KARACHI: British Parliament member Manuela Perteghella called on Monday for action against Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat and Indian singer Yo Yo Honey Singh over a music video featuring children wielding firearms, Deadline reported.

The video for the song Jatt Mehkma, which was filmed in the UK, has gained nearly 40 million views on YouTube since its November release.

The four-minute video ends with a scene where four young boys join Hayat’s character to open fire on a group of men using replica automatic weapons and shotguns.

According to Dawn.com, the British MP representing Stratford-upon-Avon formally raised the issue with the UK Home Office after the video sparked concern for what critics called a “disturbing glorification of violence.”

The video was reportedly filmed at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire and in Birmingham’s city centre, with logistical support from a UK-based production company.

Sources told the Home Office is considering exclusion orders against both Hayat and Singh, which would bar them from entering the country.

“There are serious concerns about the use of imitation firearms and exposing minors to violent themes,” a source familiar with the matter said.

Ms Hayat, featured in Marvel’s Ms. Marvel series and known for Pakistani films like Load Wedding and Actor in Law, has denied any action is being taken against her.

“These claims are entirely speculative and misleading,” she said in a statement, urging media platforms to verify facts before spreading such narratives.

Mr Singh, one of India’s most recognisable hip-hop stars and subject of the Netflix documentary Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, has remained silent.

The UK Home Office and West Midlands Police have declined to comment and no legal proceedings have been announced yet.

Following the controversy, the BBC Asian Network is reportedly no longer considering Jatt Mehkma for future playlists.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2025