Ashoke Pandit, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Gajendra Chauhan, Isha Koppikar, Virender Sehwag (below) at the protest in Film City

FWICE and 24 industry bodies, along with cricketers, join protests against Pulwama attacks
MUMBAI MIRROR (February 18, 2019)

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called for a complete ban on all Pakistan artistes, said its chief advisor Ashoke Pandit in the wake of the terror attack in Pulwama. “We’re officially announcing the inviolable diktat.”

On Sunday, FWICE and its 24 crafts of the film and television industry, held a solidarity march at the Film City gate from 2 pm to 4 pm to pay its respects to the martyrs and their families. The protest saw participation from major film bodies and the association of cinematographers, make-up men, costumes, junior artists, editors, fighters, dancers.

The shooting of Amitabh Bachchan’s next, Brahmastra, and a commercial featuring cricketers Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina, was voluntarily stopped for two hours and Sehwag, Singh, Raina and VVS Laxman, among others, joined the protest in solidarity. “Whatever we say or do will perhaps be less for the soldiers. We can only thank them and should do whatever we can to help them,” Sehwag said. Big B could not come outside as he was in his get-up.

Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal appealed to Indian news channels to not invite any Pakistani guests or Indian terrorist sympathisers on their shows.

T-Series has pulled down videos and stopped promotions of two songs by Pakistani artistes after a demand from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to music labels to stop collaborations with them, in retaliation for the February 14 attack which left at least 49 CRPF troopers dead. The music company removed its recently released songs—Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s single and Atif Aslam’s “Baarishein” from YouTube. Two songs from the film Notebook, for which Atif had given playback, will be recorded again with an Indian singer.

Vicky Kaushal, who fronted Uri: The Surgical Strike, has condemned the attack, describing it as “sad”. “It is a great loss of human lives. If in any possible way, we can support the family of martyrs, it would be a great contribution from our end, as a society. The whole incident should not be forgiven and forgotten,” he was quoted as saying on the sidelines of an event organised by CINTAA over the weekend.

The Arts Council of Pakistan has criticised veteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi and her lyricist-writer husband Javed Akhtar for axing their visit to Karachi. The couple was set to take part in centenary celebrations of Shabana’s poetfather Kaifi Azmi on February 24-24. The Dawn newspaper on Sunday quoted Council President Ahmed Shah as saying that Shabana had “crossed the line” the way she attacked Pakistan in a manner not appropriate for a literary person.

DNA (February 17, 2019)

There’s a huge outpour of public sentiment across India. Anger, sadness, indignation — mixed feelings about the mindless attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed that took place in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, on February 14, have been expressed across the nation. The Hindi film industry is both agitated and upset about this tragedy, which claimed the lives of over 45 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Besides expressing their thoughts through their social media accounts, members of the industry will unite to express solidarity with the armed forces and protest against the ghastly terror strike.

Film industry to march for the slain soldiers
Today afternoon, 24 film associations including the FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and IFTDA (Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association) will participate in a protest at Film City, Goregaon. The various units at the location will halt work for two hours between 2 pm and 4 pm and come together to condemn the terror attack. Similarly, the crews of TV shows, which are being shot today at various venues across the city, will stop work for the two hours as a mark of respect for the bravehearts.

Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker and President of IFTDA, said that they have shared details of their protests with all the film bodies. He says, “We have invited everyone who is a part of the industry to join us as we protest this gruesome terror attack and pay tribute to our martyred soldiers.”

Pandit added that the industry bodies will also call for a blanket ban on working with talent from the neighbouring country. “They have never condemned any attack by the terrorists. While in the past, there have been instances of keeping cultural exchange separate from confrontations at the border and terror attacks, this time around, we must make it clear that we won’t collaborate with them. Moreover, we should not release our films in Pakistan,” he said, adding, “After this protest, we’ll work on passing a resolution to ban Pakistani talent if they can’t speak against such attacks. If they are gaining from their collaborations with our industry, they must show solidarity with India in such situations as well. They can’t use us only to further their careers.”


Music label axes songs by Pak artistes
The music industry, too, is taking a tough stand. Neha Kakkar and other Indian singers have apparently opted out of a show to be held in Houston, USA, in April, which was backed by a Pakistan-based organiser. Performers from across the border, like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam, seem to have been dropped, too. T-Series, which had recently released tracks with the two singers, have already taken those off their online channels. The music label and production house has also stopped the promotions of these songs.

