Due to increasing insecurity because of MNS's tirade against north Indians, the Bhojpuri film industry is now planning to relocate itself out of Mumbai. The move could, however, hurt hundreds of Maharashtrians employed in the Rs 200-crore industry.

Bhojpuri film industry, which is worth Rs 200 hundred crore, produces almost 75 films every year for its 250 million target audience, employs hundreds of unskilled and semi-skilled people from Maharashtra at various stages of film production and distribution.


The industry, which has around 50 registered production houses in Mumbai, has initiated talks with state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Bhojpuri superstar and producer Manoj Tiwari confirming the report said, “We have given a proposal to the Uttar Pradesh government through its cultural minister Subhash Pandey for setting up the industry in Lucknow. Besides we are also counting in some other option like Delhi, Noida and Patna.”


The singer-turned-actor reckoned that relocating industry to Uttar Pradesh or Bihar would also open new area of employment to the natives of the states.


He also said that despite employing a large number of Maharashtrians, the Bhojpuri film industry is still being targeted for its connection with north India, even though Bhojpuri film industry have their audiences across the country. “We are living under the shadow of fear in Mumbai. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists target us during outdoor shootings. We are not secure here,” Tiwari added.


The actor further told that he had to stop shooting for one of his movies featuring Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff at Satara when some suspected MNS activists attacked the unit. The shooting was later completed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.


Earlier this year, in February, Tiwari’s office, situated inside MHADA colony in suburban Versova, was allegedly attacked by some MNS activists.