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Pakistani cinema needs Indian films right now, says Humayun Saeed

Pakistani cinema needs Indian films right now, says Humayun Saeed

The actor/producer feels that the reciprocal ban on Indian films was a poor decision
06 Oct, 2016

While film exhibitors in Pakistan were quick to reciprocate the ban of Pakistani artistes in India with a ban on Bollywood films on Pakistani cinema screens, actor/producer Humayun Saeed has criticised the move as a decision made in haste, reports BBC URDU.

Also read: Banning Indian films in Pakistan will only bolster piracy, say local cinema owners

"Pakistani cinema needs Indian films at present. Locally produced films alone can't sustain our cinema. Cinemas need a new film every week and Pakistan doesn't produce that many," reasoned the Jawani Phir Nahi Ani star.

He appealed to film exhibitors to "maintain their composure" and "not follow in India's footsteps", especially given the fact that "we believe that India's ban on Pakistani artistes was wrong."

Further clarifying his point of view, Humayun said that he has never opposed the screening of Bollywood films in Pakistan, and has merely asked for the holiday dates of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Azha to be reserved for local films. "There should be no limitation on Bollywood films for the rest of the year," he said.

On September 30, the management of Pakistani cinemas such as Lahore's Super Cinemas and Karachi's Nueplex and Atrium cinemas announced their decision to indefinitely cease the screening of all Indian films as a protest against the ban of Pakistani artists in India and to show solidarity with the armed forces of Pakistan.

Some cinemas are filling the gaps in their movie schedule with screenings of earlier released Pakistani films like Bachaana, Bin Roye and Maalik.

