Film industry is open for the world's talent: Saif Ali Khan backs Pak actors

Mumbai: Retorting to the ultimatum issued by Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) that it would push out Pakistani actors if they do not leave on their own, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan on Tuesday downplayed the challenge thrown by the former and said that film industry is open for world's talent.

Khan said that it is for the government to decide who should be allowed to work or not.

"The film industry is open for the world's talent, especially across borders. The government has to decide these things. We are artists, so we will talk about love and peace but the government should make laws and decide who is allowed to work and who isn't," said Khan.

Days after 18 soldiers were martyred in the terror strike at Uri, the MNS had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani actors and artistes to leave India by September 25 or else they would be "pushed out".

Post the threats, Fawad Khan, who is currently in Pakistan attending to his wife Sadaf who is pregnant with their second child, is unlikely to return to India anytime soon following the threats by the MNS.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has also urged for condemnation from the side of Pakistani actors and said that it is important for them to castigate the Uri attack.

Kher said that it is important for them to say, "I condemn the unfortunate massacre of Indian soldiers".