Hema Malini: We are artistes and so are those who come from Pakistan to perform here

New Delhi: Veteran actress and politician Hema Malini says she appreciates the work of Pakistani actors but cannot say if they should work in India or not. [caption id=“attachment_2748192” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Hema Malini. AFP[/caption] Asked about her view on the ban on Pakistani artistes in India, Hema Malini, a BJP MP, said, “I don’t want to comment much on this controversial question. But all I can say is that we are artistes and so are those who come from there (Pakistan) to perform here. “As an artiste, I can appreciate their work. But whether they should stay here or not, I can’t comment,” she added. Hema Malini was launching a new campaign of the brand Kent RO. The Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association has decided to ban Pakistani artistes from working in Indian movies following a terror attack on Indian troops in Jammu and Kashmir that left 19 soldiers dead. The film industry has been divided on the issue of banning Pakistani artistes in the wake of Uri attack. Actors Randeep Hooda, Anupam Kher, filmmakers Ashoke Pandit, Madhur Bhandarkar are among those who have backed the ban . The debate began after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) demanded the ouster of the artistes from the neighbouring country.