Comments

Truth Oct 06, 2016 08:27pm
If you can't abide by your principles, you will sell out at any opportunity! What goes around comes around. The ban was appropriate and should remain in place.
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Vivek Oct 06, 2016 08:28pm
Actually, both Indian and Pakistanis need each other.
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Nelly Oct 06, 2016 08:32pm
Bollywood is become an opiate for south east Asia. They just cannot get enough of it. The societies live in pressure zones. Bollywood is a Reliever.
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Fatima Oct 06, 2016 08:33pm
No need for indian films or dramas in apkistan.trust me we wont be losing anything educational or cultural or religious if we are NOT watching the rubbish Indian cinema!!!!
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Skeptic Oct 06, 2016 08:33pm
So, how did the Pakistani cinemas survive for the past 6-7 decades without Bollywood onslaught!? They used to magnets for Hollywood hits... I recall Karachi of the 70-80s, was all abuzz from Plaza to Prince, Bambino to Capri with American movies, Rest of the suburbs used to show mix of Pakistani and English movies and there was a big demand by movie fanatics. Pakistani cinemas can revive with movies from different sources. Over dependency on one supplier is a sure recipe for disaster!
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ARFAN ASLAM khan Oct 06, 2016 08:42pm
Can someone tell Mr Humayun why should we allow Indian films should be allowed in Pakistan,while India is throwing all the Pakistani actors out of India,Its Tit for Tat,may be Humayun does not know,We DO NOT need indian films in Pakistan either.
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Karan-Mumbai Oct 06, 2016 08:51pm
Sorry Mr Humayun, Now we don't want to export our movies. Please show your local movies to the public throughout the year.
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Prapur Oct 06, 2016 08:52pm
Thanks for standing up for unjustified ban and also piracy issue.
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Jay Oct 06, 2016 09:04pm
I don't agree Humayon. He is not realizing the intensity of hatred being poured for the whole nation of Pakistan. Learn to find your own ways, instead of readymade. That is laziness.
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Deepak Kumar Oct 06, 2016 09:05pm
Tell them who is the best
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Talha Oct 06, 2016 09:13pm
Humayun Saeed is totally India-obsessed and that can be seen from all his dramas and movies in recent years which look like some Bollywood stuff. We don't need Indian movies whether India bans our artists or not.
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Ray Oct 06, 2016 09:17pm
Release Chinese movies. Pakistan has a Chinese obsession
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Ahsan Gul Oct 06, 2016 09:18pm
Why Pakistan cinemas need Indian movies? Will the public die if they don't have movies? Don't these actors have self respect and love for Pakistan or this actor is short for mone? Come on you guys.
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Irfan ul Huq Oct 06, 2016 09:25pm
Humayun Saeed should be looking at ways to improve and increase the movie business in Pakistan. He should be asking government to subsidize the movie industry. Government should encourage and subsidize the construction of smaller movie houses. movie house that should not have more than 200 to 400 seats. This will encourage small businessman to construct movie Halls such as in the shopping mall at one of the floors. Smaller Hall's such as marriage Halls or similar size movie houses will be less expensive to construct. Lowe the movie ticket prices which are expensive for a middle-class family. Governments should lower taxes on businesses which invest in movie industry. This will encourage businesses to make movies on Lower budget and distribute all over Pakistan. This will also encourage to buy expensive equipment for the business.
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Sumit Mazumdar Oct 06, 2016 09:27pm
Both Governments are hiding facts and are going for the softest targets. Banning films and artists neither wins wars nor brings peace. But they do satisfy the meanest people.
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Khalil Oct 06, 2016 09:32pm
Please go to india and ask for asylum. Shame on all of the people and news channels who air indian movies and dramas
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Sudhanshu Swami Oct 06, 2016 09:36pm
Today is shocking day for Indian readers. Instead of telling Hafiz is hero they are saying catch him. Instead of Banning Indian cinema , they are saying we need them. Thanks dawn for publish news.
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Ali Oct 06, 2016 09:38pm
I wish you have shown the courage to say that their ban was wrong, when they imposed it. Now its too late Mr. HS. Speak before you expect everyone to hear you.
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Ezio Auditore da Firenze Oct 06, 2016 09:41pm
On the poor side, you guys missed an amazing movie "MS Dhoni: TUS"
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san Oct 06, 2016 09:51pm
At last....one sensible person to accepts the reality.
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ABC Oct 06, 2016 09:58pm
Humayn is right in his view point .
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Not Again Oct 06, 2016 10:00pm
Humayun Saeed seems to forget that this is not the result of Pakistan's wishes. Such a decision has effectively been imposed on us due to the political climate that India has created.
