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'Politics and arts should be kept apart': Adnan Siddiqui on why he met PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif

'Politics and arts should be kept apart': Adnan Siddiqui on why he met PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif

The actor says he met PML-N party leader in a "personal capacity" with no personal agenda behind it.
19 May, 2022

Actor Adnan Siddiqui has been quite the subject for many netizens ever since he visited PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in London. On Monday, the official Twitter account of the political party shared a photo of the actor standing next to Nawaz and since then things haven't been the same for the actor, at least not online.

Many Twitter users, especially PTI stans, had flocked to the official post and had mocked the actor for visiting Nawaz while he had publicly supported former prime minister Imran Khan. In the video posted on Twitter he had said that he extended an invitation to Nawaz to watch his film Dum Mastam. "He [Nawaz] said that we're thinking about your fraternity quite a lot. The discussion also revolved around film policy."

After four days, the Mom actor has now taken to Instagram and shared another video of him explaining why he met the former premier in the first place. He started off by saying that he is aware of the fact that this will take a while to settle and that he needs to set the "record straight" about his "unplanned" visit.

"I went to meet Nawaz Sharif and it wasn't a planned meeting. I came here [London] for the promotion of my film. I was informed that cabinet had also arrived prior to my arrival to meet Nawaz and was asked to give my perspective, so I did. I talked about film policies, requested for allowance in the upcoming budget for actors and filmmakers. Tell me, if they [PML-N] are the current government, I would go to them only. When PTI was in power, I went to them too and I will if PPP comes in power as well," Siddiqui said.

He added that anyone who wants to be heard would approach the sitting government. Hence, so did he. "I didn't go there for personal benefit. I met him [Nawaz] in my personal capacity to represent the film fraternity."

The 52-year-old actor also addressed the question many asked — why did he promote his film Dum Mastam and invite the politician to watch it. "I'm also inviting you guys to watch the film whether you support a certain party or not. So as a Pakistani, I invited another Pakistani, it includes you guys as well because it's a Pakistani film."

Siddiqui also went on to explain the reason why he decided to make a video for his followers on Instagram. "I made this video because I read a news piece that I had joined PML-N, entirely false and fake. I haven't done that. What's upsetting is that this news was also retweeted by Information minister [Marriyum Aurangzeb] without confirming it. I requested the information department to clarify that it's untrue."

The actor ended his plea with a request for the public to delete anything online referencing to the "fake tweet" and addressed the trolling he and his family had to face. "People from my house even told me that people don't want to watch any of my projects, be it the TV shows or films or anything related to me. Thought it's up to you to watch or not, but I believe rizk or izzat dene wala Allah Tala hain [I believe God gives sustenance and respect]."

In the caption he also mentioned that anyone who decided to "boycott" his film should know that he'd take this in stride and that he welcomes "both bouquets and brickbats".

Siddiqui also asked his followers that if he is the type of man who would take such a step in life, based on the "32 years spent working in the industry". He ended by disassociating himself from any political party and said he won't be joining any in the near future.

