Sunday, July 17 2005 12:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: On a plea made by film fraternity, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) toned down its agitation against actor Salman Khan with its leader Gopinath Munde appealing to party workers not to disrupt the screening of his film "Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya" in theatres across Maharashtra to protest against the actor's alleged underworld links.

The decision was taken by Munde after a 30-member delegation of the film industry, headed by Pahlaj Nihalani, President of Association of Motion Pictures and Television Producers Association, prevailed upon him to restrain party workers from agitating in theatres and stop screening of the movie which was released on July 15, 2005.

"I appeal to the party workers to restrain from agitating inside theatres and allow film goers to watch the film, Munde, BJP leader in the State legislative assembly, told reporters.

However, Munde clarified that BJP's protest against Salman's alleged links with underworld would continue outside theatres until the State initiates action against him after confirming the authenticity of the tapes containing the telephonic talk between Salman and actress Aishwarya Rai in which the actor purportedly threatens Rai to perform at a show organised by underworld or face dire consequences.

The delegation including Pahlaj Nihlani, David Dhawan and actress Sushmita Sen, told Munde that Salman alone was not associated with the film and there were several other artists who had contributed towards making the film and hence, the film should be spared from the controversy.

They also told Munde that BJP activists had allegedly torn posters outside theatres and destroyed prints at some places.