Ban on Pakistani artistes polarizes Bollywood
8:46 AM
The oldest film producers' body in India has passed a resolution that Pakistani artistes will not be allowed to be a part of our entertainment industry. Opinion makers speak up...
Rachana Dubey, Debarati Sen and Seema Mattoo (BOMBAY TIMES; October 1, 2016)
In less than a week after
MNS issued an ultimatum to artistes from Pakistan to leave India, Indian
Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) called for a blanket ban
on artistes and technicians from Pakistan. The decision was made on
Thursday at IMPPA 's 87th AGM, and comes as a reaction to the Uri attack
that claimed the lives of 19 Indian jawans. The body states that the
films that are complete and about to release will not be in the line of
fire. But films that were being planned with Pakistani artistes will
come under the radar.
While Pakistani artistes have always been warmly welcomed in India, over the last two years alone, a large number of popular Indian films have not been released across the border under various pretexts, the latest being M S Dhoni - The Untold Story.
Following the recent turn of events, including the Pathankot and Uri attacks, and the surgical military operation carried out on Thursday by the Indian army, Bombay Times spoke to an array of opinion makers to understand the impact IMPPA 's decision will have on the cultural exchange between India and Pakistan.
“WE HAVE ALWAYS GIVEN CONTRIBUTED POSITIVELY MORE AND TO THE RELATIONSHIP, WHICH HASN'T RECIPROCATED IN THE SAME BEEN MEASURE“
India-Pakistan's cultural relations have been lopsided. The reception for Pakistani artistes here has always been grand. We have always given more, and contributed positively to the relationship, which hasn't been reciprocated in the same measure. Lata Mangeshkar is the most popular Indian singer with a wide following in Pakistan. But the establishment there has never hosted her as a performer in their country. The common man and most of the artistes of Pakistan don't think and act like the army and the establishment. They see India as a land of opportunity, but given the current circumstances it might not be possible. And for that, they can only blame their own establishment and the army. Going by the sentiment of our nation, the decision made to suspend the involvement of Pakistani artistes in our films and cultural programmes, appears to be inevitable. But let's hope that at some point, the relationship changes and we can balance our cultural exchanges - Javed Akhtar, screenwriter, lyricist
-----------------------
BOMBAY TIMES (October 1, 2016)
SHOBHAA DE, Author and columnist
This is just the sort of 'tokenism' that goes nowhere in the long run. As has been repeated a hundred times earlier by performing artistes across the spectrum, politics has no role to play in cultural collaborations. Boycotts, threats, bans and tit-for-tat strictures are an outdated form of official protest. By vandalising theatres or threatening filmmakers, nothing can be achieved. It doesn't prevent terrorism, nor does it solve the ongoing problems, which require solutions that go beyond meaningless diktats. Bowing down to pressure tactics is not the response one expects from responsible bodies that are supposed to safeguard the interests of members who belong to the vast entertainment community. It is not a question of whether or not we can do without Pakistani artistes. We have abundant talent right here. It is more a question of surrendering to the diktats of political parties, trying to derive mileage from the political crisis. Instead of indulging in such conduct, why not do something constructive for the film industry? Let's not convert this into the ultimate test of patriotism. Whether one watches or does not watch Fawad Khan does not make you a better or worse Indian.
SALMAN KHAN, Actor
They are artistes not terrorists. It's the government that gives them permits and visas. (The actor said this at an event yesterday)
SAJID-WAJID, Music composers, singers
SAJID: Our government allowed the artistes, so we befriended them. We didn't go after them to come and work here. Now that our government is banning them, we will support them. Nothing else is more important than your land. Baat aa gayi hai apne desh pe, humare Hindustan pe.
WAJID: In all these years, we have never really required any other artiste from any country, be it Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or elsewhere. However, that does not mean we did not welcome talent if it came along. We are a civilised country and we love artistes, but that does not mean we can be taken for granted. It does not mean we need them and we cannot do without them. Our country is full of brilliant artistes in all fields. No artiste is bigger than their country. We have been supportive and loving towards them when our country was on good terms with them.
