Pakistani drama actor Mikaal Zulfiar, who made his Bollywood debut last year, has also joined his showbiz colleges to express his thoughts on Pakistani actors being banned in India. Read below;
“Firstly I’m not surprised, this has happened previously. I personally first experienced this back in 2009. Every time there has been serious political tension between the countries, multiple spheres suffer – including the arts.
Bollywood is an exciting prospect for a Pakistani actor. Pakistan and India share many similarities. It’s not hard for a Pakistani to adjust in India and vise versa. India also has the capacity to support bigger projects, bigger budgets, and has recognition on the international stage. It’s an attractive prospect.
I have worked on a few projects in Bollywood. And offers continue to pour in. But my focus shifted back to Pakistan when I faced circumstances similar to those being felt by Pakistani actors today. It is regretful that Bollywood cannot be the sustainable professional choice of a Pakistani actor. The current situation highlights why. Any kind of career needs certainty.
However that said, We in Pakistan have all the potential to make a valuable contribution to the arts and culture locally, nationally, regionally and internationally – we just need better support from our own society. it is up to Pakistanis to support, encourage and value local talent. Give your local talent the kind of backing and support the film industry in Bollywood receives both financially and in terms of recognition. Pakistan is full of talented actors, musicians, artists, creative minds. They are our assets and resources. We just need the right kind of support from within.
Lastly, I firmly believe in peace between the two countries and our communities. I have received a lot of love from the people in India and have given lots of love in return. The cultural exchange of Pakistani actors working in India and Indian actors working for Pakistan films and endorsing Pakistani brands, has been a huge bridge between the two countries and needs to continue, it is very sad that when tensions spill over, it divides the very mechanisms that have the capacity to unite us. Culture reflects and mirrors our society – and what sadder reality is there when even our cultural spheres are denied collaboration.”
