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Pakistanis and Indians share more than just the colour of their skins: Adnan Siddiqui

Pakistanis and Indians share more than just the colour of their skins: Adnan Siddiqui

With the success of his Bolly debut, Siddiqui speaks about cross cultural ties between the two countries
Updated 16 Jul, 2017

Adnan Siddiqui is one of the most prominent faces in the local entertainment industry and since his Bollywood debut, he's made quite an impression across the border too.

In an interview with IANS, the actor shared his film Mom's response in his hometown and the political relation between India and Pakistan.

"A good product is well-received everywhere. People here in Pakistan have loved the film and are ecstatic about the collaboration between the two nations," he shared.

However, just like Mahira and Fawad couldn't promote their Bolly films Raees and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, respectively, Adnan Siddiqui and Sajal Aly, too found themselves unable to promote their film.

"Obviously it is a sad feeling when you are not able to promote a project you have spent tiring days and nights working on. But then you are relieved that the promotion lies in more than capable hands, for the likes of Sridevi and Nawaazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna."

And he agreed that this divide hurts sentiments on both sides of the border: "I wouldn’t go as far as saying there’s resentment to this situation. But I would agree it is hurting the relations between artists of both the countries. The politics may steer a situation in any direction but the people of both countries love and respect art for what it is. They don’t see passports when they purchase a ticket, they see a film."

Adnan believes, like many artistes, that art can bring about peace between India and Pakistan.

"No matter how hard people try, our cultural ties will come out strong. We share more than just the colour of our skins, we share history, we share values, we share customs and it is just a matter of time we will start sharing our artists, directors, writers, technicians on a large scale too. I honestly believe we can find peace in art."

He added, "People of the both countries are smart enough not get themselves into politically incorrect situations. My production of Seeta Bagri was extremely well perceived and people in Pakistan supported its message of tolerance and brotherhood."

Regardless of the political tensions between the two countries, the actor credits Mom producer Boney Kapoor with breaking the hurdles.

Once I got the offer, I couldn’t resist myself from saying yes since I knew I would be playing a role against Sridevi and I was also aware that Sajal Aly from Pakistan, who is a beautiful actress, is part of the cast. The political hostility as you say did create hurdles for the film. However, it was Boney Kapoor Saab who became the leader and crisis-breaker, sorted out the production issues and took us all home for a win.

He also spoke about the local entertainment industry and how it's in the growing stages, "The New Cinema, as I like to call it, is a growing baby. There are a lot of players with growing ambitions, hence it is creating opportunities all across the board which is a beautiful sight. However, since it is an evolving industry, we will need time to eradicate the mistakes and enhance the strengths."

