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It was reckless of Pakistani cinemas to indulge in politics: Mahesh Bhatt

It was reckless of Pakistani cinemas to indulge in politics: Mahesh Bhatt

Priyanka, Kajol express delight as Pakistani cinemas decide to lift ban on Indian films
Updated 20 Dec, 2016

There's no denying that Indian celebs enjoy working with Pakistani talent and vice versa. One such example is Mahesh Bhatt.

In an interview with Mid-Day, the Indian director voiced his opinion on Pakistani cinemas' decision to suspend screening of Indian films.

"Banning Indian films reflected the shortsightedness of the Pakistan Film Federation," he said. "It was reckless of them to indulge in politics. Because of their decision [to not 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: Pakistani cinemas stop screening of Indian films

He, like many other Indian actors, stated that the ban on Pakistani artists should be lifted, however his belief is "in the minority".

The director said, "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," he added.

Also read: Decision to screen new Indian films will be taken on Wednesday

Priyanka Chopra, Kajol and Anil Kapoor were delighted at the news of the ban on Indian films being lifted here. According to Indian Express, Priyanka said, "Art should go across the world. I have always believed that. So, I am glad about it."

"Anything where the film industry gets a brick, where the film industry gets a positive sign etc., I am all for the film industry," Kajol said at the Sansui Colours Stardust awards last night.

And Anil Kapoor, who is a long time fan of Fawad Khan, said: I am very happy about it, it is a great news."