On a sombre note
Keeping in mind the magnitude of the tragedy, industry people cancelled various film-related and personal events. Kangana Ranaut had planned to celebrate the success of her historical epic Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi with a party at her home on February 16. However, she called off the bash after reports of the attack came to light. Meanwhile, filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala has asked his team to cancel all the plans for his birthday tomorrow.

B-Town grieves for the jawans
Industry folk expressed their grief through their social media accounts. Akshay Kumar, who has been pursuing the cause of looking after martyred soldiers’ families, said, “Numb beyond belief at the dastardly terror attack on #CRPF soldiers in #Pulwama. May God give peace to their souls, and strength to their grieving families. Wishing the injured a speedy recovery. We can’t let this be forgotten.” He also implored people to donate for the kin of these martyrs. He tweeted, “#Pulwama is something we cannot & will not forget. We’re all angry & it’s time to act. So act now, donate to the martyrs of Pulwama on www.bharatkeveer.gov.in  There’s no better way to pay homage to them & show your support.”

Aamir Khan expressed that he was heartbroken upon hearing the news. He said, “I am heartbroken to read about the terrorist attack on our CRPF Jawans in Pulwama. It’s so tragic. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the Jawans who have lost their lives.” Salman Khan tweeted, “My heart goes out for the Jawans of our beloved country and their families who lost their lives as martyrs to save our families...”

The third Khan of the trio, Shah Rukh, too put his sentiments into words, saying, “Heartfelt condolences to the families of our valiant jawans. May the souls of our countrymen who laid their lives down for us rest in peace. #Pulwama”

Some actors also voiced sadness and anger at the news of the incident. Ajay Devgn said, “Horrible and disgusting. Anger can’t be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack.” Ranveer Singh, who wears his emotions on his sleeve, said, “Disgusted at the cowardly terror attack on the #CRPF soldiers in #Pulwama — my sincere condolences to the families of our brave jawans. Saddened. Angry.”

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor’s strong words were, “Shameful shocking reprehensible. Absolute act of cowardice. Perpetrators of this heinous crime cannot be friends with people of Kashmir. We stand by the bereaved families.” Karan Johar’s tweet read, “My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the Pulwama attacks and their families.”

Bollywood actresses, too, were vocal about their feelings. Anushka Sharma said, “It is extremely painful to read about the attack on our brave #CRPF jawans in #Pulwama. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of our martyred soldiers.” Pointing to the despair, Swara Bhasker wrote, “What a dark dark day... Can’t stop thinking of the mindless violence, evil hate & sinister politics that has killed 40 working class bravehearts today... Thinking of their bereaved families. May they find the strength to deal with this cruel tragedy. Prayers. #PulawamaTerrorAttack”

After the soulful ‘Main Jahaan Rahoon’, the Pakistani singer has crooned a new track for Vipul Shah’s upcoming film
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 6, 2018)

Namastey London’s iconic romantic number, “Main Jahaan Rahoon”, featuring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, continues to be one of the most memorable Bollywood chartbusters by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Now, the singer-composer has reunited with Javed Akhtar, who had penned the lyrics of the original, for a completely different soulful song for Namaste England, the next instalment in Vipul Shah’s franchise. Composed by Mannan Shaah, the track will be filmed on Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra and is presently being recorded in Dubai.

“It’s sheer pleasure to have recorded 'Tu Meri Main Tera' with Rahat sahab, I’ve always been a big fan of his voice,” exults Mannan, who worked with the Pakistani musician in another Vipul Shah production, Commando — A One Man Army. The duo had collaborated on “Saawan Bairi”, featuring Vidyut Jammwal. “The song was well-received. Our second association had to be a special one and what better than Namaste England,” says Mannan from Dubai.

He explains that “Main Jahan Rahoon” will always be iconic which is why the makers wanted to experiment with something different this time around. “We have tried a unique style which Rahat sahab has also explored for the first time. He was excited about singing something so new and fresh,” the composer adds.

The makers have also recorded a romantic song with another Pakistani artiste, singer Atif Aslam, which was shot on the film’s leads during its London schedule. “Atif was always my first choice for 'Tere Liye'. I adore his voice and he’s sung a quintessential romantic song. Javed sahab has written a wonderful song and it’s one of his personal favourites too,” Mannan points out.

