MUMBAI: Taking cross border politics to next level, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray launched a blistering attack against veteran singer Asha Bhosle for taking part in the music reality show ‘Sur-kshetra’ involving six vocalists from Pakistan and India each.

As reported by Radioandmusic.com earlier, Thackeray ridiculed Bhosle’s remark which she made at a press conference on Thursday to defend her participation in the show. Bhosle said, “Pakistani vocalists should be welcomed in the time-honoured Indian tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guests are Gods).”

Referring to the fee Bhosle has reportedly charged for the show, Thackeray said in a press meet today, “Is this ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ or ‘Paisa Devo Bhava’? Why did she not say this when Kasab was arrested? She should have refused the offer of working with Pakistani singers. Pakistan and Bangladesh are aiming to destroy our country and she makes artistes from Pakistan big. There is no dearth of talented artists in India. Pamper them and make them big.”

Also reminding the singer of her family’s famed loyalty to freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, he added, “Would Veer Savarkar have endorsed Bhosle’s decision to collaborate with Pakistani singers?”

He also further criticized Colors TV channel for broadcasting the show to increase its TRPs and warned them and the other channels to avoid including Pakistani artistes in their TV shows. He said, “If any channel goes ahead with such programmes and if anything happens to their offices, the government will be responsible for it.”

The MNS has issued a ‘ban’ diktat to Colors TV channel not to broadcast a show on 8 September where noted singer Bhosle will sing with Pakistani vocalists and has threatened to disrupt the shoots of the channel if it airs the programme.