MAHESH BHATT, Filmmaker
India has carried out a surgical strike. Please understand that the word surgical is used when you want to preserve the whole and clean up the part that is affected. Even the PM of our country has stated clearly that we are not at war with Pakistan. We are against rogue elements and we're cleansing them from the system. Every civil society, even in the most trying times, preserves its people to people connections. Glory is in preventing a war. Artistes are forces leveraged to avert war-like situations. We need to delink rogues from artistes. Let's not confuse the goal post.
MUKESH BHATT, Producer and President of Film And Television Producers' Guild Of India
We have always abided by the government's decisions and policies. The previous government at the Centre had wanted us to promote peace and increase cultural exchanges, which we did. We offered a lot of work to the artistes, singers and technicians from Pakistan. The current government, right from Mr Modi's swearing-in ceremony, had set a tone for the Indo-Pak relations. But being do-gooders hasn't been of any help. I assure you that the industry will act the way the government guides it. But we shouldn't hamper the interests of those producers whose films with Pakistani artistes are complete. They shouldn't pay the price for the current change in the relations between India and Pakistan.
RAMESH TAURANI, Filmmaker and music label owner
I don't think the decision will impact our film industry at all. There are not many artistes from Pakistan who are working here. And I don't see us being dependent on them. I also feel the films that are complete and feature Pakistani artistes should not be targeted, because our Indian actors and technicians have also worked in those projects.
VINTA NANDA TV, producer and director
Nothing is permanent, including war. There are films with Pakistani talent ready for release, and they are big ones, therefore the losses will impact the industry as a whole. But I don't think that it'll be too long before we bounce back to normalcy. I don't think we should panic or be worried. Let us trust our government. However, we're not the only industry which will have to sacrifice.There is business and trade which will also suffer. Unless there is resolution, we as an industry must support and stand unified with our government and armed forces. Hopefully, once this difficult phase is over, art will provide its healing touch.
SHEKHAR RAVJIANI, Singer and music composer
It's distressing to see political motives affecting people who want to spread love and happiness through music and films. But when one country bans the cultural content from another, then the other is left with no choice but to take a strong stand, too.
RENUKA SHAHANE Actor-director
Though art and sport transcend boundaries, I cannot condone the loss of lives of our brave soldiers. We are not the ones at the border losing lives, so the least we can do is stand by our army. And send a strong message to Pakistan that unless they stop exporting terror to our country, we will not want any cultural exchange with them.
SALIM MERCHANT, Singer and music composer
I will abide by the rules of our film fraternity and hope that we come to a peaceful conclusion.
IQBAL KHAN, Actor
This is the only industry where there was no sifaarish, you could make it only on the basis of your talent, and you are judged by the audience for your work. Your religion, or the country you hail from has nothing to do with it. The industry is not going to get affected if they stop taking Pakistani actors. It is very easy to say 'let's go to war', but we should ask people who live in disturbed areas, how it is to live life in that kind of environment.
SHAAN, Singer
While I agree that some Pakistani voices are distinct, I don't think they are exceptional and irreplaceable. They will be missed, but not for too long. The show will go on.
ASHOKE PANDIT, Filmmaker and VP of IMPPA
It's not a question of which body is bigger or stronger in India, it's about aligning ourselves to our nation and its sentiments. Over the years, we have been the givers in the relationship with Pakistan. They have received warmth from us, but never reciprocated the same. So, this decision was inevitable.
AT A GLANCE...
The resolution passed by IMPPA is in alliance with the State Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's vision. Actors including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar and Ali Zafar who have already completed projects don't fall under the resolution's purview.
Current Bollywood films with Pakistani artistes are Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees. A leading production house that was planning to launch Daniyal Zafar (actor Ali Zafar's brother) might have to put the idea on hold.
A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking a ban on the screening of Indian movies starting with M S Dhoni -The Untold Story. Previously, films like Neerja, Dishoom, Calendar Girls, Phantom, Bangistan, Baby, Haider, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Happy Bhag Jayegi, Ranjhanaa and Ek Tha Tiger among others have not been released in Pakistan.