Rahat, who has given playback for several Bollywood songs, including “Tab Bhi Tu” for Shoojit Sircar’s October released earlier this year, has had multiple run-ins with the authorities at different airports in India between 2011 and 2017. After tensions between India and Pakistan escalated post the Uri attacks of September 2016 in Kashmir, a decision to ban Pakistani artistes from performing in India was taken by various independent bodies of the Hindi film industry. Since then, Rahat has been working on his Bollywood commitments from the Middle East or in his home-country, sending the tracks across digitally.

While speaking to the media last year, after his concerts in Noida and Gurugram were cancelled, the acclaimed singer had shared that a country could impose a ban on an artiste but could never stop music from travelling and connecting Indians. He had shared, “Art should always unite, never become the reason to divide. Yes, you can impose a ban on an artiste and stop him from coming to your country, but you will never be able to suppress the voice of an artiste. If he or she is a true artiste who emotes from his heart, his voice will travel far and wide, no matter (what) the circumstances.”

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; June 2, 2018)

A decade ago, he made his acting debut with My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves. While the film didn’t bring in the footfalls, Nikhil Dwivedi went on to bag supporting roles in movies like Raavan, Shor In The City and Hate Story. Though a couple of movies fared well, he wasn’t inundated with offers. Not one to give up on his dreams, this MBA grad, who has done marketing and more for an international bank and an Indian electronics conglomerate, has now ventured into production. His first venture, Veere Di Wedding, in association with Ekta Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor opened in cinemas yesterday. A quick Q and A with the actor-producer...

How did you decide to foray into production with Veere Di Wedding?
Rhea (Kapoor) had a great script and she was looking for people to back her. I loved the story and decided to get on board. As a producer, I want to back good projects. Often, producers back projects when they are assured their money is safe. Economics is important, so I wouldn’t like to lose money on a film. At the same time, it’s also important to back projects that may not find too many takers in the beginning.

I’m happy with the way the movie has shaped up. In fact, it helps to have co-producers. Rhea is the creative producer while Ekta (Kapoor) played the part of the studio. We backed VDW with the necessary funds. Collaboration is the order of the day as it eases out everything. Everyone does their work and it helps the project on the whole.

Why did you switch from acting to production?
When you’re not doing well as an actor, you don’t get good scripts as those go to the more relevant and successful actors. When I’m watching a film as an audience member, I want to be proud of being a part of it. There was a strong need to be a part of good cinema. So, I decided to step behind the camera and still make movies.

Given that you, Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor are jointly producing the film, who took the creative call and how did you decide individual responsibilities?
The creative role has to be played by one person. I may have my vision and Ekta may have hers, but it’s necessary to decide whose vision will prevail. Otherwise, we might make our own movies. Rhea showed us the film way before and we shared our inputs. She weighed the options to incorporate what suits the film the best. The final decision was with her and director Shashanka Ghosh. There has never been even one occasion where Rhea hasn’t kept me in the loop. She even discussed the song Tareefan with us as she wanted it badly. And seeing the popularity the track has achieved, it was the right decision.

Weren’t you apprehensive of being overruled by producing a women-centric film with two women?
I’m a married man, so I’m used to being over-ruled (laughs).

What’s next after VDW as a producer? Will you be going solo or collaborating with another producer too?
There are some interesting subjects that I’m making into movies. I don’t have a hard-and-fast rule; some can be collaborations and some will be indigenously produced by my company. I think films should go on floors without any fancy announcements. That’s one of the things I learnt as an actor. Announcements don’t matter too much, what matters is making a good film and releasing it well.

Will you also be acting in some of your productions?
There’s one fixed rule in my production house and that is I won’t be acting in anything I produce. Recently, my company produced a music video of a song by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The director wanted me to be a part of it, but we decided to cast Kunal Kemmu. When successful actors produce their films, it’s a different situation. I don’t want a situation where the creative team feels forced to include me into a project. It would be awkward. They may not be able to say ‘no’ freely to me. They should make a project without being bothered about Nikhil Dwivedi wriggling himself into the film or a show.

Have you lined up any film after VDW?
Yes, I should start my next production in another two months. The pre-production for it is currently underway. My idea is to make two films a year. I don’t want to outstretch myself. I’m also producing television shows and content for a digital platform.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 14, 2018)

Lakshmi Iyer, one of the producers of the international film, Gandhi: The Conspiracy, was overjoyed when Rahat Fateh Ali Khan agreed to render a track in the historical drama. What followed was a round of meetings in Dubai and drawing up of agreements last month. However, the producer claims that days before the final recording of the song — that is inspired by Shahid Kabir’s famous poem, Main Na Hindu, Na Musalman — Khan did a volte-face.

