No visa power for Javed Akhtar

No visa power for Javed Akhtar

Kunal M Shah

Javed Akhtar

In a unique turn of events, Javed Akhtar has been denied visa to Pakistan. Ironically, Akhtar was supposed to be in Pakistan to be part of a fundraising programme… for Pakistani earthquake victims. The two-day event was organised by Akbar Asif, who had also planned to have the premiere of his father K. Asif's film Mughal-E-Azam.

Javed Akhtar confirms the news. He says, "They (the Pakistani government) had invited us for the premiere to Pakistan. More importantly, PTV (the state-run television channel) had organised a fundraising telethon, of which I was to be a part. It was purely a goodwill gesture… not a commercial venture. So, all of us (Sridevi, Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, Saif Ali Khan and Urmila among others) agreed immediately."

However there was a piece of rude news that Akhtar was given on Thursday night. He recollects: "I was informed that from among everyone, only my visa was rejected." Incidentally, Akhtar was granted visa on June 20 before it got rejected on Thursday. "I had got the visa on the 20th and then they cancelled it on the 22nd! I immediately called up the Pakistani High Commissioner in Delhi but he had no clue about it. He was supposed to get back to me but so far he hasn't. In any case, it is the responsibility of Pakistani Government. In fact Akbar Asif, son of K. Asif was so livid that he cancelled the entire event."

Akhtar says he isn't sure about the exact reasons why this happened.

He says: "I have no clue why the visa was cancelled. But over the last eight-odd years, especially post-Kargil, I have been straightforward in my views about the Indo-Pak relations. Perhaps the authorities there found it awkward. But frankly that is the only reason I can think of. I have been to Pakistan a couple of times, but never after the Kargil War."

Meanwhile Akbar Asif has gone ahead and cancelled the entire trip. He says: "I am very annoyed and it's shocking that someone of Javedsaab's stature has been denied a visa. I have utmost respect for him and what has happened with him is really sad. I have cancelled the two-day event. We were going there for a good cause but this has spoilt our mood completely. If they grant him a visa, we may reschedule the entire event."

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=10&am p;articleid=62320062231359623200622140125

"Meanwhile Akbar Asif has gone ahead and cancelled the entire trip. He says: "I am very annoyed and it's shocking that someone of Javedsaab's stature has been denied a visa. I have utmost respect for him and what has happened with him is really sad. I have cancelled the two-day event. We were going there for a good cause but this has spoilt our mood completely. If they grant him a visa, we may reschedule the entire event."" - That's so nice of him (Asif).

Vikas, this is the 3rd time you've spoken against our neighboring country. You did so twice in the NFAK thread as well, despite being warned by Mods not to. Don't forget, we have a lot of members on IF from there too. Stop all your petty regionalism. I don't know if you have any personal enimity with them, due to any past experiences, but don't bring that on here!!!!

Mods, please ban this guy. He seems incorrigible and is bringing in a bad atmospere!

Vikas,

This is the third day in a row you are voicing unwanted opinion in a musical thread. You can always go to a VHS or RSS type of thread for such views.

Please spare us.We are not interested.

MODS, can you please look into it.

Thanks Adi and Shady...

Vikas.. this is not the right platform to say your opinion...

hey vikas...this isn't right, u really shouldn't voice ur opinion on this topic, especially since it has nothing to do with saregamapa emet...
please voice it on a place where people actually care