MNS chief Raj Thackeray threatens ban on Salman Khan films

He probably saw the backlash coming, but that didn't deter Bollywood actor Salman Khan for defending Pakistani artistes following the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association's resolution to ban them from working in India.

Several Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders were quick to denounce Salman's statement that "Art and terrorism should not be mixed."

Also read: Salman Khan faces backlash for supporting Pakistani artistes

The latest to join the fray is MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who threatened to ban Salman Khan's films "to teach him a lesson" in a press conference in Mumbai, reports NDTV.

"I think Salman should go to Pakistan and get a work permit there," he added. "Our jawans are dying on the border and all he is worried about is song and dance."

Read on: Pakistani artistes cannot be stopped from working in India, says Salman Khan

According to Indian Express, Thackeray went on to suggest that Pakistani artistes may be operating as spies in India.

"They may not be terrorists but how do you know that they are not informers who are passing information from here to there,” he said.

He also asked why Pakistani artistes were being hired when there's no dearth of talent in India. “More than the actors, these producers and directors are to be blamed. I think they will not understand unless we stop watching their films,” he added.

Since the Uri attack, Pakistani artistes have faced a clmapdown in India. After the initial demand for Pakistani artistes to 'leave' India, there has been a ban on them working in India and several concerts have been cancelled. Bollywood producers Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan also face the prospect of a ban on their films, Fawad Khan-starrer Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Mahira Khan-starrer Raees.