p>The producers of the film are yet to comment on the issue.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Due to tension between the two nations, an exhibitors' body decided to ban 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' as it would hurt 'patriotic feelings'

A popular Indian film, which is slated to release later this month, has been boycotted in some Indian states because it features an actor from Pakistan. Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) said they have refused to screen 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' as the movie has Pakistan actor Fawad Khan in its ensemble cast. A deadly attack on an Indian Army facility in Uri, Kashmir, last month soured India's relations with Pakistan, with nationalist parties calling for a ban on Indian movies starring artistes from across the border. The exhibitors' body, which deals with distribution of films in four Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa, said they came to this decision in order to not hurt "patriotic feelings" of people. "The COEAI has decided that keeping in mind the patriotic feelings and the national interest of our country all our members and exhibitors will refrain from screening movies which have involvement of any Pakistani artiste, technicians, directors, music directors etc," the Association president Nitin Datar told reporters on Friday. Datar also stressed that the decision was not taken due to any political pressure. He also said movies featuring Pakistani actors will be boycotted till the time differences between the two south Asian nations are sorted out. The decision to boycott the film has received criticism from some quarters. Renowned actor Om Puri said the decision should have been taken by the Indian government and not the exhibitors' body. "If the government says not only actors but all Pakistanis, who have come here for business or to meet their relatives must go back to their country and their visas must be cancelled after three days, then I am with the government. Let the head of the country decide this and not us," Puri told Press Trust of India. Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal said while he has no views on the matter, the decision could have been "political, commercial or social". The producers of the film are yet to comment on the issue. (WION)

Indian film boycotted for featuring Pakistani actor