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Mahira Khan says Pakistani and Indian artists ‘protect each other’ as they’re ‘easy, soft targets’

Mahira Khan says Pakistani and Indian artists ‘protect each other’ as they’re ‘easy, soft targets’

The actor said the cross-border friends keep their bond on the low to avoid becoming "scapegoats".
Updated 30 Dec, 2022

In a recent interview, Mahira Khan talked about artists in Pakistan and India, saying that they can’t be open about their good bond in order to “protect each other” and avoid becoming “scapegoats”.

In an interview with Variety, she talked about her time in Bollywood. “I had the most amazing time working in India. I am still in touch with so many people and there’s a lot of love there. Unfortunately, we are easy targets, soft targets, whether it’s us here in Pakistan, whether it’s them there in India,” she said.

She said as artists, they are connected by the thread of art and understand each other very well. “So we’re trying to look out for each other, more than anything. Even now, we are so careful with what we write on social media. It’s not that we don’t talk to each other. It’s not that we don’t wish each other on our birthdays. It’s not that we don’t meet each other in different countries. It’s not that — it’s just that we are actually not just protecting ourselves but protecting each other.”

The Raees actor said it’s not personal, but political. “On both ends, until the time that scapegoats are needed, we will always be that,” Khan added. Painting a positive picture, she said it could get better if the people in power do not use the artists as an easy target. According to her, the collaboration that would come, as a result, would be “lovely”.

Calling her Maula Jatt character Mukkho “empowered”, she compared the 1979 cult classic and the reboot, saying the representation of women is quite different. “[Mukkho] loved fearlessly, her moral compass was so intact, she had integrity and she was fierce also,” said Khan. “That was a very big thing that the women in this, in today’s Maula Jatt, are very empowered. And I think this is something that a lot of people asked me prior to the release that ‘Are we going to see the same 1970s representation of women?’ I said, ‘No, you’re going to see Bilal Lashari’s representation of women.’ I’m glad to have been a part of it.”

After a super successful run, The Legend of Maula Jatt is now looking at releasing in Turkey and China. Another Pakistani film that’s doing particularly well internationally is Saim Sadiq’s Joyland. Connecting the two, the Superstar actor said we need more visionary storytellers.

“Whether it’s Joyland, whether it’s Maula Jatt, the people at the helm of these projects are passionate. They have stories to tell and they are visionaries,” said Khan. “We need more directors, more storytellers, who are telling stories from the heart.”