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Abdul Oct 06, 2016 10:02pm
How viciously, Indian media, politicians, artists etc etc are treating us. Here we are dying of Indian cinema's vulgarity, just to make a few bucks.
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flipflop Oct 06, 2016 10:03pm
to some extent he's correct. I think arts and sports should not be mixed with politics and should flow freely. Its a platform to express emotions, imagination, positivity, negativity, energy etc. To me arts whether its pictures, cinema or a play teaches us so many things that other books, schools, etc do not teach, so in short its good learning process.
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Anwar Amjad Oct 06, 2016 10:08pm
It is important to retaliate. At least the Indian film industry should feel the pinch of losing income from Pakistani market for their stupid action. The production of Pakistani films will soon catch up with the demand.
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San Oct 06, 2016 10:19pm
Why can't Pakistan run Chinese movies ?. People of Pakistan enjoys.
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Sam Oct 06, 2016 10:20pm
country is bigger than cinema.
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Anil Oct 06, 2016 10:22pm
Please do not show Indian cinemas in Pakistan ever. Show only Chinese movies.
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Gm Oct 06, 2016 10:23pm
All theaters will close down soon. Just wait. He is right
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Rashid Sultan Oct 06, 2016 10:23pm
Display of patriotism seems misplaced by banning artists and films, social exchanges, ordinary citizen visits to see relatives & friends, not playing sport, etc These are not indicative of patriotism but petulance.
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Technokraft Oct 06, 2016 10:34pm
Pakistan do not need Indian anything now or ever. We can and will stand on our own feet or die with dignity
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Iqbal Aswani Oct 06, 2016 10:35pm
The problem with him and likes is that they are always after fame and money. They least bother the country's standing.
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Chicago Oct 06, 2016 10:35pm
There is something called National spirit, learn from Adnan Sami. Not everything is money or business. Like in America be American, you need to learn to be Pakistani have confidence in yourself.
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Ezio Auditore da Firenze Oct 06, 2016 10:43pm
Course he's right, Pakistani cinemas need B'wood in order to strengthen itself.
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Karim Oct 06, 2016 10:46pm
I agree with him. Banning movies hurts local business and let's be honest our cinemas need to show these movies. Also, if we start acting like the amateurs across the border then what's the difference between us and them. However, I do think government should support the film industry as much as they can so we can start producing movies more frequently. We have tremendous talent in the country and we can easily compete with bollywood because our content is better and so is our music.
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Nauman M Oct 06, 2016 10:57pm
Oh no, it looks like the ban is going to burn a big hole in some people's pockets.
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a Oct 06, 2016 10:57pm
Who releases Indian films in Pakistan ??
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RUCHIMAH Oct 06, 2016 11:01pm
Sane voice. This is close to honesty.
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s.r.reddy Oct 06, 2016 11:04pm
good sense.
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s.r.reddy Oct 06, 2016 11:04pm
correct.
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Dilip Thorat Oct 06, 2016 11:08pm
Ban doesn't make any commercial sense for Paksitan. Not even economy.
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PakiForum Oct 06, 2016 11:10pm
Baseless propaganda. Must be getting some good money from Bollywood.
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Jay Oct 06, 2016 11:19pm
PERMA has to rethink on its decision to ban Bollywood films screen in Pakistan. It will increase piracy and jobs of many people those are associated with the film industry. As their brad and butter comes from their jobs, and people who takes decision they are least bothered about poor people.
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Manu USA Oct 06, 2016 11:20pm
IMO, he is right. India and Pakistan should make Federation. This will save money on defense, and people can get work and richer education. Yes, like US states. I want to see Beautiful Pakistan as a visitor.
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oregata Oct 06, 2016 11:21pm
Selfish and idiotic !!!
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Nahead Khandu Oct 06, 2016 11:25pm
What? Is he saying that our public doesn't like Pakistani movies. Our own Fawad bhai can give Brad Pitt a run for his money. My Mahira is better than Jolie. Our actors look better than Indian ones even when in a constipated state. Those days are not far when films like 2012 and world war Z will be shot at real locations in Pakistan and I can see Fawad shooting zombies in Swat with a Chinese made gun.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Oct 06, 2016 11:25pm
What a serious joke?
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Khurram Oct 06, 2016 11:30pm
