Haridwar film shoot halted over Bar signboard protest

A film shoot in the holy city of Haridwar, Uttarakhand, was disrupted this week after local residents objected to a temporary "Cafe Bar" signboard erected for the production, leading to a heated confrontation with the crew. The incident occurred during the filming of an upcoming project starring Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi.

Videos that circulated online on June 11 show a tense argument between members of the public and the film unit. The dispute reportedly began when the production team set up a mock restaurant façade featuring the sign. Residents took offense at the use of the word "Bar" in Haridwar, a major Hindu pilgrimage site where the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in its main religious areas. They argued the signage was inappropriate and disrespectful to the city's spiritual significance.

In the viral footage, security personnel and production team members are seen attempting to calm the situation and engage with the agitated locals. According to multiple reports, the disagreement escalated to the point where the shoot was halted. Emraan Hashmi was not present at the location during the incident, as confirmed by his absence in the circulating clips,...