MUMBAI/LAHORE: The ban on Pakistani artists working in India has long been imposed and every now and then, there are fresh calls for a complete ban on this cross-border exchange. Just last month, the Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA) refused to withdraw its ban on Pakistani artists working in India.
The ban came about two years ago, right before the release of Fawad Khan’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Mahira Khan’s Raees alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
However, this does not stop artists from interacting with one another on neutral ground and are often spotted making merry. Take, for instance, the presence of Adnan Siddiqui at Boney Kapoor’s nephew’s wedding in Dubai or Mahira Khan, Mawra Hocane and Saba Qamar chilling at the Masala Awards in Dubai with Sridevi and Manish Malhotra or rumours that Fawad Khan and Deepika Padukone are set to share the stage together Friday for an event.
Interestingly, it has also been noted that Pakistani singers, namely Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, continue to sing for Bollywood movies despite the oppositions.
The makers Varun Dhawan’s upcoming film October just released a song which has been sung by Rahat Fateh. The song titled ‘Tab Bhi Tu‘ has been penned by Tanveer Ghazi, while the music has been composed by Anupam Roy.
Similarly, a soundtrack from Tiger Shroff’s upcoming film Baaghi 2, released a couple of days ago, featured the vocals of Atif Aslam. Previously, Atif had sung ‘Dil Diya Gallan‘ for Salman Khan’s Tiger Zinda Hai and was met with a lot of opposition in India.
However, this did not put Bollywood off and rumours are adrift that Aslam has been roped in for playback for a song penned by Salman Khan for his upcoming film Race 3.
“Atif has been a part of every Race film and we felt he would be perfect for this romantic song. It will be a surprise for the audience,” producer Ramesh Taurani was quoted as saying by Mumbai Mirror.
According to sources, the song written by Salman Khan for his upcoming action-thriller is a romantic number, which is being choreographed by director Remo D’souza.
Atif has been an integral part of the Race franchise since its inception. The singer previously gave hits such as ‘Pehli Nazar Mein’ for Race (2008) and ‘Beintehaa’ for Race 2 (2013).
On the other hand, members of the Indian film industry, which include actor-director Nandita Das and Bahubali director SS Rajamoul, are currently in the country to attend the first Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF) which is taking place in Karachi from March 29 to April 1.
While speaking at the event, Das commented, “There should be no restrictions on borders. I am in Pakistan to break these barriers,” adding, “We are neighbours, friends and share similar food, language and culture so it’s bizarre that restrictions are placed on us visiting the other country or viewing their works.”
They should not.
We all know what kind of insult is meted out, from talks of overdubbing their voices with an Indian’s (good old Russian style) to no mention in the credits…
I oppose the ban, but if it’s to come to this, why lose self respect?
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