Comments

waleed fakhar Jul 16, 2017 03:19pm
Hundred and one percent agree..we must be united...
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Baldev Singh Jul 16, 2017 03:20pm
They are all mixed up and converts to all the religions and castes or the vice versa !
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Talha Jul 16, 2017 03:24pm
Over reaction! All are human beings. Pakistanis, Indians, Chinese, Nordic and everyone else. Nothing specially common in Pakistani and Indian people
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Joe Jul 16, 2017 03:36pm
No matter how hard people try, our cultural ties will come out strong. We share more than just the colour of our skins, we share history, we share values, we share customs and it is just a matter of time we will start sharing our artists, directors, writers, technicians on a large scale too. I honestly believe we can find peace in art." I agree .one has to decide wether we are in common with Arabs who conquered and tried to impose their customs, tradition religionon us or our roots are in Ganga,Sindhu civilization.
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Hutt Jul 16, 2017 03:39pm
We are different now so appreciate it and move on. We are not going to be united or anything like that.
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Pashtun Jul 16, 2017 03:43pm
Not all "pakistanis" share their skin color with indians.
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SAra Jul 16, 2017 03:46pm
@Talha Really?? Never seen American, Arab, chinese wear subcontinent cultural cloths, eat Gol Gappe or speak common language spoken in subcontinent. So there is special relationship between both countries. Partition happened on basis of religion, common ethnicities and cultures remained same.
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syed ahmed Jul 16, 2017 04:02pm
100%Agreed.
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timetostopthis Jul 16, 2017 04:06pm
@Hutt You don't have to unite just because you are similar. But you can remain very good friends because you have so many things in common. Your statement only goes to show your limited and narrow mindset.
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timetostopthis Jul 16, 2017 04:08pm
Very well spoken Mr. Adnan. Wish there were more people who are sensible, mature and nice hearted like you amongst the leadership on both sides.
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Khwarizmi Jul 16, 2017 04:17pm
Ask the Kashmiris how much they share with Indians and they will tell you stories about their murdered loved one by the Indian forces.
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Yaqut khan Jul 16, 2017 04:55pm
I don't think Pakistani and Indian have same skin colour or culture.
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Yaqut khan Jul 16, 2017 04:56pm
I do not agree with Adnan.he must visit the entire India to know about the real India..Bollywood isn't the true representation of India.
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CaLIBRI Jul 16, 2017 05:10pm
There is a vast difference between the skin colors of Pakistanis and Indians. On the average, Pakistanis have much more fair complexion than Indians. I can very easily spot if a person is an Indian or a Pakistani.
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kp Jul 16, 2017 05:12pm
@Hutt We are not going to be united. I am absolutely agree with this part, but we are different? lol By what? Language? Food? Religion? gene? M3a? Gene U2a? we all are same except those who dont want to ipen their eyes and dont want to listen the truth. WE ARE ONE
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Sadaf Jul 16, 2017 05:20pm
I don't think majority of Pakistanis share the same skin colour with Indians.
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Haider khan Jul 16, 2017 05:24pm
We share nothing Sir Try to come to terms with reality.
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Kk Jul 16, 2017 05:25pm
Utter nonsense
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aleem Jul 16, 2017 05:25pm
@Joe We Pakistanis have common history with Indians but nothing more. Our language, culture, outlook, values and even political views about the world around us are so different infact opposite. We pakistanis are very proud of our roots and religious connections with all the muslims world over including Afghans, Turks and all Arabs. Having said that we can still be friends and civil to each other and we Pakistanis and Indians are exactly that in foreign countries like UK etc so why not at home.
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Blue Earth Jul 16, 2017 05:27pm
@CaLIBRI "I can very easily spot if a person is an Indian or a Pakistani" you should then help the Americans as they can't differentiate between an Indian and a Pakistani who claims to be an indian.
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Cincy DUDE Jul 16, 2017 05:31pm
@Talha ... You could not be more disconnected from the truth. No matter how much Pakistanis and Indians dislike each other in the present, We can't change the common past.
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sANA Jul 16, 2017 05:45pm
@CaLIBRI great skin color is what you discuss when he is talking about unity and common humanity
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Honest Jul 16, 2017 05:46pm
@CaLIBRI DNA is the same. Skin color is pigmentation issue. There are black Pakistanis. In the same family there will be one dark one or fair one.
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At your service Jul 16, 2017 05:54pm
