[Reader-list] Pakistan kids on reality show face MNS ire

[Subhash]

How can we begin a dialogue for peace if we cannot even trust our
children? Shame on MNS.

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Now, Pakistan kids on reality show face MNS ire
Bharati Dubey, TNN, Jul 27, 2010, 04.11am IST

MUMBAI: After shunting out Pakistani stand-up comedian Shakeel
Siddiqui, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is now targeting Pakistani kids
who are in the city to participate in a musical show on a private
television channel.

MNS members threatened the channel on Monday that they would not
tolerate any Pakistani coming to India and participating in any kind
of show. MNS Cine Workers' Association president Ameya Khoppkar said,
"This step by the channel and the producer of show has shocked people
across the country. How can you allow people from Pakistan to come to
India after the 26/11 terror attack?''

Most people in the industry were aghast at the party not even leaving
kids alone though there were some who agreed with the MNS stand.

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt said, "The Mahatma said we should start with
children if we were to teach real peace in this world and if we were
to carry on a real war against war. It is heartbreaking to see Chhote
Ustad being targeted! Are we now going to use kids in our hate
campaign?''

Writer-director Vinta Nanda agreed, "Is India a democracy or a fascist
nation? Am sure no one in MNS knows the pain of separation, they have
never been displaced or uprooted from their home or had to start their
lives afresh. Why can't they allow peace and harmony between the two
countries?''

But there was some support for the MNS stand. A singer, who didn't
want to be quoted, said, "We Indians have always liked the outsider
and that is our problem. So many of them have told me that they like
Pakistani singers and don't really encourage our talent.''

Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association president TP Agarwal,
too, voiced a similar feeling. "When they don't encourage our singers
there, why should we allow them here? I am totally against it. Even if
this show is not employment-based, I would still not want Pakistanis
to come to India,'' he said.

The host of the show, Sonu Nigam, and producer-director Gajendra Singh
were not available for comment but a spokesperson of the private
channel said, "Chote Ustaad is a common opportunity for showcasing
Indian and Pakistani kids' talent. They form pairs to compete with
each other and are not participating as representatives of one country
against those of another. It does not provide an avenue for employment
but attempts to bring out the musical vibrancy of each country through
the show.''

Khoppkar, however, stuck to his guns. "I have also told the the
channel that the Pakistani kids taking part in the show must recite
Vande Mataram before the show. Will they do it?'' he asked.

"The next time anyone brings Pakistanis here, we are going to beat
them up. We have enough talent in India,'' he said, adding, "Don't you
know how many children died and were orphaned in 26/11?''

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Now-Pakistan-kids-on-reality-show-face-MNS-ire/articleshow/6220792.cms