Atif Aslam's concert at Gurgaon, scheduled for October 15, stands cancelled as of today.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was replaced in a film with an Indian singer.
On the other side of the border too, similar actions are being taken. One of the largest cinema operators in Pakistan has reportedly announced that it will boycott exhibition of Indian films in all Pakistani theatres and has urged to ban Indian content on all Pakistani TV and cable channels. Sale of Indian films on CDs and DVDs have also been stopped. Recent releases like Pink and Banjo are reportedly taken off theatres.
-----------------------------
IMPPA's decision following the Uri attacks, has evoked strong reactions from the industry
Sanyukta Iyer and Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 1, 2016)
While Pakistani artistes have always been warmly welcomed in India, over the last two years alone, a large number of popular Indian films have not been released across the border under various pretexts, the latest being M S Dhoni - The Untold Story.
Following the recent turn of events, including the Pathankot and Uri attacks, and the surgical military operation carried out on Thursday by the Indian army, Bombay Times spoke to an array of opinion makers to understand the impact IMPPA 's decision will have on the cultural exchange between India and Pakistan.
“WE HAVE ALWAYS GIVEN CONTRIBUTED POSITIVELY MORE AND TO THE RELATIONSHIP, WHICH HASN'T RECIPROCATED IN THE SAME BEEN MEASURE“
India-Pakistan's cultural relations have been lopsided. The reception for Pakistani artistes here has always been grand. We have always given more, and contributed positively to the relationship, which hasn't been reciprocated in the same measure. Lata Mangeshkar is the most popular Indian singer with a wide following in Pakistan. But the establishment there has never hosted her as a performer in their country. The common man and most of the artistes of Pakistan don't think and act like the army and the establishment. They see India as a land of opportunity, but given the current circumstances it might not be possible. And for that, they can only blame their own establishment and the army. Going by the sentiment of our nation, the decision made to suspend the involvement of Pakistani artistes in our films and cultural programmes, appears to be inevitable. But let's hope that at some point, the relationship changes and we can balance our cultural exchanges - Javed Akhtar, screenwriter, lyricist
-----------------------
BOMBAY TIMES (October 1, 2016)
SHOBHAA DE, Author and columnist
This is just the sort of 'tokenism' that goes nowhere in the long run. As has been repeated a hundred times earlier by performing artistes across the spectrum, politics has no role to play in cultural collaborations. Boycotts, threats, bans and tit-for-tat strictures are an outdated form of official protest. By vandalising theatres or threatening filmmakers, nothing can be achieved. It doesn't prevent terrorism, nor does it solve the ongoing problems, which require solutions that go beyond meaningless diktats. Bowing down to pressure tactics is not the response one expects from responsible bodies that are supposed to safeguard the interests of members who belong to the vast entertainment community. It is not a question of whether or not we can do without Pakistani artistes. We have abundant talent right here. It is more a question of surrendering to the diktats of political parties, trying to derive mileage from the political crisis. Instead of indulging in such conduct, why not do something constructive for the film industry? Let's not convert this into the ultimate test of patriotism. Whether one watches or does not watch Fawad Khan does not make you a better or worse Indian.
SALMAN KHAN, Actor
They are artistes not terrorists. It's the government that gives them permits and visas. (The actor said this at an event yesterday)
SAJID-WAJID, Music composers, singers
SAJID: Our government allowed the artistes, so we befriended them. We didn't go after them to come and work here. Now that our government is banning them, we will support them. Nothing else is more important than your land. Baat aa gayi hai apne desh pe, humare Hindustan pe.
WAJID: In all these years, we have never really required any other artiste from any country, be it Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or elsewhere. However, that does not mean we did not welcome talent if it came along. We are a civilised country and we love artistes, but that does not mean we can be taken for granted. It does not mean we need them and we cannot do without them. Our country is full of brilliant artistes in all fields. No artiste is bigger than their country. We have been supportive and loving towards them when our country was on good terms with them.
