Mumbai, Feb 23 (INP) – The Indian film industry has been another home to many Pakistani artistes. However, recently most of these artistes have faced backlash in India with fiery demands being made for imposing a ban on them in Bollywood. According to Indian media, the Indian Film and Television Producer Council is set to seek a two-year ban on Pakistani artistes working in India. A recent incident triggered another wave of criticism in India following the song - ‘Ishtehaar’ by Pakistan’s most celebrated musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in the movie ‘Welcome to New York’. Singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo demanded Rahat’s version of the song be removed from the film and be re-recorded with an Indian singer. Supriyo said that he would like to request the makers of the film to remove Rahat’s voice suggesting someone from India to ‘dub it’. He also stated that he’s not sure why Atif Aslam was given a chance to sing Dil Diya Gallan when Arijit could have done a better job. Rumours regarding Arijit Singh’s song being replaced with Rahat’s version by super star Salman Khan also made rounds. Producer of the film, Vashu Bhagnani in a statement claimed that Arijit never recorded any song for Welcome to New York. The film features Sonakshi Sinha, Diljit Dosanjh, Boman Irani, Karan Johar and Neha Dhupia, with Salman Khan in a guest appearance. In 2016, it was rumoured that Jag Ghoomeya from the movie Sultan used Rahat’s voice instead of Arijit’s, which was later denied by Salman Khan stating that it was the producer’s decision to use Rahat’s version. Fawad Khan’s presence in Karan Johar’s 2016 film, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, also sparked a widespread criticism which caused a lot of drama resulting in the filmmaker eventually apologising to ensure the film was released smoothly. Recently, Suresh Amin, CEO of Indian Film and Television Producer Council (IFTPC) has asked for a two-year ban on “Pakistani artistes working in the Hindi film industry”. He said that the council will pass a resolution and inform Bollywood to “stop working with Pakistani artistes for the next two years”. Reacting to the demands, Bhagnani has said, “Prints have been sent worldwide. I cannot undo it but I assure all of you that my next ventures won’t feature any Pakistani artistes. For me, India comes first. We will spread the word in the industry and send notices to everyone that ‘please stop (working with) all Pakistani artistes.” Inp/khan