MNS allows TV show with Pak singers

A week after threatening to disrupt the planned television show ‘Sur Kshetra,’ featuring vocalists from Pakistan, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Thursday withdrew its opposition citing money matters.

Known for its right wing stance, MNS, however, told reporters here that producers have already shot several episodes and have spent a lot of money. The part added it “will not allow shows featuring Pakistani in future.”

The Indo-Pak musical contest,  a reality  reality show in which noted singer Asha Bhosle will be the judge, will be aired on Saturday as per schedule on television channels-Colours and Sahara One - after filmmaker Boney Kapoor and CEO of Colours TV met MNS chief Raj Thackeray.

Last week, Maharastra Navnirman Chitrapat Karamchari Sena (MNCKS), a front organisation of MNS, had shot off a letter to the television channel warning them of dire consequences if they attempt to air the programme featuring Pakistani vocalists.

Singer Asha Bhosle had quipped “Atithi Devo Bhava” (guests are akin to gods), to which Raj Thackeray replied: “Paisa Devo Bhava” (Money is God).

Even as the opposition was snow-balling into a major controversy, both parties sorted out the issue and soon after the meeting, MNCKS spokesperson Ameya Khopkar said the show producers have assured that “they would keep public sentiments in mind in future.”

The music contest will also feature noted singers Runa Laila, Himesh Reshammiya and others.

‘Lodge cases on Raj, Uddhav’

A Muzaffarpur court on Thursday directed the district police to lodge a case against Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray under relevant sections, reports PTI from Patna.

Chief Judicial Magistrate S P Singh directed Muzaffarpur district police chief Rajesh Kumar on a petition filed by an advocate seeking action against them for their hate speeches.