MAHESH BHATT, Filmmaker
India has carried out a surgical strike. Please understand that the word surgical is used when you want to preserve the whole and clean up the part that is affected. Even the PM of our country has stated clearly that we are not at war with Pakistan. We are against rogue elements and we're cleansing them from the system. Every civil society, even in the most trying times, preserves its people to people connections. Glory is in preventing a war. Artistes are forces leveraged to avert war-like situations. We need to delink rogues from artistes. Let's not confuse the goal post.
MUKESH BHATT, Producer and President of Film And Television Producers' Guild Of India
We have always abided by the government's decisions and policies. The previous government at the Centre had wanted us to promote peace and increase cultural exchanges, which we did. We offered a lot of work to the artistes, singers and technicians from Pakistan. The current government, right from Mr Modi's swearing-in ceremony, had set a tone for the Indo-Pak relations. But being do-gooders hasn't been of any help. I assure you that the industry will act the way the government guides it. But we shouldn't hamper the interests of those producers whose films with Pakistani artistes are complete. They shouldn't pay the price for the current change in the relations between India and Pakistan.
RAMESH TAURANI, Filmmaker and music label owner
I don't think the decision will impact our film industry at all. There are not many artistes from Pakistan who are working here. And I don't see us being dependent on them. I also feel the films that are complete and feature Pakistani artistes should not be targeted, because our Indian actors and technicians have also worked in those projects.
VINTA NANDA TV, producer and director
Nothing is permanent, including war. There are films with Pakistani talent ready for release, and they are big ones, therefore the losses will impact the industry as a whole. But I don't think that it'll be too long before we bounce back to normalcy. I don't think we should panic or be worried. Let us trust our government. However, we're not the only industry which will have to sacrifice.There is business and trade which will also suffer. Unless there is resolution, we as an industry must support and stand unified with our government and armed forces. Hopefully, once this difficult phase is over, art will provide its healing touch.
SHEKHAR RAVJIANI, Singer and music composer
It's distressing to see political motives affecting people who want to spread love and happiness through music and films. But when one country bans the cultural content from another, then the other is left with no choice but to take a strong stand, too.
RENUKA SHAHANE Actor-director
Though art and sport transcend boundaries, I cannot condone the loss of lives of our brave soldiers. We are not the ones at the border losing lives, so the least we can do is stand by our army. And send a strong message to Pakistan that unless they stop exporting terror to our country, we will not want any cultural exchange with them.
SALIM MERCHANT, Singer and music composer
I will abide by the rules of our film fraternity and hope that we come to a peaceful conclusion.
IQBAL KHAN, Actor
This is the only industry where there was no sifaarish, you could make it only on the basis of your talent, and you are judged by the audience for your work. Your religion, or the country you hail from has nothing to do with it. The industry is not going to get affected if they stop taking Pakistani actors. It is very easy to say 'let's go to war', but we should ask people who live in disturbed areas, how it is to live life in that kind of environment.
SHAAN, Singer
While I agree that some Pakistani voices are distinct, I don't think they are exceptional and irreplaceable. They will be missed, but not for too long. The show will go on.
ASHOKE PANDIT, Filmmaker and VP of IMPPA
It's not a question of which body is bigger or stronger in India, it's about aligning ourselves to our nation and its sentiments. Over the years, we have been the givers in the relationship with Pakistan. They have received warmth from us, but never reciprocated the same. So, this decision was inevitable.
AT A GLANCE...
The resolution passed by IMPPA is in alliance with the State Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's vision. Actors including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar and Ali Zafar who have already completed projects don't fall under the resolution's purview.
Current Bollywood films with Pakistani artistes are Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees. A leading production house that was planning to launch Daniyal Zafar (actor Ali Zafar's brother) might have to put the idea on hold.
A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking a ban on the screening of Indian movies starting with M S Dhoni -The Untold Story. Previously, films like Neerja, Dishoom, Calendar Girls, Phantom, Bangistan, Baby, Haider, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Happy Bhag Jayegi, Ranjhanaa and Ek Tha Tiger among others have not been released in Pakistan.
