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Nobody in Hollywood can find Pakistan on the map, says Kumail Nanjiani

Nobody in Hollywood can find Pakistan on the map, says Kumail Nanjiani

At the Oscars, the Pakistani actor called out the Trump administration for its treatment of immigrants
05 Mar, 2018

Kumail Nanjiani and Lupita Nyong'o just made a political statement at this year's Oscars.

The Pakistani comedian and the Black Panther star were one of the presenters at this year's Oscars and before announcing the Best Production Design nominees, the two took the opportunity to take a jibe at Trump's administration for its treatment of immigrants.

Nanjiani and Nyong'o are recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration program, the fate of which is in question as Trump ended DACA in September.

Lupita Nyong'o said, "We are the two actors you keep hearing about but whose names you have trouble pronouncing."

And Nanjiani quipped, "Actually, I have to come clean. Kumail Nanjiani is my stage name. My actual given Pakistani name is Chris Pine. So you can imagine how annoyed I was when the other — when the white Chris Pine showed up. The “real” Chris Pine.

To which Nyong'o added, "We are also immigrants. I’m from Kenya."

Speaking about his Pakistani background, Nanjiani said, "And I am from Pakistan and Iowa. Two places that nobody in Hollywood can find on a map."

Giving hope to other immigrants in the US, Nyong'o said, "And like everyone in this room, and everyone watching at home, we are dreamers. We grew up dreaming of one day working in movies. Dreams are the foundation of Hollywood. And dreams are the foundation of America."

"And so — to all the dreamers out there, we stand with you. Now, the nominees for achievement in production design," Nanjiani concluded.

Comments

SHUAIB Mar 05, 2018 04:38pm
Keep shinning buddy.
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Shahzad Mar 05, 2018 05:04pm
At least some one giving good news for Pakistan. Keep it up.
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Khan Mar 05, 2018 06:06pm
Not strange at all, majority USA high school do not even know which side of USA is Canada or Mexico.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Mar 05, 2018 06:13pm
What else could the say?
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WorldPeople Mar 05, 2018 06:17pm
Has this chap ever spoken about minority rights in Pakistan?
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Ramesh Ahuja Mar 05, 2018 06:43pm
Cool
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RAHMAN SHAIKH Mar 05, 2018 06:53pm
Great ! All praise for this proud Pakistani.
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SUDHAKAR, USA Mar 05, 2018 07:38pm
On the contrary, every one knows where exactly Pakistan is.
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GK Mar 05, 2018 07:43pm
Now that you are famous, Give some advice to Pakistan leaders as well.
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Big Lebowski Mar 05, 2018 08:11pm
He has good timing for comedy as well as a funny kinda face. I hope he's not just a flash in the pan and does more movies.
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CALCUTTA MAN Mar 05, 2018 08:15pm
Loved the jibe....it was simply too good. :)
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Kiaan Mar 05, 2018 09:11pm
Can anybody give. me a. rational explanation on why should they ? What does Pakistan have to offer them ?
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lafanga Mar 05, 2018 10:56pm
Don't worry buddy, they even don't know where India is.
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Jamil Soomro, New York City Mar 05, 2018 11:57pm
So proud to see Pakistanis excelling in the Entertainment and Literary World Internationally.
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N abidi Mar 06, 2018 12:01am
Kumail, kudos, said I am a Pakistani ,on the Oscar stage, in HW ! His movie the big sick nominated for original screen play! Double yay! The Oscar was telecasted in India, wonder how BW handle the diveristy, open borders ,concept! LOL! World has many stages for artists,because they promote brotherhood and decrease hate!
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N abidi Mar 06, 2018 12:06am
@Kiaan Pakistan offer them a talented writer,comdian, who wrote a original screen play for a movie ! His screen play was nominated for Oscar! He is showing the world that diversity is a great ,to increase brotherhood and decreasing hate! It will help build tolerance , one step in the right direction! Ok!
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Kiaan Mar 06, 2018 11:26pm
@N abidi You agree or not the person who you are talking about is a product of American society, just because his ethnicity coincided with Pakistan doesn’t mean his success belongs to us .
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Al Mar 07, 2018 12:33am
Neither of the two actors are DACA recipients...what are you saying?!
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Deepseeker Mar 08, 2018 12:20pm
Well said guys, we are with you.
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