Sena allows cable operators to air 'Bigg Boss' show

The party is protesting the inclusion of two Pakistani artistes Begum Nawazish and Veena Mallik on the show, being hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.

Cable operators had blocked airing 'Bigg Boss' in Mumbai and Thane on Wednesday evening following a directive from the Sena which wanted Colors to throw two Pakistani actors out of the reality show.

"The channel has written a letter to the party chief Balasaheb Thackeray apologising to Indians if their sentiments were hurt through the show," Sena leader Anil Parab told PTI.

Following the apology, the party has allowed to air the show on cable from yesterday midnight. However, talks are still on with the channel on sending back the Pakistani artists, Parab said.
"The party has not withdrawn the protest. We have demanded removal of Pakistani contestants from the show and would pursue it," the Sena leader said.

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray yesterday criticised the show saying it had become a trend to invite people from the neighbouring country in the name of entertainment.

"Through 'Bigg Boss', a lawyer who fought the case of Ajmal Kasab, the convict of the 26/11 terror attacks, two Pakistani contestants and a dacoit come on our television screens every day. I do not know whether to laugh or cry over this kind of entertainment," Uddhav said.

Earlier this week, the Sena had appealed to observe bandh in Lonavala, where the shooting of the show is on, to protest against the participation of Pakistani artists in 'Bigg Boss'.
When contacted the channel declined to comment.