Stating that the Pakistani singer had even sung a scratch version in Dubai, Iyer tells mid-day, “Rahat sahab was excited to be part of the project. Unfortunately, when he returned to Pakistan, he was advised otherwise by his well-wishers. They felt that the movie, which deals with Partition and Gandhi’s assassination, might not be accepted in Pakistan, and he might face their wrath.”

She adds that Rabbi Shergill finally stepped in to croon for the Algerian director Karim Traidia’s film. Iyer insists there is no bad blood. “We are in touch with him for our future projects. The political relationship between India and Pakistan is turbulent. I hope there will be a day when political differences can be solved.”

The film that also features late Om Puri, delves into the incidents that led to Gandhi’s death. Khan remained unavailable for comment.

DNA (April 5, 2018)

Shoojit Sircar, who is easily one of the most-acclaimed filmmakers in Bollywood — courtesy his repertoire, which boasts of films like Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe, Piku, Pink and now, October —  has always concentrated on giving his music an extra edge.

In his upcoming film, he introduces newcomer Banita Sandhu with Gen-Y’s big draw Varun Dhawan. It’s a unique love story and the songs are meant to have a magical quality. For the soundtrack, the director has brought on board varied talent in the form of composers Shantanu Moitra, Abhishek Arora and Anupam Roy.

This is also the first time a movie has done a pre-release launch of the background score. October Theme, which made its debut in the sneak-peek video, gave viewers a glimpse into the world of the lead actors.

As we were submerged in its beautiful melody, the makers gave us more songs to celebrate this story of love. While the track Theher Ja became an instant craze, the promotional number Tab Bhi Tu, sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, has been on loop for music lovers. Manwaa, rendered by Sunidhi Chauhan and Monali Thakur’s Chal have found their own fan following.  

Shoojit shares, “For me, the background score has always been an integral part of my films. Shantanu is a dear and old friend of mine. In fact, he came to me before the shoot of October, and told me he was creating a special theme based on the narrative I gave him. I heard it and was mesmerised. I made the actors and everyone else hear it before the shoot began. All my movies — be it Madras Cafe, Piku or Pink — have had a unique background score to them. Working with Shantanu again was great. We created the other songs by collaborating with Anupam and Abhishek, who too are my old friends. It was an enjoyable process.”

Shantanu says, “October’s music is like the first shiuli phool that blooms on a barren tree…fresh, real and you can smell it from afar. Each song is a reflection of the story and a great blend of good tunes, lyrics and singing.”

Anupam, on his part, shares, “Tab Bhi Tu is a love song with spiritual undertones. Rahat’s magical voice makes it piercing. I wanted the melody to penetrate our souls.” Abhishek states, “The album comprises soulful and original tracks. Remixes are great but we need to push original music as much as possible. It has a fresh production style that uses diverse sounds, textures and grooves.”

Produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar, October stars Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu. A Rising Sun Films Production, the film, directed by Shoojit Sircar, releases on April 13, 2018.

Singer Kavita Seth, who’s worked with Pakistani poet Rehman Faris, on new calls for ban on artistes
Shravan Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 4, 2018)

Kavita Seth, who rose to fame with songs like “Iktara” in Wake Up Sid, “Tumhi Ho Bandhu” in Cocktail and “Jeete Hai Chal” in Neerja, has now collaborated with Pakistani poet Rehman Faris for a new single, “Ye Jo Mujh Par Nikhaar Hai”. “When I met Rehman bhai during a mushaira, his shayari touched my heart and I thought of composing a song written by him,” the singer tells Mirror, asserting that a song is a song, no matter who writes it or who composes and sings it. “We should not limit artists. There has to be an exchange of ideas which helps in nourishing various art forms.”

In light of a renewed call for ban on Pakistani artists in India, was she apprehensive about the collaboration? “It doesn’t matter to me where an artist is from. If I find somebody who is talented, I will work with them,” Kavita reiterates.

