Many B-town celebrities come out in support of Pakistani artists who are being targeted and continuously facing threats by India’s extremist party Shiv Sena.
Recently, Shiv Sena had said that it will not allow any Pakistani actor, cricketer or performer to step on Maharashtra’s soil. Seeking a ban, they also targeted two most popular Pakistani actors in Bollywood; Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan. They are also trying to put ban for the promotion of their upcoming movies ‘Raees’ and ‘Kapoor and Sons’. However, various Bollywood celebrities have taken a stand against the threats by Shiv Sena.
According to local media report, director Kabir Khan said, “I feel that arts and culture should be kept away from politics. Politics is at its place and culture exchange is at its place and above politics. There are numerous actors, singers and performers from Pakistan in our industry. They are a crucial component and they should be allowed to continue being a part of it”.
Actor Emraan Hashmi said,” There should not be any bounds on creativity. We see numerous international stars performing and there shouldn’t be any bounds to that. Creativity shouldn’t be stifled, everyone should be there to express”.
Actress Soha Ali Khan said that all that is happening with Pakistani performers is not what India stands for. “As an artist, as a citizen of the country, I consider it wrong. It’s not what India stands for and that’s not what films and art stand for. So, along with all the authors who’re giving back their awards, so that’s what we need to do”.
Actress Nimrat Kaur of ‘Homeland’ fame believes that in a free world, the pleasure of being an artist is that you can perform anywhere and reach out to people anywhere.” I come from a democratic bent and I don’t endorse any sort of inhibition on artist being able to perform anywhere. So it is very sad to hear this in any part of the world.
Indian filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt, who is also the President of Film & Television Producers Guild of India, said that art should be kept away from politics. "I feel art and culture should be kept separate from politics. All over the world, it is art and culture which bridges the gap. It is a strong force to create peace and harmony and it benefits the society irrespective of the boundaries," he said.
‘Mary Kom’ director Omung Kumar said, “It’s not correct and I think it’ll die down, but this shouldn’t happen. Films could be affected and will get affected but hopefully people are working it out and I think it wouldn’t be for a long time”.
Director Mohit Suri said, “I don’t believe in bans. Art should move freely across”.
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