Earlier in a sad turn of events, the all-female starrer Indian movie Veere Di Wedding was banned from release in Pakistan by the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC).
The much-awaited movie was scheduled to release worldwide on June 1, but, before its release, the censor board unanimously decided to ban the film due to vulgar language, objectionable sexual dialogues and the theme of the film as it posed a threat to the morality of the Pakistani society.
The film stars Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania.
Moreover, the distributors also withdrew their application to release it in Pakistan after viewing its ‘questionable’ content.
Following its release, across the globe, except Pakistan of course, a video emerged on social media of the cast’s interview with Indian film critic Rajeev Masand.
Whats so OMG about this interview, you ask? Well, watch for yourself and you will know what we are talking about.
Now, it’s understandable for an actor to be upset that their movie got banned, however, what Swara went on to say was pretty disturbing and hurtful, especially when she referred to Pakistan as a ‘failing state’.
“And why should we hold Pakistan, a failing state as a keep taking pleasure and a sense of self-worth from all the silly things that are happening in Pakistan,” she said, like OUCH, I thought we were supposed to support each other and what not, we are, after all, neighbouring countries.
And then she apologised to all her Pakistani fans, like whaaaattttt??
I mean, we understand that things aren’t all that great in our country, but it is definitely not a ‘failing state.’
Urwa Hocane immediately called out the Bollywood star for her comments:
Following her comments, of course, social media went bonkers:
aw, swara & sonam kept high fiving during rajeev masand!! so cute!!
— ✨ (@masakaali) June 2, 2018
Swara’s comments about Pakistan really irritate me. Her interviews always annoy me because she doesn’t really seem like she’s well educated about the topics she seems to preach about.
— Sofia (@SofiaSaghir) June 2, 2018
@ReallySwara comments calling Pakistan a failed state run by Shariah law…. why do you take the time and effort to get yourself into controversies again and again? Cribbing about the film being banned in Pakistan but how about your govt that bans Paki artists from working there?
— Anita Malik (@anita9218) June 2, 2018
Dear @ReallySwara.
Pakistan is not run by Shariah law.
I’m amazed that a vocal woman such as yourself doesn’t understand what Pakistan is.
We were the SAME country 7 decades ago & we’ve been neighbors since. And you still don’t know the first thing about it.
— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) June 2, 2018
It’s just terrible & sad and & disappointing that educated, intelligent people in India have such a ridiculous Homeland-y view of Pakistan. Our women are ministers, rockstars, politicians, writers, athletes, scientists, Oscar-winners & Nobel Laureates.
Please read up.
— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) June 2, 2018
When you’re promoting women empowerment and your own country bans Padmavat and wants the actress dead for playing a role but you still have the nerve to talk shit about Pakistan. Kindly stoop down to your level and enlighten us about your own country or should i? #SwaraBhaskar
— Aisha Saeed (@ayeshasaeed674) June 2, 2018
?? ?? Double standards much Swara? ?Make up your mind already‼We’re not quite sure what you actually feel about Pakistan and we’re definitely not a failing state girl.
#SwaraBhaskar #SonamKapoor #KareenaKapoor #ShikhaTalsania #RajeevMasnad pic.twitter.com/cSqnnBKUd1— Galaxy Lollywood (@galaxylollywood) June 2, 2018
You can criticize a country for baning a film but giving such irreverent remarks is very disrespectful.There are many countries in the world who take such steps.Your own country wanted to assault the actress for a film.Don’t relate this with Women Empowerment #SwaraBhaskar
— Momna Bashir (@BashirMomna) June 3, 2018
#swarabhaskar i am really disappointed. You are an amazing actor but the way you are addressing our country and talking about it, is simply disrespectful. Yes #VeereydiWedding is banned in #pakistan. You are saying you don’t care yet you are breathless talking cr** about it.
— Jinaan Hussain (@sundustariq08) June 2, 2018
Was really looking forward to Veere Di Wedding but really disappointed with what Swara Bhasker has said.
Trust me everyone here hated that the movie got banned.— Mayhem ✨ (@mahamtopia) June 3, 2018
Earlier in 2005, Swara had visited Pakistan with a friend and when she came again in 2015, she narrated tales of her first visit on show Mazaaq Raat saying she was absolutely smitten by Lahore.
“My friend and I came here and found that the state which is often viewed as the enemy state, is absolutely not like that at all. The amount of love we have received here. I have travelled to a lot of places, London, New York, Paris, Istanbul, they are all nothing compared to Lahore.”
Yes, it’s unfortunate that the film was banned. Moreover, film, music and art need to be looked individually, outside the political domain. Art is supposed to bring us closer, not push us further away, especially with such statements.