Talking about political upheavals affecting art in both countries, she says, “Only the politicians know what they are up to. Listeners just connect to the music. Politicians can do their job, let artists do theirs. Both Indian and Pakistani artists have huge fan following and that is something I really like.” The singer also informs that she was to collaborate with Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on different projects last year but they didn’t work out for various reasons. “I would certainly colaborate with them if another opportunity comes my way,” Kavita adds.

And what about Indian films roping in Pakistani singers without crediting them for fear of backlash, you wonder, and the singer explains, “We can’t blame music labels for that. At the end of the day, they want to continue work without disrupting things. If the song works, people will eventually find out who sang it. We live in the digital age where people look up everything online.”

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 19, 2018)

Singer-turned-union minister Babul Supriyo kicked off a storm over the weekend when he demanded that makers of Welcome To New York drop Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s vocals from the song, Ishtehar, featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Sonakshi Sinha. He questioned the makers’ need to rope in a Pakistani artiste at a time when India-Pakistan relations are strained. The controversy has sent producers Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani, and director Chakri Toleti into a tizzy. It has been learnt that they are considering dubbing the song again with an Indian artiste.

A source revealed, “The makers are worried that a controversy so close to the film’s release, would jeopardise its chance at the box office. Though Chakri is against the idea, the producers are planning to record the song again.”

It will be a race against time for the team as the film hits theatres on February 23. “The team will record the new version over the next two days,” added the source.

Toleti maintained a diplomatic stance as he said, “We are yet to decide on what to do. There have been films [with Pakistani singers], which have managed to go by without any hassle. There needs to be a balance between social responsibility and creative freedom. But people shouldn’t have to compromise on artistic liberties.”

Legendary singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s memorable ditty has been recreated for the duo’s upcoming crime-drama
Shravan Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 16, 2018)

After “Sanu Ik Pal,” another song immortalized by the late Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has been recreated for Raj Kumar Gupta’s Ajay Devgn and Ileana D’Cruz-starrer crime-drama, Raid, which is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak. Titled “Nit Khair Manga,” the lilting melody has been recreated in parts by lyricist Manoj Muntashir and sung by Khan’s singer-nephew, Rahat.

“The song has been picturised on Ajay, who plays an upright and no-nonsense income tax officer and Ileana, who will be seen in the role of his supportive and brave wife. The song offers a glimpse into the onscreen couple’s life and the love, care and warmth they share in the film. It’s shot across Lucknow including landmark locations such as Hussainabad Clock Tower, Rumi Darwaza, Bada Imambada, Kudiya Ghat and Residency,” Gupta told Mirror.

Composer Tanishk Bagchi, who has recreated the song, said, “When you hear it, you’ll understand that not just the hook line, the entire song is new. But I also wanted to retain the original’s essence. The good part about Rahat sir’s singing is that he understands the feel of a song which always helps. 'Nit Khair' is a powerful romantic number,” he added.

BOMBAY TIMES (February 12, 2018)

Even though Raid, which stars Ajay Devgn and Ileana D’Cruz, narrates the story of some of the most high-profile IT raids conducted in the 80s, the thriller also features a romantic number between the lead stars. The song, shot on the banks of the Gomti River and The Residency, a historic site in Lucknow, within a span of two days, is a recreation of the popular Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan number, Sanu Ek Pal. This version is composed by Tanishk Bagchi, penned by Manoj Muntashir and sung by Nusrat’s nephew, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Capturing the romance between a husband and wife, this song was supposed to feature in another film to be produced by Bhushan Kumar. But when Ajay heard the recreated version, he insisted that it should be a part of Raid. The track is scheduled to hit the airwaves today, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Last year, Ajay and Ileana had featured in a recreated version of another Nusrat song, Mere Rashke Qamar (Baadshaho), which climbed the charts instantly.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 17, 2017)

When the controversy surrounding Pakistani-actor Fawad Khan’s role in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was bubbling last year, Ajay Devgn, whose film Shivaay was clashing with the Karan Johar film supported the ban on the use of Pakistani artistes in Indian films, which was called for by a political party in India. Ajay had gone on record to say that he won’t be working with Pakistani artistes. But Devgn recently launched a song of his next release Baadshaho — Mere Rashke Qamar — the qawwali, originally sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, which has been recreated by the veteran’s nephew and shagird, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

An industry source says, “It’s surprising how Ajay went back on his words, so quickly. Last year, he was going all out against Karan and claiming that he should have got Fawad replaced in the film and that there is an exchange of bullets now and that leaves no room for an exchange of culture. How much has changed in the last one year that Ajay suddenly had a change of heart? It’s so close to the Amarnath attacks. Relations with the neighbouring country are still strained. Honestly, this shows the hypocrisy that exists in the industry.”