I think with this knee jerk reaction, we put ourselves in the same bucket as India. Decisions should always be made wisely. Now if theaters go out of business, who will revive cinemas?
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Your name Oct 06, 2016 11:35pm
Well, I knew this was coming.
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Haroon Salam Oct 06, 2016 11:48pm
Banning Indian Cinema in Pakistan will not none to negligible effect on Indian cinema revenues. Nobody will even take a note.
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GS Oct 07, 2016 12:01am
Reality check !
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Sun Wang Oct 07, 2016 12:05am
You are wrong, Mr. Saeed. I am a culture exchange intern in Lahore from Hong Kong and can assure you that your all-weather friend China is ready to help. We can easily promote Chinese films and culture in your cinema halls. It will definitely bring the peoples of our two countries much closer. Think over.
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Zak Oct 07, 2016 12:07am
Most of Bollywood movies are flimsy copies of Hollywood. Why not to show the original Hollywood instead ?
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Nelson Oct 07, 2016 12:10am
If Pakistan has 500 screens, how will you run 500 screen were in you do not produce that many movies.
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Khwarezmi Oct 07, 2016 12:47am
I disagree. There is nothing that India have that we REALLY need.
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art kp Oct 07, 2016 12:50am
Agree, lets not get down to their level.
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Umer Salahuddin Oct 07, 2016 12:59am
He should know that in fifties Pakistan film industry produced much better movies than Bollywood. Pakistan has best actors and only need good story writers and sponsorship from the government
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ZAF Oct 07, 2016 01:14am
Seriously ? Have some respect for your country Humayan Saeed.
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Khanna Oct 07, 2016 01:15am
Finally someone spoke the truth in Pakistan
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Akash Oct 07, 2016 01:20am
In other words, it is not easy being in isolation.
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saqib mughal Oct 07, 2016 01:30am
Start showing classic Pakistani films or Hollywood dubbed movies instead of bollywood garbage.
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Good Guy Oct 07, 2016 01:34am
Pakistani cinema will go back by 10-15 years without Bollywood. How will theatre owners earn money and how will they pay back to producers and then how producers can pay to actors. Whole industry will be in financial depression. Pakistan produce around 15-20 movies a year and what theatres will show for rest of year.
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ASH Oct 07, 2016 01:40am
No kidding..
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Qamar Valliani Oct 07, 2016 01:47am
Pakistan don't need now or ever Indian movies, TVs or anything else .
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sameer junaid Oct 07, 2016 01:48am
Let me guess humayun, you must have an ownership stake in these Cinemas, hence the desire to keep them populated and financially supporting the very machine that doesn't hold back in spewing vitriol and hate towards Pakistan. Bravo.
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Waheed Noor Oct 07, 2016 02:10am
Another year and we won't have any theaters in Pakistan. Then we do not need to ban anything.
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Goodness Oct 07, 2016 02:40am
Good people also exist.
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Beleiver Oct 07, 2016 02:46am
Very true!
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NowNow Oct 07, 2016 02:54am
Great statement Humayon. There is no need to make irrational emotional decisions that will hurt our nascent film industry. Think business. At this time it is our need.
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Armughan Oct 07, 2016 03:02am
Well i think Pakistani movies are good enough to woo in audiences. Plus if you really want to up the ante, start playing more Hollywood movies. At least they are more likely to offer value when compared with low standard Indian masala which is often recycled from the American movies anyway.
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Jamil Soomro, NEW YORK CITY Oct 07, 2016 03:11am
The whole nation of Pakistan is in the grip of crisis and Humayun Saeed says he wants Indian Films shown right now? My respect to the Pakistan Cinema Association for banning the screening of Indian Films.
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khan Oct 07, 2016 03:45am
Wrong, in view of the present situation between India n Pakistan a complete ban of any business with India is in the interest of Pakistan. Its people like H. Saeed who prefer personal interest on national.
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Rehan Oct 07, 2016 03:49am
Sensible.
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Akil Akhtar Oct 07, 2016 03:59am
The artists seem to have no self respect.....money is everythign.
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Himmat Oct 07, 2016 04:03am
Indian films have bad influence. Ban is justified. Show instead Chinese or Arabic movies.
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ali Oct 07, 2016 04:29am
this actor is absolutely right. and well done dawn the only newspaper in south asia that is not biased and publishes real stories
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Shahid Oct 07, 2016 04:47am
