Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat, best known internationally for her role in the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel, and Indian rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh are under fire in the UK following a controversial music video filmed in Birmingham that shows children wielding firearms.
According to sources speaking to Deadline, British MP Manuela Perteghella, who represents Stratford-upon-Avon in the West Midlands, has filed a formal complaint with the UK Home Office over the video titled Jatt Mehkma. The government is now reportedly considering “exclusion orders” that could prevent both Hayat and Singh from entering the UK.
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Released in November, the video has gained nearly 40 million views on YouTube and has featured on BBC Asian Network playlists. Shot at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire and in central Birmingham, the video depicts a gangster-themed narrative in which four young boys support Hayat’s character by opening fire with replica guns.
MP Perteghella confirmed she is awaiting a response from the Home Office but declined to provide further comment. The Home Office also refrained from making any public statements, and West Midlands Police—also believed to have been notified—has not responded to media inquiries.
A source familiar with the matter noted that the Home Office may find it easier to impose a travel ban rather than pursuing legal action, as both individuals are non-UK nationals. The proposed exclusion could be justified on the grounds that their presence in the UK is “not conducive to the public good” under current immigration laws. Although such bans are not made public, the individuals involved would be notified privately.
The video has raised legal concerns, including the depiction of imitation firearms and the involvement of minors in violent scenes, which may violate British laws on harmful content and child protection.
While representatives for Hayat did not issue any statements, Honey Singh—who has familial ties in the UK—also remained silent. He is credited as the creative mind behind the video, which was directed by Mihir Gulati, who has also not commented on the controversy.
Hayat is well known in Pakistan for her roles in films like Load Wedding and Actor in Law, while Singh enjoys massive popularity in India and was the focus of the Netflix documentary Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, boasting over 19 million Instagram followers.
The music video was produced by Blue Bling Production House, a UK-registered company. However, its founder Vipulkumar Sharma clarified that his involvement was limited to logistical support such as accommodations, transport, and catering.
