Ban On Fawad & Mahira Khan Should be Lifted

Ban on Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan should be lifted, says Mahesh Bhatt
After Pakistan permits the release of Indian films, Mahesh Bhatt feels we should lift the ban on Pakistani artistes too...


A few months ago, Pakistani artistes including Fawad Khan, Ali Zafar and Mahira Khan were banned from working in India. This decision was taken in the wake of the devastating Uri attacks. Several filmmakers including Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt opposed this move, however they finally relented. On the other hand, Pakistan banned the release of Indian films in their country too. However, a few days back, they overturned the ban and now Dangal is all set to release in Pakistan. So should we reciprocate by lifting the ban on Pakistani artistes too? Mahesh Bhatt thinks so, but he feels his opinion may not count since he is "in the minority." As the filmmaker told Mid-day, "The idea of it could incur the wrath of political parties. The Central government has to come up with a solution, if they wish to rebuild relations razed to the ground prior to the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. In my opinion, cultural space must be kept alive; the government needs to deal with terrorism in a different way."

Talking about Pakistan's decision to lift the ban on Indian films, Mahesh added, "Banning Indian films reflected the shortsightedness of the Pakistan Film Federation. It was reckless of them to indulge in politics. Because of their decision (not to screen Hindi films), their theatres were shutting down. Our contribution to their industry was immense and that boosted their business much more than indigenous content could. Eventually, one can't deny the countries are tied culturally and emotionally." ALSO READ - Twitterati UPSET with Shah Rukh Khan for getting bullied by Raj Thackeray over Raees promotions

However, political parties are still not ready to overturn the ban. Ameya Khopkar (Head, film wing of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) was quoted saying, "We are not concerned about their decision. Pakistan has always created havoc in our country. Till terror attacks don't stop completely, we are not going to relent." ALSO READ - Shah Rukh Khan and Mahira Khan's

There isn't any official ban on them...

Well there is no ban anyway. But people like Amey Khopkar will cause trouble and impose their bullying tactics on everyone.

that will obviously happen

You know everything is getting normal because Khan's films are getting released. They are making sure that Indo-Pak issue does not affect their revenue. People cannot call it co-incidence, but everything seems so obvious.

The so called ban by some stupid association should ofcourse be lifted. But I hope Fawad atleast stays away. Pakistani film industry desperately needs him.

It was not a government imposed ban... so not sure which ban is being talked about here. After all the hullabaloo and blame game, I am not in favour of Fawad returning to Bollywood. Every movie that he will be a part of will be prone to such controversies. Better for him to stay away and do good work in his own country

Ikr. I want Fawad back! He is so much better an actor than most of the youngsters in BW.

First Leave OUR INDIA KASHMIR FOREVER...

Fawad should stay away from Bollywood the way he was treated there in India lately for the incident he was not responsible of!! Also, didn't like how KJo talked about him in KWK and Anushka in her interview.. I was waiting for some support from Sonam but it seemed like everyone zipped their mouths and he was being used for publicity. He is an asset of Pakistan and should strive to make the home Cinematic experience better rather than being treated as B-grade actor in BW.