@CaLIBRI . It is not so, no one can differentiate on mere seeing a guy whether it's Pakistani Indian or Bangladeshi unless you ask.The DNAs are similar. You misunderstand about what Adnan Siddiqi says, you can only understand his views,if you please read history right from Ghandhiji movements from Africa to British India, and creation of Pakistan in 1947.
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Rajvir Singh Jul 16, 2017 06:06pm
@CaLIBRI Yes, dear if you have seen South Indians. North and North west India and Pakistan Punjab , Sindh are same. Even Jammu Hindu Rajputs and Mirpuris of the other side are same.
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Rajvir Singh Jul 16, 2017 06:08pm
@CaLIBRI What is the average for you dear. Basically some tribes like Jats , Rajputs and Gujjars etc are same on both sides of border. You cannot compare South India side they have their own Hindus as well as Muslims.
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mehr Jul 16, 2017 06:17pm
Artists and Art Techs have got to steer us away from a cultural ship wreck. We have to save the discourse that has already hugely been silenced by fear, intimidation and paranoia. Art has to float apart from politics to become a prism and a projector. Thankful for the bold voices that wont be silenced because they see what they see and they allow thier identity to become a projection of that truth.
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mehr Jul 16, 2017 06:18pm
@Joe This indeed is the very tragedy of our situtation. Nature vs Nurture?
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ROHIT PANDEY Jul 16, 2017 06:18pm
Till 1947 India and Pakistan were one and the same.
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Fact Jul 16, 2017 06:36pm
@CaLIBRI Not true. Cholistan, Sindh, Punjab, South Pakistan are not. Westerners can't tell difference between desis. People of both nations blend well.
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The end is near Jul 16, 2017 06:42pm
Modi doesn't want you. Shiv sena doesn't want you and Indians doesn't want you. but you will never understand.
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TsmilsElvan Jul 16, 2017 06:44pm
Please spare us if these artists comments . All they are trying to do is promote their movies. We know the history. We were one nation before 1947 and yes our cultures were similar and glad we are split as we can see the progress made by both thd nation and which side is known to harbor terrorists and how mullahs have taken the nation backward and the plight of minorities. So please let's realize the facts and behave in a neighborly fashion .
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Shiv Gautam Jul 16, 2017 06:44pm
Yeah, people of both the countries use toothbrush to put the "Nara" in the pajama. and salwar
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TaimoOr Jul 16, 2017 06:50pm
@CaLIBRI Fair complexion? This proves you never seen commonman Pakistanis or notice why fairness cream sell here as hot cakes.
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Peter Jul 16, 2017 06:52pm
nothing but opportunist....he wants to make money.. Bollywood is not representing India..Whole of India dont see Pakistanis as good neighbors.Enough of exporting terror and drugs to India..Please make good movies in Pakistan and rehabilitate ur actors
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Abraham HAQU Jul 16, 2017 07:01pm
@CaLIBRI really!
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Saima Jul 16, 2017 07:02pm
@Yaqut Khan I agree. Lollywood or media isnt true representives of Pakistan. Unless one travels to the length and breath of the country - Mohenjo Daro, Cholistan, Gujranwala, Mardhan, Multan, Hyderabad etc and meet people you won't know.
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F Khan Jul 16, 2017 07:07pm
Can't agree more. Well expressed.
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Srehman Jul 16, 2017 07:34pm
Yes we share so much with India as we were one for centuries,so therefore the efforts to try and separate artificially always prove futile ,the bond keeps attracting us to each other ,the establishments of both countries need to understand this
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Faraz Jul 16, 2017 07:34pm
There is a lot of things that they don't share, especially not with Gujarati Indians. It is not just appearance, it is behavior too. After meeting Indians from Gujarat and Maharashtra, i am so thankful for Pakistan.
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Alba Jul 16, 2017 07:43pm
Regards to Adnan Siddiqui, but that's what movie stars do - make a pleasingly safe statements about the obvious. If Indians and Pakistanis want to live together - move to America. I think war is the saddest thing human beings have to live through, but I can't and you can't save the world, and he can't save the world. You know, everyone could live in peace if people could be trusted, but they can't. Like a lot of Hollywood celebrities living in Los Angeles, it is easy to love everyone, and preach about world peace when you are on top. When we look at the 13 hours of film of Victory at Sea, only then do we realize the sacrifices others have made to bring the world this far. There is no continuity from one generation to the next, making conflict inevitable.
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Ashim Halder Jul 16, 2017 07:48pm
Excellent,I also feel in the same way.When I am under tension I turn myself towards Sufie Buleh Shah. I want to see who can snatch him from me.
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KJ Jul 16, 2017 07:58pm
@Yaqut khan : Have you visited, more importantly, lived in India, to make that comment? I have, and am very glad to say that you are wrong - gives me a healthy pleasure in saying that.
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Burhan Jul 16, 2017 08:20pm