So, was the whole furore against ADHM just because at that time it was all about Ajay vs Karan? Will KJo raise this issue of the Pakistani singer in Ajay’s film now? Watch this space...

BOMBAY TIMES (July 13, 2017)

The Uri Attack of September 2016 left a deep scar on India-Pakistan relationship and Bollywood paid a heavy price for it. Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which was to release just 40 days later on October 28, 2016 was threatened with dire consequences by Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena since it starred Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. The anger towards the artistes of the neighbouring country was so strong that it seemed that they’ll never be able to work together in Bollywood. T P Aggarwal, who heads the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a resolution banning Pakistani artistes and technicians across the film, television and theatre mediums in India until normalcy is reinstated between the restive neighbours. Aggarwal then decided to lead by example – he decided to replace the voice of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from a song from his film Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana. His grouse was that none of the Pakistani artistes condemned the ghastly attack and hence, he felt justified to boycott them.

It’s been 6 months since the ‘ban’ was passed. Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laaddoo Deewana is about to release and shockingly, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s voice has been retained (check out the song in the YouTube video below)! According to a report, music composer Vipin Patwa managed to convince the makers. The same report carries a statement of T P Aggarwal in which he admits that he decided to replace Rahat saab’s voice because he wanted to ‘play safe’.



Replacing an actor after the film is shot is next to impossible. Hence, the entire demand to replace Fawad Khan from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Ali Zafar from Dear Zindagi and Mahira Khan from Raees was just not feasible since all these films were shot (except Raees) when the Uri Attack happened. But replacing a singer can be done anytime. One of the big examples of it was Arijit Singh’s voice replaced by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan himself for Jag Ghoomeya from Sultan. Therefore, it’s shocking that T P Aggarwal didn’t do so after boasting about the same in front of the media and the country. But his recent statement has made it clear – he was not being patriotic, he was being safe. He felt that the anger towards Pakistan is tremendous and it’s best to take safety precautions. Or else, he might get into trouble just like how Karan Johar did for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Obviously, he couldn’t admit that he’s taking the decision of replacing Rahat Fateh Ali Khan due to fear. So he gave his decision a nationalistic colour!

And that’s not all. Makers of Irrfan Khan’s May release Hindi Medium that stars Pakistani actor Saba Qamar shot for a promotional song, Hoor, sung by Pakistani singer Atif Aslam! The singer himself was present during the shoot and was seen posing with Saba and choreographer Ahmed Khan.

With time, the anger towards Pakistani artistes has subsided and hence, Bollywood is neatly taking small steps of bringing these talented people back into our movies. And this was bound to happen since the cultural bond between India and Pakistan is hard to break. The singers and actors from that country have done some great work that would be remembered for years. Also, as explained in this post, while Bollywood was pressurized to ban Pakistani artistes, the trade between the two countries went on without a single glitch. This shows that all the netas and self-confessed patriots who were spearheading the ‘Ban Pak artistes’ were doing it just for publicity and not for the love of the country.

The Pakistani artistes still aren’t allowed in India. Atif Aslam and Saba Qamar shot for the song in Georgia. Saba won’t even be present in India to promote Hindi Medium, just like Mahira wasn’t allowed to enter India to promote Raees. But that Bollywood has started taking Pak artistes back shows that slowly and gradually, we’ll soon have hopefully Fawad Khan, Ali Zafar and Mawra Hocane entertaining us in Bollywood films in future!

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 5, 2017)

A four-city tour of India by Pakistani music band Fuzon has been cancelled after the members were unable to procure visas. The three-member pop rock band, which has lent music to Raveena Tandon’s comeback vehicle, Maatr, was to arrive in the country in the second week of April for promotions.

A source from the production unit says, “[Securing] visa was the primary issue. Officials at the visa office also advised the team against the concert. [They feared] relations between the countries would be further affected if right-wing elements caused harm to Fuzon or their property during performance.”

Meanwhile, back in Karachi, the band, comprising Khurram Iqbal, Shallum Asher Xavier and Imran Momina, has been asked not to fly to India. Initially, Maatr makers had decided against including any songs in the gritty thriller, but during editing, producer Anjum Rizvi realised Fuzon’s music would give the movie heft.

