Indians being brainwashed into believing Pakistan is the enemy: Naseer

• Arts & Entertainment

On his return to India after a successful tour to Pakistan, veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah expressed regret at the animosity towards Pakistan prevalent in India.

Naseeruddin Shah was in Pakistan in February to promote his bookAnd then one day: A Memoir. He also graced the Lahore Literary Festival and conducted a theater workshop at the Karachi Arts Council to a packed audience.

In an interview to entertainment website Bollywood Hungama, Shah said, "It is tragic that often-times performers from Pakistan are prevented from performing in this country. Recently, there was a very disturbing instance of a Pakistani artiste's work being destroyed in Ahmedabad. But they welcome us in Pakistan with open arms."

He stressed the need to keep political differences between the two countries aside.

"I keep going to Pakistan because I feel it is very important to have a person-to-person contact. We can't afford to be swayed by all the political rhetoric. Politicians will change colours whenever it suits them. Indians are being brainwashed into believing Pakistan to be the enemy country without being aware of the historical background."