Karan Johor’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ frees from “Mushkil”

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis played the role of a mediator on Saturday in a meeting between the producers of the film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ and MNS leader Raj Thackeray.

According to the Indian media, the producers of the film vowed that they would not work with Pakistani artists in future paving way for what could be a smooth release of the film around Diwali. The MNS also said they would not oppose the release of the film.

“Producers who have signed Pakistani actors will have to pay Rs. 5 crore as 'penance' for army welfare,” Raj Thackeray said, suggesting he will not block the release of ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, after producers promised not to caste Pakistani actors in the future.

Film director Karan Johar, producers' guild president Mukesh Bhatt met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mr Thackeray, whose Maharashtra Navnirman Sena or MNS is among outfits that had threatened to vandalise cinemas and block the film as it stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.

"We had a constructive meeting and shared emotions of industry. For us, India comes first. I have assured Chief Minister that...we'll not work with Pakistani actors," Mr Bhatt said after the meeting.

Claiming victory, Mr Thackeray said, "All the producers who have Pakistani artistes in their film will as penance have to pay some money. I suggested Rs. 5 crore per film... and give the money to the army welfare fund."

The condition will also apply to upcoming Shah Rukh Khan starrers ‘Raees’ and ‘Dear Zindagi’.