1 day Ago By Mashable India
“Should we allow Pakistani artists to work here?” That, lyricist Javed Akhtar stated on Tuesday, is the critical question to ponder following the Pahalgam terror attack. He observed that there is hardly “any warmth today” in the cultural ties between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that now is not the time to even consider allowing Pakistani artists to work in India. “This could be thought about in better times and hopefully after some years some sense will prevail.
And there’ll be a better attitude towards India from the establishment of Pakistan. And then this can be considered. But at the moment, this question should not be asked.
Not possible,” Javed expressed in an interview with PTI. He pointed out that legendary Pakistani artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, and Noor Jehan were warmly embraced by Indian authorities in the past, but this gesture was never reciprocated by the Pakistani establishment. VIDEO | When asked about whether Pakistani artists should be allowed in India, lyricist Javed Akhtar ( @Javedakhtarjadu ) says, "The first question should be whether we should allow the Pakistani artists here.
There are two answers, both of them are equally logical. It has been a..
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com/ox9b3CfbLy — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 29, 2025 Javed’s remarks come in the wake of government sources revealing last week that Abir Gulaal, a film featuring Pakistani star Fawad Khan, will not be permitted to be released in Indian theaters. This decision follows increasing demands for a ban on the movie, which was initially scheduled for release on 9 May, after the tragic incident where terrorists killed 26 people in the scenic Pahalgam mountains of Kashmir on 22 April. When asked if the ban is justified, Javed responded that a more suitable time for such a discussion would come later.
“Particularly whatever has happened recently after that (it) should not even be a topic at the moment. There is hardly any friendly feeling or warmth because of what has happened in Pahalgam,” he shared with PTI during the IP and Music: Feel the beat of IP event organized by FICCI. “The question should be, should we allow Pakistani artists to work here?” Highlighting the warm reception Indians have historically extended to prominent Pakistani artists, Javed also spoke of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, describing him as a poet of the subcontinent.
“I won’t say Pakistani poet. He was living in Pakistan because he was born there. But he was the poet of the subcontinent, a poet of peace and love.
When he came to India, during Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s prime ministership, he was treated like a state head. The kind of respect he was given by the government and the way they looked after him and so on. But I’m afraid this has never been reciprocated.
I have no complaints with the people of Pakistan...
” he elaborated. The 80-year-old veteran, who also serves as the chairperson of the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), recalled how melody queen Lata Mangeshkar enjoyed immense popularity in Pakistan during the 60s and 70s but never performed there even once. “I won’t complain to the people of Pakistan because they loved her (Lata).
That’s why she was so popular...
They admired her but there was some blockage. And the blockage was in the system..
. In this kind of one-way traffic, there once comes a tiredness. This is absolutely equally valid.
We don't get any response from you, but that will go on till when?” he questioned. I&B ministry bans release of movie Abir Gulaal starring Pakistani Fawad Khan. pic.
twitter.com/bEYNOF14mF — Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) April 24, 2025 Javed also noted that banning Pakistani artists in India might inadvertently serve the interests of the Pakistani army and fundamentalists who desire a divide between the two nations. “The Pakistani should not be able to see what kind of freedom, what kind of privilege every citizen of India enjoys.
.. They want the distance because that suits them.
This kind of bonhomie that we are working with Pakistanis doesn't suit them at all...
Because then they go back and they tell about Indian society and they are so privileged and happy they got this opportunity. It’s not appreciated by the right wing there,” he concluded. See Also: How Much Did Fawad Khan Get Paid For 'Abir Gulaal'? Fees Revealed Amid Film's Uncertain Release.