Encourage Pakistani lawmakers to keep ban on Indian films. Disagree with the point of view that Pakistani cinema needs Indian films to support itself. Indian films have loose moral standards anyways. Agree?
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RajBans Oct 07, 2016 05:07am
This was silly decision taken by Pakistani Cinema It will hurt Pakistan and nobody else
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tarik Oct 07, 2016 05:37am
Ban every thing from India & export all Gaddars to India.
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miristan Oct 07, 2016 05:59am
Please close the cinema houses. National pride is more important or Cinema . Shame on you Mr. Hamayun Saeed Let the Goverment decided about this and options are to Import american Iranian or Turkish moves to keep the industry running. You have heart the feeling of Nation.
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ron Oct 07, 2016 06:02am
Agreed
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Khan Oct 07, 2016 06:14am
Ban the Indian films.
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Sachin Oct 07, 2016 06:16am
No Indian films in Pakistan
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i Oct 07, 2016 06:26am
looks like he invested in indian movies showing in pak. by the way indian movies display culture of guns and gangs and how unlawful elements become rich and famous by breaking the laws which looks like the only way for poor people to come out of their poverty. result is what you see in karachi.
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Merchant Oct 07, 2016 06:29am
If we allowed Indian movies to continue to be shown in Pakistan, then it would have sent a very wrong message to India that we are desperate for their products. It is all.aniut the extreme mentality.
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R Jetley Oct 07, 2016 06:51am
Banning Indian films by Pak seems to be a hasty step.If Pak does not produce adequate films for its cinemas then ban will ruin the cinemas industry and many cinemas will face closure. Humayun Saeed is right that ban will adversely affect Pak more than India. Livelihood of many employees of cinemas will be in danger. Pak should review the ban and business sense should prevail over emotional outbursts.
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Masood Oct 07, 2016 07:09am
A sensible analysis. If you criticize them for mixing entertainment with politics, you should not do the same.
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PakSal Oct 07, 2016 07:12am
Subtitled Hollywood movies would be a lot better to fill the schedules rather than low on quality Bollywood material. At least the audience will get to enjoy some ingenuity and original ideas rather than copied ones be it storyline, action sequences etc. Now that good quality Pakistani movies are coming out in decent numbers, its ok to reciprocate.
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Cp3 Oct 07, 2016 07:32am
I m a pakistani .I dont think we need indian movies .If Pakistani ppl dont want.why'd Pakistani cinema
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jssidhoo Oct 07, 2016 08:08am
Logic is the first casualty of jingoism
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Pakistani Oct 07, 2016 08:19am
We don't need you, find a shelter in Bolywood.
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khuwaja Oct 07, 2016 08:23am
Money is not everything mr. Humayon !
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Anand Sinha Oct 07, 2016 08:41am
Incorrect article.Pak actors are not banned in India.They have left by choice .
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Daggers Oct 07, 2016 08:45am
Movies are cultural exchange: for India Pakistan it's natural to watch Bollywood movies because it reflects and represents entire subcontinent. Let's not political tension harm entertainment.
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Unkown Oct 07, 2016 09:12am
we can bear losses but at the moment we should stand by the country
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slamdogpotliram Oct 07, 2016 09:20am
that s right. both the countries need each others artists & cinema.
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Jewa Oct 07, 2016 09:38am
shame on you humayun......
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Alexey Oct 07, 2016 09:42am
Wow. What kind of complex are you in man? Here we have a chance to finally promote our own movies and you are coming up with such statements. Just say that you don't have it in you to rise up to the occasion and i clearly see why we have been left behind all this time. We don't lack talent but it's people like you who are in charge of leading others. Such a shame! I never thought of you as a big screen guy anyways. You should probably stick to small screen.
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Atticus from India Oct 07, 2016 09:44am
Ban is not solidarity.. it's enforcement (Holds true for both countries). Solidarity is when common people give up the things by their own choice...Remember independence movement ? Non-Cooperation ? Not using Britain mfd goods? That was achieved because masses were convinced, and because of bans. Bans will lead to piracy - which further weakens patriotic spirit further. Because now, people will be breaking domestic laws to watch foreign content!
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Bakshu Oct 07, 2016 09:47am
I support banning
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Tariq Oct 07, 2016 09:49am
Poor HS had NO sense of wisdom before commenting on this BAN.
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madhusudan Oct 07, 2016 09:50am
