After the attacks by terrorists in Uri, India did a surgical strike on Pak while Indian Motion Pictures’ Artists Association (IMPAA) banned Pakistani artists working in the country.
According to DNA, however Mahesh Bhatt is not in favor of ban and bringing back Pakistani artistes to India. He called and offered a song to singer cum actor Ali Zafar in Karachi, the song carries the theme cross-border peace.
He and Shafqat Amanat Ali not only agreed the offer but also were ready to do it in free of cost.
“Every Pakistani artiste Bhatt saab has approached has responded enthusiastically. Shafqat Amanat Ali’s manager said he doesn’t want any money for this song. We are also working on getting Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam on board,” says Imran Zahid, Delhi-based actor who will be working with Mahesh Bhatt on this project.
When questioned about the unofficial ban on Pakistani artistes in India he replied, “We are going to use the voices of the Pakistani artistes, for a play called Milne Do which will be staged in Delhi on June 8 and Mumbai on June 23. Furthermore the Indian government has clarified that it has not banned Pakistani artistes. When the Government has taken a clear stand on the issue, what chance do the protesters stand?”
“Bhatt saab is not new to protests. Dialogue with Pakistan must re-start on a cultural level. The Delhi government is supporting our endeavour here in Delhi and in West Bengal Mamata Banerjee has extended support to our mission.”
However, BJP spokesperson Shaina NC is clearly said that “Relations with Pakistan have deteriorated to such an extent that there is a move now to declare Pakistan a terror state on an international level. Given the current crisis I don’t think we can have Pakistani artistes coming here.”