Atif Aslam's concert at Gurgaon, scheduled for October 15, stands cancelled as of today.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was replaced in a film with an Indian singer.
On the other side of the border too, similar actions are being taken. One of the largest cinema operators in Pakistan has reportedly announced that it will boycott exhibition of Indian films in all Pakistani theatres and has urged to ban Indian content on all Pakistani TV and cable channels. Sale of Indian films on CDs and DVDs have also been stopped. Recent releases like Pink and Banjo are reportedly taken off theatres.
-----------------------------
IMPPA's decision following the Uri attacks, has evoked strong reactions from the industry
Sanyukta Iyer and Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 1, 2016)
"Pakistani artistes are just
artistes and not terrorists. They come with proper visas and the
government gives them
a work permit. Terrorism and art are different subjects,“ Salman Khan
had contended at an event in Delhi on Friday when quizzed about the
Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) banning Pak talent
in the Indian film industry (Mirror, September 29) in the wake of the
Uri attacks. The resolution coincided with the Indian army launching a
surgical strike beyond the LoC. “The ideal situation should have been
that of peace. But, now a reaction to an action has happened. It was a
proper action as they were terrorists. But still in this day and age, I
think if we lived in peace and harmony it would have been better for
everyone, especially for the common people,“ the actor added.
The Bajrangi Bhaijaan who made a successful crossover to Pakistan in the Kabir Khan hit to take a lost girl home to her parents may be all about “love thy neighbour“, but the IMPPA move has polarised the Hindi film industry. Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri stresses on the term “fair“ while talking about cultural exchange. “If they're working in India, it is important that they condemn terrorism. It's not about Pakistanis coming here with valid visas. Right now their Defence Minister has threatened that they will launch a nuclear bomb attack on us. When there is no threat and the situation normalises, we can reconsider the decision,“ he asserts.
Sonakshi Sinha hopped on
the pro-ban bandwagon at the trailer launch of her film, Force 2,
stating, “We can only speak for ourselves and do our job which is to
stand by our own people. This is the need of the hour. We
have to deal with terrorism.“
Saif Ali Khan at a recent fashion awards show had reasoned that the film
industry is open to the world's talent, especially from across the
border, but the government has to decide these things. “We are artistes
so we will talk about love and peace but the government must take
decisions about law and
who's allowed to work here and who isn't.“ he reiterated.
Meghna Gulzar who believes that it is important to have a sense of solidarity with your country said, “Whatever way it manifests is a good thing so that's the positive part but I also believe one should keep art and politics separate.“
Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal is all for artistic freedom irrespective of nationality and insists that there's no reason to ban Pak artistes because they have been invited by Indian film producers to work in their films. “They are representatives of their country, not its government's. They are also individuals coming to India as artistes. What's wrong with that, why should they be banned?“ he questioned.
Kangana Ranaut is overwhelmed with the loss of our soldiers. “It is such a big loss that it is hard to be objective right now,“ she admits. “These extreme reactions are nothing but anger and pain building up in every Indian. This is a testing time for all of us, especially for the families of our jawans we have lost. Anything that diverts us from that loss and puts a focus on 'sensational Bollywood' is just not acceptable. This is not the time to discuss actors but about real heroes. They don't need to be the centre of everything that is happening. This is not about films.“
TV host-actress Mini Mathur echoed Kangana's views, saying, “The IMPPA ban on Pakistani actors would have made sense only if it hurt the interests of the Pakistani establishment that sponsors cross-border terrorism. In my opinion, the ban will serve no purpose, since unfortunately, actors are not significant enough in the political scenario of the sub-continent.“
When asked if there is an alternate solution for actors from both countries to co-exist in a crisis situation, Mini added, “Unfortunately it's not imperative for either side to do that. There is enough talent and opportunities on both sides to wait it out till the political sentiment stabilises.“
IMPPA DIVIDES FATHER AND SON
IMPPA's move to ban Pak artistes from working in India has stirred up
dissent even within its own ranks. Filmmaker Rahul Aggarwal, an
Executive Member of IMPPA who is also its President, TP Aggarwal's son,
took a stand against the resolution by submitting his resignation from
the post in a letter that is addressed to the President. “I strongly
feel that art is above politics and as the custodians of this art; it is
our responsibility to bring people together rather than divide them.