Humayoon is not only good actor but mashallah se Zaheen and intelligent too.
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Naqad Oct 07, 2016 10:07am
There are certain things beyond business interests!
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Aamer Oct 07, 2016 10:10am
We can release hollywood movies.
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yamir Oct 07, 2016 10:11am
Humayun Saeed has obviously misplaced priorities. Indian cinema exhibits melodrama, false perceptions and histrionics-totally disconnected from our regional life. What does he intend to learn from them............?!
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JUSTICE Oct 07, 2016 10:13am
Totally disagree with Humayun Saeed's opinion, all Pakistani have to be united and firm on Kashmir issue with India. He should know that India started first restricting Pakistani actors, we should never permit any Indian movies in Pakistani movie theaters until India lift their unjustified restrictions.
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DesPak Oct 07, 2016 10:34am
No we don't ... Make yourself better than other that Pakistan's film industry can thrive. The film senseless plots, idiotic crying dramas and foul language children cartoons are doing more damage than good. Stop thinking of your own benefits.
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Hamza Shahzad Oct 07, 2016 10:37am
Why do you need Indian films in your cinemas? You need to make and develop your own quality films to compete with Indian films. Think about it rather than rely on Indian films for running your cinemas. All talent of your film industry is mobilizing to India. Why don,t you plan to use it in Pak?
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Al Khan Oct 07, 2016 10:55am
No Thank you Sir, we do no need their movies to be running inside our cinemas and homes, a strict ban is needed to filter out indian cinema and tv content off our land.
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Anonymous Oct 07, 2016 11:05am
Even Indian don't like bollywood, why pakistan should like the bakwas movies. run hollywood movies instead.
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Lafanga Oct 07, 2016 11:14am
We want indian movies to enjoy the weekend.whats wrong in it, by seeing them ? My children are fond of Indian movies. How can I say them that the movies are banned. Please lift the ban.
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Super Raj Oct 07, 2016 11:20am
@Himmat Suggest Korean films..
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Shahzad Oct 07, 2016 07:08pm
Thank you Humayun Saeed. A voice of reason from pakistan.
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Shahzad Oct 07, 2016 07:13pm
@Manu USA my dream exactly
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Waleed Oct 07, 2016 10:36pm
No more Indians film.
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Kulbhushan Yadav Oct 08, 2016 02:06am
@Fatima yeah I think turkish soap operas are providing much needed culture, religion and education to Pakistani masses.
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Javed Oct 08, 2016 02:09am
Human saeed is just seeking media attention from both sides. People like him will do anything. Money and fame.
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Irfan ul Huq Oct 08, 2016 02:53am
@Nelson if Pakistan has 500 movie houses and it produces only 50 movies a year then each movie should have 500 prints and that way we can fill up every movie houses for 50 weeks a year. There is aenough population in Pakistan to watch 50 movies for 50 weeks in 500 movie Holes.
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Irfan ul Huq Oct 08, 2016 03:07am
@Hamza Shahzad quality movie do not develop in vacuum. Indian movies have to be in the country to improve in competition and quality of the movies. I am in favor of showing Indian movies in Pakistan. However this should not be a free ride. Movies should be brough in by an agreement that will allow Pakistani movies to be shown in India and Indian movies in Pakistan. Present situation is unbalanced.
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naz Oct 08, 2016 06:54am
@Truth --get movies from Iran and Turkey.
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Bharat Oct 08, 2016 11:53am
As an movie-loving Indian citizen, I can say that 90% of Indian movies are trash. They could well be banned in India also. Pakistan has nothing to loose by banning them. Screen best movies from the world and educate/entertain yourself. Pakistan should strive to develop their own brand of good cinemas.
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we are fine without it Oct 09, 2016 07:21am
Entertainment shouldn't be at the expense of our social values. Current indian cinema will do more harm than good to our homes. So please let the ban be. This is a hidden blessing.
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Yahya Oct 09, 2016 10:23am
Unlike Indian actors, Pakistani actors are worrying about their own careers. Shameful. Respect and pride is more important than cinema. Alas! you wont understand this because this will close gates of India for you.
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Lovi agarwal Oct 09, 2016 12:45pm
@ARFAN ASLAM khan you should allow indian movies bcoz bollywood is your need.. India has enough talent and most successful movies in india have no pakistani actor but most successful movies in pak are of bollywood.. Pak produce 20-22 movies a year.. There are 54 weeks a year.. You will ruin yourself
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