Comments

Awesome Lyrics Dec 20, 2016 04:11pm
We are taking this with a grain of salt, till we start producing quality & quantity we have to live with the fact that bollywood gives employment to people here.
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Harmony-1© Dec 20, 2016 04:28pm
Agree with Mahesh Bhatt. No need to stoop to Modi's level. Let him live with his unfulfilled wish of isolating Pakistan.
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DK PAMNANI Dec 20, 2016 04:53pm
Is Mahesh Bhatt a man who can live in honest society. This type of person destroy the good image of society. Common man knows about him and his family. I am happy that ban on Indian Films is lifted because there is no entertainment except Indian movies.
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jammuboy Dec 20, 2016 04:59pm
@Harmony-1© you can't live a day without watching Indian content but you all have all possible excuses to comment on who stoops where.. if you haven't imposed ban on Indian movies and stoop to boot licking you would have saved your face at least !!!
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Ashwin Dec 20, 2016 05:07pm
Showing films in pakistan doesn't give benefit to Bollywood. It's all their need to run their cinemas because they don't make much movies and establishing a solid film industry is not like opening a shop or factory, it takes decades and lots of efforts.
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Wajahat Hussain Dec 20, 2016 05:09pm
What would you say about Indian Producers ban Mr. Bhatt
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BNJ Dec 20, 2016 05:12pm
This is one rare occasion where i have seen Mahesh Bhatt speaking something sensible ! Meanwhile, I will still expect Pakistani filmmakers to make good films so that your dependence on Indian cinema goes down. Cinema reflects culture and most of Pakistanis dissociate from Indian culture, then why to promote and enjoy a culture which is alien to yours. I am an Indian by the way. Keep enjoying Indian films till the time you start making like them.
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Giri Dec 20, 2016 06:02pm
@Wajahat Hussain : Read it carefully. He has said what he wanted to say.
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Dr.Arshad Dec 20, 2016 06:53pm
@Wajahat Hussain .............Great !
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Ali Dec 20, 2016 07:10pm
We need entertainment in Pakistan and cinema is the only way out
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Fi Dec 20, 2016 07:12pm
While it is fine for Indian cinema owners, film producers and sports to indulge in politics.
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Ali Dec 20, 2016 07:12pm
@Wajahat Hussain I feel its not necessary for Indian producers to cast Pakistani artists because they have alot of talent of their own. Our actors are average.
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AXH Dec 20, 2016 07:19pm
"Art should go across the world. I have always believed that. So, I am glad about it." It has to be a two-way street and not just one-way. When Pakistani artist were threatened by the BJP and RSS goons, the Modi government did not take any stand which means that it was in cahoots with those goons.
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Harmony-1© Dec 20, 2016 07:20pm
@Jammuboy – Wow what a reaction in Modi defence! There must be truth in my comment then. I detect frustration that isolation is not working!!!
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ghaznavi Dec 20, 2016 07:24pm
""It was reckless of them to indulge in politics." really !!!! and what are the topics of films like Border? It is indian cinema that has dragged politics into entertainment. Banning indian movies was a right decision. Alas! we are now void of any leadership.
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M. HAROON RAWALIA Dec 20, 2016 07:36pm
@Ashwin You may be partially correct. But if it does not help Bollywood, Why are bollywood big names so happy about Pakistan decision?
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Yas Dec 20, 2016 08:21pm
Someone tell him to mind his own business.its Tit for Tat going on.
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sthf Dec 20, 2016 08:23pm
Calling Mahesh Bhatt a "celebrity" is taking it a bit too far. Also Pakistan should have some self respect and keep the ban going. Not a single condition has been changed since the ban was placed in the first thing. 1) Shelling is still going on the border. 2) IMPAA ban on Pak artists is still in place. 3) Pak artists like Maara can't go to India to promote their films. Okay, a few things have changed. 1) Pak cinemas are facing bankruptcy. 2) Bankruptcy will ruin the industry as a whole.
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khanm Dec 20, 2016 08:28pm
In India and Pakistan everything revolves around politics ..unfortunately the hatred will always be the hindrance...unless we promote people contacts and bring our general masses together. We share so many cultural inheritances and yet so far from one another..
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ejaz Dec 20, 2016 08:33pm
wow Mr Bhatt, the whole bollywood being run by the Thakray family, movies being released there after their support and you are advising Pak, look who is saying
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Mohsin mahmood Dec 20, 2016 08:58pm
Mr. Mahesh: How about giving this same piece of advice to your cricket board.
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N_Saq Dec 20, 2016 09:01pm
Pak should not fall into the trap of Tit for Tat with India. One needs to be smart and be mindful of it's own benefits. Pak should only use Tit for Tat when it is in its benefit otherwise Pak should just ignore Indian leaderships tantrums. Pak is gaining and will gain respect internationally by not following the tit for tat stupidity of Indian leadership. The world leaders will see Pak as a mature country compared to Indian tantrums. There are lessons in history for such behavior such as Soviet Union. If everyone remember Soviets used to ban everything American whereas US only used tit for tat when it suited her. Look where is Soviet Union today and where is US. I rest my case...
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Desi Dec 20, 2016 09:11pm
It was reckless to ban Indian movies in Pakistan but OK to prevent Pakistan actors from acting in Indian movies. How does it makes sense?
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Sameer Dec 20, 2016 09:15pm
Cinemas will be under threat. Mob mentality isnt keen on letting Indian crap run here. Better go local or promote Trukish/Irani dramas.
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Ali Dec 20, 2016 10:19pm
@ejaz so? Moral of the story is?
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Ahsan Gul Dec 20, 2016 11:06pm
I for one was against playing Indian movies in Pakistan after India banned our artists but I think that we made a very hasty decision to reciprocate. India and Pakistan have many issues and only a sit down and cool head approach is needed. We share same cultural and geographical values. I am of the opinion that unless an Indian competition is there, Pakistani film industry will not improve. Sincerely
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Ashwin Dec 20, 2016 11:08pm
@M. Haroon They are not happy or sad. It's showbiz. When someone comes to you and asks for comment, you give a positive, happy type reply, just as formality.
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Kicha Dec 20, 2016 11:28pm