Comments

Irfan Manzoor May 19, 2022 05:39pm
The culture of shutting down others and not be civil with each other is initiated by PTI. We can have political differences but at the end we are all Pakistanis. Hope PTI changes its tone.
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Sher Khan May 19, 2022 05:41pm
It's NOT a politics NOR Art, you met an Absconder, The Most Wanted Person in Pakistan Courts who is already a Prisoner on Fake Sick papers and went to London for Treatment, this is the reason all th Thugs like you and others including PM and his party with PPP and 16 other criminal parties with SC/HC Bar President are also involved. Baysharmoo Sharm Karo. If these people are meeting with such Absconder of Western Country Government, all would had been arrested and kept in jail for indefinite time.
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Ghayur May 19, 2022 05:46pm
you met an absconder and criminal, if you met him in personal capacity then we will treat you in the same capacity as criminal
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Zeeshan May 19, 2022 06:02pm
Boycott
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Iqbal Aswani May 19, 2022 06:04pm
Yes we agree. Politics and arts should be kept apart. That's why you shouldn't meet a controversial political figure to promote your art. He is a convicted criminal.
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Raja May 19, 2022 06:07pm
You should tell this to PMLN (Media Wing) who started all this by sharing your photo.
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Zak May 19, 2022 06:09pm
Next time visit jail and promote your film to criminals, corrupt and terrorists, as well. Faulty reasoning, respect lost.
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Zak May 19, 2022 06:10pm
In the caption he also mentioned that anyone who decided to "boycott" his film should know that he'd take this in stride and that he welcomes "both bouquets and brickbats". Not ' decided' but ' implemented' as well.
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Zak May 19, 2022 06:11pm
based on the "32 years spent working in the industry". Such hard work brought to dust by one bad judgement, gone forever.
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Jaws May 19, 2022 06:12pm
And we spit on you in our personal capacity...there is no agenda!
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Zak May 19, 2022 06:13pm
What's upsetting is that this news was also retweeted by Information minister [Marriyum Aurangzeb] without confirming it Knowing the corrupt crooked characters you were dealing with, you should have known PML N tactics. They gained cheap points but you lost public respect for life.
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ahmed May 19, 2022 06:25pm
Adnan did this stunt intentionally as he knew he will become the meme rockstar once again. Perfect opportunity to promote Dum Mastam.
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AHAQ May 19, 2022 06:35pm
Don't try to justify your stupidity
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zarmeena azeem May 19, 2022 06:45pm
Poor excuses for personal promotion. If he really believes that politics and art should be kept apart then why did he post his photo with NS he could have kept the meeting as personal. Also why did he went to India to play a side role in a Bollywood film? He kept his art and his nationality apart. TRAITOR!!
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Abs UK May 19, 2022 06:59pm
How meeting a politician wanted by Pakistani courts a service to art?
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Shakeel Khan May 19, 2022 06:59pm
He just needed a piece of the pie...you know what I mean.
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Zainulabideen syed May 19, 2022 06:59pm
He met a runaway convict who is wanted by judiciary and state of pakistan
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Abs UK May 19, 2022 06:59pm
So Adnan meeting Mr Sharif was a service to art, yes we get it now. Thanks!
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Soniye tu auder te la May 19, 2022 07:01pm
Thing is politics is woven into arts. That's why it's called The Art Of Politics.
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Khalid Mughal May 19, 2022 07:07pm
It's not about politics, it's about meeting criminals & mafia
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Usman May 19, 2022 07:18pm
Who Cares?
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M. Saeed May 19, 2022 07:41pm
But, it is an art to talk to a politician in the field of articulation of deceit!
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Truth be told May 19, 2022 07:42pm
He didn't have to explain himself in such detail. Nowadays social media has ruined it for everyone. A man who tries to please everybody pleases nobody. Short statement i.e. went to ruling party supremo and have no political affiliation with any party would've sufficed.
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rana ayubi May 19, 2022 07:55pm
Some actors are off loose character. They change ideologies and principles according to power. What example he is setting as a Hero..
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usman May 19, 2022 08:04pm
Adnan Siddique seems like an educated Pakistani. He should know better. Meeting NS is not a matter of political views. The fact that he is posting pictures with a criminal who is on the run. I was expecting better from Adnan
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Mukhtar May 19, 2022 08:08pm
Is Adnan trying to entering in the politics?
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Syed Ghazanfar Abbas May 19, 2022 08:10pm
Sir that is correct. But then why all the way you opted NS for the promotion of your work?
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ST May 19, 2022 08:18pm
@Adnan Siddiqui ; why u do stupid stuff and then give clarifications?
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Hasan May 19, 2022 08:25pm
WoW. Nawaz the absconder is running Pakistan from his illegal wealth in UK. And you went to represent your industry and fellow colleagues with your demands to this absconder and thief. Says a lot about your political awareness and your judgement of right and wrong.
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Syed Hasni May 19, 2022 09:26pm
When politics and art come together, Adnan is born !
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Cye May 19, 2022 10:07pm
Mr. Siddiqui you met a person who looted Pakistan and ran away when convicted. That’s the problem, you basically telling everyone that it’s ok to meet someone who is a cheater and threat to ur country for your own benefit.
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Cye May 19, 2022 10:08pm
I use to think you are sensible person, I was wrong. You can’t even decide who you should meet and who you shouldn’t.
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Ahmad Zia May 19, 2022 10:09pm
The prolem, however, is, "Every art is political".
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Xia May 19, 2022 10:25pm
@Abs UK well said
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Sikander Hayat May 19, 2022 10:41pm
Shame on u
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Pakistan Zindabad May 19, 2022 10:53pm
So you went to someone who is a convicted fugitive to beg for more favourable policy for the film industry? Pull the other one.
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Sana May 19, 2022 11:01pm
What art are you promoting by meeting a con artist and convict?