For heavens sake, move on. Indians do not want to have anything to do with us. Let's honor their wishes and move on.
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Gurpreet singh Jul 16, 2017 08:35pm
Similarities aside, realistically speaking I think the ban on Pakistani artists to work in Indian films, will not be lifted for a long time. This time, a vast majority of Indians agree with the ban, although personally I'm against it. It would be better if Pakistani artists focus on building the Pakistani film industry instead of hoping to work in Indian films again.
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vinod Jul 16, 2017 09:06pm
Absolutely a great movie. Sridevi, Sajal and Adnan did a great job. A must see
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Inder Jul 16, 2017 09:16pm
@Yaqut khan have you visited india in its entirity ?
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Khwarizmi Jul 16, 2017 09:41pm
@Burhan I agree, we must move on. Our only interests with them is the liberation of Kashmir.
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a Jul 16, 2017 09:52pm
@CaLIBRI There is no difference in the skin tone of Punjabis on either side. You have no idea what you are talking about. Our North East brethren are fairer than all of us put together. South Indians are of course dark.
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Naeem Bajwa Jul 16, 2017 10:04pm
If we can control extremists of both the sides, whether they are in public or in office, the general public would like to live in peace and harmony...resolving all disputes with mutual respect and Justice
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SMI Jul 16, 2017 10:06pm
There are many things common and common between us we cannot deny it ! Uncommon things are those which cannot be compromised !
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Zak Jul 16, 2017 10:13pm
@Talha pakistanis are unique. None like them.
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Akhand Bharat Jul 16, 2017 10:19pm
His role in maat established him as an actor in India. What a beautiful show that was.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jul 16, 2017 10:27pm
In essence, it's the other way around.
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Fried Chillies Jul 16, 2017 11:06pm
@Talha I hope you cross national boundaries and end up in a land where you can't meet desis as frequently. THEN when you finally get to meet and talk to someone in your own language you realize we hated each other for no reason for there is a definite pull
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Shahzad Ishaq Khan Jul 16, 2017 11:20pm
I have seen Indian people very closely as I live in UK. They will never accept Pakistan and we should as a Pakistani improve ourselves, then whole world will recognize Pakistani. Who will cares India Then?
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Madan Jul 17, 2017 12:03am
A good account of his time in India and the film he and another actor who worked in the film.I wish good times to come soon.
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Rathore Jul 17, 2017 12:54am
They are both of the Aryan Race. The color varies like in Punjab it is dark due to severe weather while in Northern areas can be lighter than many Europeans.
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Vijay B. Jul 17, 2017 01:06am
A South Indian class-mate of mine from India is also settled here in the US. His professor son , as dark skinned as one can get, is happily married to a very highly educated, fair skinned Pakistani girl originally from Lahore. And yes, they have children too. Skin color does not seem to matter to her.
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Mohsin Afzaal Jul 17, 2017 02:00am
Excellent Adnan Siddiqui sahib! It is going to be 70 years of birth of independent India & Pakistan this year in August of 2017! Are these 2 counties ever going to live peacefully like good neighbors?
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Talha Jul 17, 2017 03:21am
@Cincy DUDE humanity ALSO has a common past
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Ahsan gul Jul 17, 2017 03:34am
To some extent you are right and your thinking process does include from art and film industry in mind. Why would Indian government will allow our Pakistani artists in her industry? Simple, they won't. Multi billion $$$ foreign exchange comes to India annually via their movies and a good businessman will not let anyone has his share in it. Would you do it? Certainly not. Out Pakistani artists are handsome and gifted. You guys can make your loyally wood better than Bollywood. You guys just need dynamic story writers and for sure good directors.
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s.r.reddy Jul 17, 2017 04:32am
@Talha yes r correct. indians r peace loving people and like Pakistanies.
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Limca Man Jul 17, 2017 05:06am
Yes! Including biriyani and ghazal.
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Bhola Bhala Jul 17, 2017 05:15am
I would like to see a friendship between India and Pakistan. Their common goal will be to fight against the poverty, prejudice, discrimination against women and minorities. We can develop collaborations in Science, literature, music and sports. Indians and Pakistanis can move freely without any resistance to each other countries. All the citizens can have their own passports and SARC passports that will include India, Pakistan, Maldives, SriLanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Afghanistan. Just like the countries of the European Union. Am I a dreamer?
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Akil Akhtar Jul 17, 2017 06:33am