@Harmony-1© if Pak cine industry has banned Indian movies it is Pakistan Film Federation's decision and not Mr.Shariff. But if Indian Movie industry has decided not to rope in Pak's it is not Indian Movie Federation but it is Modi. What logic is this? !?!
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peace Dec 20, 2016 11:44pm
@JAMMUBOY Chillout man, it's after all Harmony.; Full of twisted logics and self serving stats. There are guys here who serves constructive criticism, open a healthy discussion with them. By the by Harmony, nice try! huh;
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Sam Dec 20, 2016 11:45pm
@Harmony-1© - lol, you really funny... guess a face saving comment of yours really need a mahesh bhat shoulder to look upon.. :D you sure can't sustain the ban for even couple of months, theatres are on the verge of shutting down, economy on doldrums and then have the audacity of talking abot modi and his wishes..
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HeSpeaks Dec 20, 2016 11:49pm
@Wajahat Hussain Hello friend. The ban here in India is political. The people from film industry not speaking is also affected by the possible known/unknown reactions they may face from the goverment and its allies. Yes, the government is in wrong side and I have nothing to defend India here but still, you should think if getting to same level of stupidity as BJP government needed to be replicated by Pakistani film assosciation. The imitation of our mistake makes sense because of similarity and complexity of India-Pak ties but it was a wrong decision from Pak Cinema industry. Modi gov doesn't have high credibility in eyes of most neutral people but people can't vote everyday on every matter. It would have made sense to ban Indian movies if Pak artists were banned by non-Modi/BJP government as they all have a different reputation in terms of communal harmony & secularism even with their corruption.
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HeSpeaks Dec 21, 2016 12:00am
@Fi It is definitely not fine for Indian cinema owners, film producers and sports to indulge in politics and you can be certain that many of them don't. There is no proof of consensus among either common people or Indian artist that they want ban. You need to get it that BJP won with brute majority in last national election and thus they got bigger influence in media, politics and every other institutions. They are trying to portray/propogate themselves as nationalist by questioning patriotism of any person who question. Congress can't stand upto them this time due to heavy defeat they faced in election due to their own corrupt politics and there is no other major party who can face them.
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syedchaudhrygangadinkhan Dec 21, 2016 12:21am
Pakistani film industry should stop competing with India and settle down. There is no other choice. Let people enjoy what they like.
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zahiduddin Dec 21, 2016 02:49am
Did you not say 'Reckless' when our artists were humiliated and asked to leave your country ? Mr. Bhatt you have double standards.
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Azhar Hussain Dec 21, 2016 03:09am
Another Indian making statements to please the general public, and we can see from the responses from across the border. Its not quality or content but the number of people watching it and number of theaters. Lets you advise your fellow Indians and see crazy they go. We will take it with a grain of salt.
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Akil Akhtar Dec 21, 2016 05:25am
LOL.....arrogance
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Ibrahim Dec 21, 2016 07:44am
It was and is reckless to allow screeing Indian movies in Pakistani cinemas across the country. India don't even play cricket with Pakistan at neutral venues. Pakistan junior hockey team was denied to play in world cup at India Pakistani actors are banned in Bollywood. Pakistani signers concerts were attacked and cancelled in India Pakistani writers book inauguration was attacked in India Pcb officials were attacked in India. Pakistani movies and TV channels are not allowed in India. Indian media promotes anti Pakistan propaganda. Consequences India makes huge revenues from pakistan from Indian movies, Indian DTH and Indian content shown on Pakistani channels and even on F.M channels. The money India makes in Pakistan is then used by them in firing across loc killing innocent people even ambulances and school buses are targeted. Pakistani pays for Indian propaganda and also makes indian heros their own heros and it goes on
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Lalit Dec 21, 2016 09:06am
@ghaznavi Dear ,the ban looks silly and reckless in retrospective when you have to search for novel ways of lifting the ban.smarting under the huge losses and lost jobs Pakistani exhibitors are now saying that they are doing it as a mercy on Indian film industry.ego is only for those who can afford its ramifications.
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Sid Dec 21, 2016 09:35am
what he thinks about his film industry and slave government?
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Shuaib Dec 21, 2016 10:12am
then Why BCCI indulge in Politics and even women cricket india refused to play vs Pakistan. Can you dare this and ask BCCI?
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OhHTerriEH Dec 21, 2016 10:34am
With love from India. Enjoy Indian movies.
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Masoud Dec 21, 2016 12:39pm
Modi government is solely responsible for any U turn in India Pakistan relationship be it films, TV or other.
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Ahad Dec 21, 2016 12:42pm
The last Indian movie I watched was Kal ho na ho in Ft. Worth. I have not watched any more since.
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Zak Dec 22, 2016 01:38am
Each actor/ Director should stay on their side of the border. No need for movies and artist.
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zipper Dec 22, 2016 11:59am
Why do we need a ban to show our disapproval of something. its just like indus motors and honda trying to make sure foreign or better cars should be more priced . or PIA saying stop the other better and foreign airlines operating in the country so they can flourish & cut their losses despite poor services. (baseless protectionist argument) . now the pakistani cinema trying to make people watch their ordinary movies by orchestrating a ban. Bottom line is if there is better things out there then our own indigenous production ,that better thing should be the available to the common man. period. if our people truly feel that our artists, sportsmen or whoever have been disrespected and unfairly treated, why cant they stop going to the cinema for indians movies themselves. personally i have decided to boycott every indian product. movies included. and i am sticking to it ban or no ban.
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Ibby Dec 23, 2016 05:42am
@Harmony-1© Why blame Modi or anyone else? Modi did not order Cinema owners to ban Indian movies. They did it on their own and faced the consequences. Guys like Bhatt are happy to receive cheap labor from Pakistan to work for them. It reduces the overall cost of their film projects.
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Thor™ Dec 23, 2016 07:47am
@Harmony-1©, even a silly comment can cause reaction when someone believes you're a grown up.
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