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Salman May 19, 2022 11:08pm
@Irfan Manzoor buddy, you’re lost if you think this started with PTI. Let’s just conveniently forget the last 35 years of muk muka that corroded pakistan from the inside out..
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Malz May 19, 2022 11:13pm
This is PTI culture.
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Ejaz Khan May 19, 2022 11:28pm
You are a good actor. You should know this is very sensitive time. General public are very angry that the whole cabinet went to London to get guidance from a fugitive criminal.
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Khalid iqbal May 19, 2022 11:29pm
Mr Siddiqui, you are destroying your future , and your career, it was wrong place , wrong timing, wrong words, I hope next time you think it out.
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mashkoor ali khan May 19, 2022 11:34pm
not going to watch his movies anymore.
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hANSOTI SH May 19, 2022 11:53pm
@Ghayur P*** ARTISTS have no ethics & are for sale to the highest bidder, just like those who STOLE poor & honest citizens wealth.
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hANSOTI SH May 19, 2022 11:55pm
@Irfan Manzoor Should we be "civil" to those whose THEFT results in the deaths & suffering of the poor & honest?
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Obaid Rahman May 20, 2022 12:09am
@Sher Khan Proof?
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Irfan Huq May 20, 2022 01:04am
@Sher Khan And you follow a womanizer liar and fraud.
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SKF May 20, 2022 01:32am
He needs some laundered money from NS to get it film promoted .Shame!
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Raja May 20, 2022 01:55am
Who even let's these lot in UK?
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Art May 20, 2022 02:19am
He should be ashamed of himself! But he is probably a thug himself and shameless!
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Anonymouseee May 20, 2022 02:19am
So meeting nawaz shareef is an “art” now? This man also turned out to be a turncoat (lota).
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Anonymouseee May 20, 2022 02:20am
Nawaz shareef is an absconding criminal, not a political dissident. Adnan should’ve known better.
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Khalid May 20, 2022 02:49am
Dear Adnan, good to read your views. Only reminder, being a responsible citizen you should have weighed that how far you would go to secure benefits. Would you meet and ask for help from a fugitive, absconder wanted in your country. This is the whole outcry, and brings discredit to you.
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Rick May 20, 2022 03:27am
Your a public figure therefore your actions have consequences, nothing personal about it mate
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Hamza May 20, 2022 03:57am
We need to all stand up to Imran Khan and his social media bullies - shame on Imran Khan and PTI for insulting our stars.
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A.Ali May 20, 2022 04:24am
Would you like and visit another absconder?
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Ncik May 20, 2022 05:30am
No ethical values! Period! Playing on both sides of the wicket! Trying to be neutral!
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A May 20, 2022 05:54am
Already in 50s. Planning political debut.
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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan May 20, 2022 05:58am
Honestly no one cares because all of you are self proclaimed celebrities.
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Bay Adab May 20, 2022 06:53am
Since when hanging out with absconders and convicts is considered art?
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Dubdub May 20, 2022 07:15am
Timing mate, timing.
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Robin Mitha May 20, 2022 07:31am
Adnan Siddiqui is a brilliant actor and his choices personal and professional should be respected. PTI is a party if intolerants they will never change.
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Musti SHEIKH May 20, 2022 07:35am
Your meeting itself created a new phenom in Artistic world by meeting the inept politician who has done nothing when he was in power but it did give you the popularity by name only.
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Uza Syed May 20, 2022 10:03am
Neutral! so, you, too? Well, you don't have this luxury, it is either Virtue or vice----Take your pick!
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Shagufta Aziz May 20, 2022 11:24am
Yes he met an absconder...declared mujrim by the court of law...it means actors are willing to join hands with corrupt people for money
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Amjad May 20, 2022 11:46am
@Irfan Manzoor no I’m sorry if he was standing next to an honest Pakistani then that would be ok. But standing next to a thief is unacceptable unless stealing , looting , bribery and corruption have become ok with him .. you don’t see anybody in the west standing next to thieves they stay away from them the moment they’re convicted but some people in Pakistan want to make it ok
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SKF May 20, 2022 12:14pm
I liked his acting in drama Serial Mere Paas Tum Ho. But now I don't like him anymore. It's not about PTI or pmln. It's about meeting a convicted absconder. This could have been avoided.
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Hammad May 20, 2022 12:23pm
These people have no moral values. They would sell their nation and their soul for money in a heart beat. We could take a stand by boycotting Adnan Siddiqui.
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Hello world May 20, 2022 01:07pm
I respectfully disagree with Adnan. He just met up with a convicted criminal on the run. Poor decision.
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Dean May 20, 2022 02:15pm
Adnan you should keep acting away from politics. How can you even consider taking photos with a Crook who has run from his own country. By the way did you see How Nawaz heart issue has improved or was it a cheap publicity attention seeking stunt from you. Shameful
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Dean May 20, 2022 02:17pm
Stupidity has no boundaries. I wont be watching any of his dramas and films from now !!
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Khalid iqbal May 20, 2022 03:57pm
Mr.Siddiqui, you have disappointed a lot of people, think before you leap
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Zeeshan Ahmed May 20, 2022 07:06pm
You supported a convicted criminal on the run from authorities.
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Seema Durani May 20, 2022 09:19pm
He is acting too innocent. He feels people are too ignorant to understand the meaning of these meetings.
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Khanm May 20, 2022 11:05pm
In Pakistan dirty politics is a dirty art.....please do not mix clean art with dirty politics
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M.S.Hasan Hasan May 22, 2022 09:14am
Clarification not good enough ! Who, in the first place,invited you to give your " perspective ". What is your perspective ? Appease,strocke ego of a corrupt, money launderer,an absconder & to interact with a criminal,wanted by the law ?
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