Tiger Zinda Hai screenings in India interrupted by protesters

Trouble isn't over for the cast and crew of Tiger Zinda Hai.

After MNS demanded that the Salman Khan-starrer be pulled from cinemas to offer prime time slots to a Marathi film, the film's screenings in Rajahstan are being marred by protests against the lead star, reports Hindustan Times.

Protestors, incensed by Salman's alleged use of a derogative word for scheduled castes in India, were burning effigies and tearing down Tiger Zinda Hai posters outside cinema halls on the film's opening day yesterday.

“A few days ago, Salman Khan in an interview used ‘bhangi’ word. Constitutionally also, using this word is an abuse; it has hurt the sentiments of Valmiki community,” Jitendra Hatwal Valmiki, a social worker, told Hindustan Times. Salman is reported to have used the word in relation to his dancing skills in an interview four years ago.

“Our demand is that Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty should apologise to Valmiki community; till then the movie should be stopped in the state,” Jitendra said.

However, the film distributors aren't very perturbed by the protests.

“Protests were held by the Valmiki community at different places in the state outside cinema halls, but movie watchers were not affected. Police are providing protection,” said Raj Bansal, distributor of Yash Raj Films in Jaipur. Police have arrested around 40 protesters.