Bollywood producers' body wants Pak out

Bollywood will ban Pakistani artistes from working in the Hindi film industry for two years, announced Suresh Amin, CEO of the Indian Film and Television Producer Council (IFTPC), at a press conference here on Wednesday.

The decision followed Union Minister Babul Supriyo's objection to a song sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in upcoming movie Welcome to New York. Supriyo and the film producer, Vashu Bhagnani, were also present at the press conference.

Amin said the IFTPC will pass a resolution and notify all Bollywood producers to stop working with Pakistani artistes for the next two years.

He said that the nation is supreme, and in the light of ceasefire violations from across the border, the IFTPC would like to stop professional relations with Pakistan. The song, ishtehaar, sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, was frowned upon by the Minister, who questioned using artistes from across the border when there is no dearth of talent in India.

Bhagnani confessed to having felt guilty for having the song recorded in Khan's voice. Expressing helplessness in removing it from the movie on such a short notice, he said, "Prints have been sent worldwide. I cannot undo it but I assure all of you that my next ventures won't feature any Pakistani artistes. For me, India comes first."

Supriyo said that he was not speaking on behalf of any fringe group and the opinion was solely his.