Bollywood

India and Pakistan’s heightened tensions since an attack on an army barracks in Uri, Kashmir, haveresultedinincreasinglyacrimonious barbs even between its usually friendly film industries.

Pakistani cinemas stopped showing Bollywood fare in their theatres weeks ago. And a blanket ban against showing Indian content on Pakistani television networks and radio stations took effect last week.

India’s government has not issued a blanket ban but said it would make such decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Following the Uri attack, the MNS issued a 48-hour notice on September 25 to Pakistani actors to leave the country.

The MNS, formed after breaking away from the Shiv Sena in 2006, positions itself as a champion of native rights.

Mukesh Bhatt, chief of the filmproducers’guildof India,told reporters the film will be released as scheduled on October 28.

“Nation and patriotism comes first even for the film fraternity and we respect the Indian soldiers than anything else. We have decided to not engage any Pakistani artiste in our films in future,” he said.

MULAYAM HAS CONVENED A MEETING OF PARTY MLAS AND MINISTERS ON SUNDAY

Akhilesh’s decision to start his poll campaign and go on a yatra two days before the party silver jubilee celebrations, on November 5, indicated widening of the fissures.

The seven youth leaders were expelled for raising slogans against party leadership after Akhilesh was removed as party’s state president last month.

Mulayam has convened a meeting of party legislators and ministers on Sunday but it was unclear whether Akhilesh will attend it.

Akhilesh had skipped a meeting called by Shivpal on Friday.

Beni Prasad Verma, who returned to the party from the Congress recently, said “Netaji (Mulayam) is deeply pained. What has happened (Singhs letter) hurt Mulayam Singh’s prestige.

“I would request Akhilesh to get things sorted out. It is time to close ranks (with assembly polls just months away)... there is little time.”