The Indian and Pakistani people are suffering from the same plague,
which is fundamentalist terrorism. It is more important than ever for us
not to fall prey to this calamity. Banning one another is not the
solution; rather bringing everyone together and showing the world that
terrorism cannot divide these two great nations can become a beacon for
acceptance and hope... Since the people who elected me to this valuable
post do not see my viewpoint, I take this as a personal failure and am
no longer useful to your esteemed executive body,“ the letter read.
The Bajrangi Bhaijaan who made a successful crossover to Pakistan in the Kabir Khan hit to take a lost girl home to her parents may be all about “love thy neighbour“, but the IMPPA move has polarised the Hindi film industry. Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri stresses on the term “fair“ while talking about cultural exchange. “If they're working in India, it is important that they condemn terrorism. It's not about Pakistanis coming here with valid visas. Right now their Defence Minister has threatened that they will launch a nuclear bomb attack on us. When there is no threat and the situation normalises, we can reconsider the decision,“ he asserts.
Sonakshi Sinha hopped on
the pro-ban bandwagon at the trailer launch of her film, Force 2,
stating, “We can only speak for ourselves and do our job which is to
stand by our own people. This is the need of the hour. We
have to deal with terrorism.“Saif Ali Khan at a recent fashion awards show had reasoned that the film
industry is open to the world's talent, especially from across the
border, but the government has to decide these things. “We are artistes
so we will talk about love and peace but the government must take
decisions about law and
who's allowed to work here and who isn't.“ he reiterated.Meghna Gulzar who believes that it is important to have a sense of solidarity with your country said, “Whatever way it manifests is a good thing so that's the positive part but I also believe one should keep art and politics separate.“
Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal is all for artistic freedom irrespective of nationality and insists that there's no reason to ban Pak artistes because they have been invited by Indian film producers to work in their films. “They are representatives of their country, not its government's. They are also individuals coming to India as artistes. What's wrong with that, why should they be banned?“ he questioned.
Kangana Ranaut is overwhelmed with the loss of our soldiers. “It is such a big loss that it is hard to be objective right now,“ she admits. “These extreme reactions are nothing but anger and pain building up in every Indian. This is a testing time for all of us, especially for the families of our jawans we have lost. Anything that diverts us from that loss and puts a focus on 'sensational Bollywood' is just not acceptable. This is not the time to discuss actors but about real heroes. They don't need to be the centre of everything that is happening. This is not about films.“
TV host-actress Mini Mathur echoed Kangana's views, saying, “The IMPPA ban on Pakistani actors would have made sense only if it hurt the interests of the Pakistani establishment that sponsors cross-border terrorism. In my opinion, the ban will serve no purpose, since unfortunately, actors are not significant enough in the political scenario of the sub-continent.“
When asked if there is an alternate solution for actors from both countries to co-exist in a crisis situation, Mini added, “Unfortunately it's not imperative for either side to do that. There is enough talent and opportunities on both sides to wait it out till the political sentiment stabilises.“
IMPPA DIVIDES FATHER AND SON
IMPPA's move to ban Pak artistes from working in India has stirred up
dissent even within its own ranks. Filmmaker Rahul Aggarwal, an
Executive Member of IMPPA who is also its President, TP Aggarwal's son,
took a stand against the resolution by submitting his resignation from
the post in a letter that is addressed to the President. “I strongly
feel that art is above politics and as the custodians of this art; it is
our responsibility to bring people together rather than divide them.
The Indian and Pakistani people are suffering from the same plague,
which is fundamentalist terrorism. It is more important than ever for us
not to fall prey to this calamity. Banning one another is not the
solution; rather bringing everyone together and showing the world that
terrorism cannot divide these two great nations can become a beacon for
acceptance and hope... Since the people who elected me to this valuable
post do not see my viewpoint, I take this as a personal failure and am
no longer useful to your esteemed executive body,“ the letter read.
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