Vishal Bhardwaj talks Fawad Khan popularity

Cultural exchange is the only way to bring India and Pakistan closer as politics has failed to achieve that, said Indian filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj who was among the Indian artists who attended the Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF) 2018 that concluded earlier this week.

Bhardwaj also dwelt on the popularity that Fawad Khan enjoys in India, who was one of the stars affected by the ban on Pakistani artists working in Bollywood.

"If bias against Pakistani actors had been there, the masses wouldn't have gone to watch their films. So, there is nothing against them in the heart of masses. Whatever else is there, it is politically motivated otherwise how would have Fawad become a superstar in India? he asked.

Speaking about his visit, Bhardwaj said: "I think this is the only way to bring normality between the two countries more and more cultural events can bridge the gap. And it's very sad that we are always at loggerheads.

"We all are alike. If we come together, we'll be such a great force in the world in terms of everything culturally, economically as well as politically.

Bhardwaj said time will heal the situation. "I think it will get smooth with time because culture is the only way possible. Generally, there are two ways to bridge the gap: cultural and political. Politics is failing in achieving that for a long time. In fact, political situation has been affecting cultural exchanges too. Therefore, culture should be left alone. There is a need for tolerance and acceptance from both ends. It has to be a two-way thing otherwise it won't work.