@Yaqut khan Totally agree, not only skin colour but mostly features as well are different. the only people who look similar to Pakistanis are the ones living close to our borders, especially punjab.
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Asim Jul 17, 2017 06:42am
Just don't forget that we may have same skin color but we have nothing common, these kind of statements only given by those who get their bread and butter from across the border.
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Kalyan Jul 17, 2017 06:59am
@Talha culture , food, religion are common between Indians and Pakistan. This irreversible truth and as per pew research India is going to have largest number of Muslims in the world. Already Muslim ms and Hindus are united in India consider the majority .
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farouq omaro Jul 17, 2017 08:19am
Agreed. I have relatives on both sides and they are very much alike. Those who dispute this are simply ignoring facts! They want to be Arabs or Iranians maybe!
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Rao Asad Jul 17, 2017 08:31am
@Faraz "We share nothing in common with Gujaratis and Marathi people." Face palm. Quaid- E Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is a Gujarati. We have same gujarati tribes and border dividing people between both nations. Many of our generals are of marathi origin. Google Raos in Pakistan. Except religion, we share same culture, appearance, clothing, languages, ethnicities and most times even surnames with Indians.
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Imran khan Jul 17, 2017 09:06am
Very smart nd Handsome Adnan Sadiqe sir
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shubs Jul 17, 2017 09:13am
@CaLIBRI Boss, you missed the entire point of his comment.
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Najma Hisham Jul 17, 2017 10:11am
Finally a star with some guts and honesty.
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Khwarizmi Jul 17, 2017 10:39am
I went to a university where there were many Indians and they were pretty dark in their skin color. Many were as dark as the exchange students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Padmakar Jul 17, 2017 10:39am
Some unscrupulous politicians taught them that they are two different nation..!!
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sangun Jul 17, 2017 10:46am
Pakistani artists want to work in India and make money, that's why we hear such statements. Indian artists have no benefit working in pakistan. So the entire cultural exchange thing is farce.
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Sandeep Jul 17, 2017 10:52am
We are two different people separated by a common language.
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Jitendra Jul 17, 2017 11:18am
"We can find peace in art". Well said
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Dinkar Mishra Jul 17, 2017 11:50am
@Khwarizmi remember before 1947 we are one
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Harris Jul 17, 2017 12:21pm
why do we need to find something in common to work with Indians. Isn't it enough that we are neighbors and share a long border?
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RAJ Jul 17, 2017 12:22pm
@Talha if you have said it out of anything other than ignorance, I have no disagreement with you. Are you not entitled to your opinion? But if you actually do not know, please read Mr Maulana Azad, the first education minister of India, his interview in 1946 with one Mr. Kashmiri. That may challenge your view point. It is surprising how clearly he saw the future. I wish I have half his ability
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balakorea Jul 17, 2017 12:24pm
the ground reality is , Im an Indian from extreme south India where my home city is Chennai, at present im in korea, here in Korea i came across many Pakistani, Bangladeshi but i cannot differentiate them by skin all looks like Indian or vice versa .
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ALANORE Jul 17, 2017 01:54pm
@Rajvir Singh so true
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SHAG Jul 17, 2017 10:21pm
they even dont share skin color
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Trollslayer Jul 18, 2017 12:15pm
Pakistan is made up of Punjabis, Sindhis, Beharis, Gujaratis and Bengalis, ethnic groups that are Indic, anyone that denies this is delusional. Skin tones vary throughout the subcontinent. I have met Bengalis, Nepalis, Indians from the South and Sri Lankans that were lighter compared to the stereotypical representation of them. The current Pakistani cricket team is a microcosm of Pakistan and I don't see anyone on the team that doesn't look South Asian or is fair skinned, with the exception of Yasir Shah who is Pashtun/Pakhtun.
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Jay Jul 18, 2017 04:14pm
Several generations of Pakistanis have been brought up on a distorted version of history. It is impossible now to find common ground.
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Niaz H. Jafri Jul 20, 2017 10:32am
Yes they do. There are a lot of commonalities between the two countries. Prayers for peace and normality between India and Pakistan. Aameen
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Turhan Jul 20, 2017 09:26pm
I vehemently disagree with this actors views. He has completely marginalized a vast segment of Pakistan's population who do not share, nor do they wish to share, myself included, similarities with India. We are very glad and grateful to the Almighty that we have our own independent Pakistan. Actors and singers should refrain from commenting on geopolitical matters.
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