While the band remained unavailable for comment, Anjum says, “The recording was done in their studio in Pakistan. Momina felt Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s voice would be perfect for the song Zindagi Ae Zindagi, which is an emotional track mapping Raveena’s journey as a mother in the film. It is a deep song that people will connect to. They recorded the song at Rahat’s home in Lahore. I believe art and culture should remain independent of politics. I feel ordinary citizens of both countries want peace, no one wants these tensions and threat of war,” Anjum signs off.

Guru Randhawa, Saba, Irrfan and Sukhbir post a song shoot
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 31, 2017)

Cultural ties between India and Pakistan, which had strained last September, now seem to be limping back to normalcy. Or so it seems, post elections in Uttar Pradesh and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls here.

Irrfan is filming three promotional tracks for his next project, Hindi Medium, with Pakistani actress Saba Qamar in Tbilisi, Georgia. A unit hand says, “Saba and singer Atif Aslam flew down from Pakistan while Sukhbir came from Dubai. Fellow composers Guru Randhawa and Arjun arrived from the US. All of them were quite ecstatic about the shoot.”


Saba Qamar with Ahmed Khan and Atif Aslam on the set in Georgia

One of the songs is a fresh spin on Guru and Arjun’s popular number, Suit Suit, which will feature Irrfan and Saba along with them. The actors also shot for a romantic number, Hoor, sung by Atif and composed by Sachin-Jigar, apart from Sukhbir’s chartbuster, Tare Gin Gin. The shoot began on March 24 and wrapped up yesterday.

Another unit hand says, “We finished the shoot in no time. Everyone in Tblisi was quite overwhelmed to have film faces in their midst. The media and the crowd stood for hours to catch a glimpse of Irrfan.”

Producer Dinesh Vijan considers his latest film album special. Says Vijan, “I wanted to collaborate with a diverse variety of musicians for an original soundtrack, so this is a tick off that bucket list. I can promise you that this will be a memorable album.” Co-producer Bhushan Kumar says, “These are super-hit cult songs and we are confident that the audience will love their recreated versions in the film."
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Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; March 31, 2017)

While actors from across the border became the centre of attention following the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association's ban of Pakistani artistes and technicians in Bollywood, the disappointment of the other artistes affected by the move, including Pak singers, rarely got an audience.

Following the September 2016 Uri attacks, which prompted the ban, prominent Pak singers were out of work on this side of the border. But art has managed to break boundaries.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan had lent his voice to a song titled 'Rog Jaane' for Akshara Haasan's upcoming film, 'Laali Ki Shaadi Mein Laddoo Deewana'. While the makers wanted to drop the love track, which was recorded before the Uri attacks, to avoid controversy, the film's music composer, Vipin Patwa, says he managed to convince them to retain it.

Speaking exclusively to mid-day, Vipin says, "I thought replacing his voice would be disrespectful. I managed to convince the makers to retain his version. [There would be room for controversy] if we had recorded the number post September."

When contacted, the film's producer, T P Aggarwal, admits they wanted to "play safe". "We didn't want to offend anyone. The song is amazing, right from the composition, to the lyrics, and then there is the brilliance of Rahat saab's voice."

'Rog Jaane' is picturised on Akshara and Vivaan Shah in Kashmir.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 29, 2017)

Mirror had earlier reported (Dec 8) about Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan doing playback for Raveena Tandon’s upcoming film, Maatr. The song was recorded early last year, much before tensions between India and Pakistan intensified following the Uri attacks, so director Ashtar Sayed decided to re-work the lyrics as the film near pre-release promotions.

Rahat, unsure about procuring a visa to India, met him in Dubai last month to re-record the song. Now, we hear that the film’s team is unsure about the final version of the song’s video that features Rahat and are planning to go ahead with just the song that will now have clips of Raveena from the film.

Producer Anjum Rizvi, when contacted, confirms the news, saying, “The song rendered by Rahat, titled 'Zindagi Ae Zindagi', is an emotional track about Raveena’s character’s journey as a mother. We made certain changes in the lyrics and Rahat was very co-operative. He is like a sutradhar of the song that conveys the feel of the film.”

What about the video that the singer shot for? “It was meant to be a part of the promotions but we are yet to decide if we will use it or go ahead with the one featuring Raveena’s scenes,” Rizvi signs off.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 30, 2017)