Comments

Asad Dec 29, 2022 06:16pm
She always tries to get something positive from Indians.
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Himmat Dec 29, 2022 06:18pm
It all depends on well wish or ill wish of the public on both sides. At present the opinions are running at bottom.
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Shaun Dec 29, 2022 07:06pm
It is better it remains the same. Each country is for themselves. No trade , no talks and no visitors.
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Ahsan Gul Dec 29, 2022 07:07pm
She is one naive artist from pakistan who doesn’t know that under Modi government there will never be exchange of actors working across. Yes, she is getting old and losing glamour but she can still keep self respect by not being vocal about this issue. Think pakistan first Ms. Khan!
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Zak Dec 29, 2022 07:22pm
The world may be divided by borders but at the end of the day, they’re just imaginary lines. Mahira Khan talked about the blurring of these lines where artists in Pakistan and India are concerned, adding that they can’t be open about their good bond in order to “protect each other” and avoid becoming “scapegoats”. Lost all respect for her. 10 million muslims died at independence in 1947, for what she thinks is an 'imaginary line'. Friendship with her indian pals should not be at the cost of hurting Pakistani nationals. Sold out to money, sadly.
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Enlightened One Dec 29, 2022 07:23pm
A very wise and astute observation- please continue to keep a very low profile and don’t broadcast any connections with anyone across the border m. India doesn’t want to have any kind of relationship with Pakistan or its people. Respect that.
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Zak Dec 29, 2022 07:23pm
According to her, the collaboration that would come, as a result, would be “lovely”. Is it lovely for the Kashmiris, in IOK? Hypocrasy at its worst.
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Viq saad Dec 29, 2022 07:24pm
She is an asset to our industry. Charming and talented and educated, a feature many others don’t possess.
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Zak Dec 29, 2022 07:25pm
“Whether it’s Joyland, whether it’s Maula Jatt, the people at the helm of these projects are passionate. They have stories to tell and they are visionaries,” said Khan. “We need more directors, more storytellers, who are telling stories from the heart.” Was proud of 'Maula Jutt' production but now not so, with hurtful words of Mahira. Sad really Sad.
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Zak Dec 29, 2022 07:27pm
The world may be divided by borders but at the end of the day, they’re just imaginary lines. Mahira Khan talked about the blurring of these lines where artists in Pakistan and India are concerned Disparaging Pakistan and Pakistanis after the country gave her so much. Hurtfull.
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Zak Dec 29, 2022 07:28pm
The world may be divided by borders but at the end of the day, they’re just imaginary lines. Mahira Khan talked about the blurring of these lines where artists in Pakistan and India are concerned Ayodhya, Gujarat, Delhi, Muzafarnagar, Indian occupied Kashmir, IOK. She is safe because of this ' imaginary line'. Ungrateful.
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Zak Dec 29, 2022 07:30pm
Hope all her work is in India and not Pakistan. Not needed.
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Zak Dec 29, 2022 07:32pm
@Viq saad She is an asset to our industry. Charming and talented and educated, a feature many others don’t possess. Not loyal or appreciative of her country, that gave her what other country would never give.
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Adeel Dec 29, 2022 07:36pm
Year 2023: No ties between India and Pakistan Year 3023: Same as above That's the story of these two countries who could have otherwise changed their fates if only had they decided to work together instead of against one another.
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Rinku Dec 29, 2022 07:44pm
"The world may be divided by borders but at the end of the day, they’re just imaginary lines. " Say this to your best friend china and they will show you your place
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Babar Dec 29, 2022 07:56pm
Hmm...she didn't keep a low profile when she was caught on camera smoking with Ranbir Kapoor, and I'm sure she made love ties between Pakistan and India....lol These celebs are only in it for themselves........
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Syed Hasni Dec 29, 2022 07:57pm
There should be more Creative callobration between artist of all countries, above all India, with whom we have Cultural and linguistic ties for centuries. There are reasons to set Boundaries for yourself, but there are also reasons to keep doors open.
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Yyz Dec 29, 2022 08:04pm
Actors are storytellers let'em tell you some good stories.....
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Zon Dec 29, 2022 08:29pm
@Adeel your country started first the moment it was born!
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Zak Dec 29, 2022 08:35pm
Year 2023: No ties between India and Pakistan Year 3023: Same as above That's the story of these two countries who could have otherwise changed their fates if only had they decided to work together instead of against one another. Had Indian union not evaded and reneged on its UN signed committment to allow Kashmiris to decide their fate by plebiscite. There would have been peace and harmony by now. As for no ties till 3023, Indian union will not be around by 2035, like soviet union.
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M. Emad Dec 29, 2022 08:43pm
● Pakistani artists should ‘protect’ themselves. ● NO threat to Indian artists --- they are Free, NO Fear.
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Siva Digavalli Dec 29, 2022 09:16pm
It is sad that they have to be so circumspect but such are these times and the type of politics on both sides.
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Nawaz Dec 29, 2022 09:21pm
Maula Jatt is not releasing in India. No need for all this PR
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Fast comment Dec 29, 2022 09:27pm
Why only the celebrities. The people have more right to mingle, more desire to see each other’s sights and sounds. Mahira Khan is not a member or divided families. The real genuine people are divided families, they missed their loved ones for decades, just because of nasty visa policies. The JI ( Jamaat Islami) is to be blamed for closure of Indian Dy HC in Karachi, the Indian Karachi Dy HC & other properties be allowed to reopen. And resume Visa process. The Karachiites had to go all the way to Islamabad for Visa. Mahira Khan must talk for all the people instead of only herself.
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Fast comment Dec 29, 2022 09:38pm
@Asad But very selfish. She should talk about all the people to people contact, easy travel and trade.
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Janu Dec 29, 2022 09:39pm
Ranbir kapoor in america or king khan in dubai you want so badly those nights again but keep dreaming
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Bhaarteey Dec 29, 2022 09:52pm
Negative/hateful comments written so far justify truth of Mahira's statement. "Border is imaginary line"... perfect truth, but, many can't understand its meaning, it will pass touching their brains tangentially.
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Rehana Bounse Dec 29, 2022 10:14pm
@Ahsan Gul she’s getting old & not glamorous? Which world are you living in ? Acting is not just skin deep or physical it’s what performance is & how the message is conveyed. If it was just physical beauty then there wouldn’t be any Hollywood actors or acting or storytellers. My advice “Expand your brain & mindset”
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AH Dec 29, 2022 10:37pm
@Zak These pathetic people have no integrity. Only begging for money. It's because of these types that Pakistanis are a laughing joke. Look at how they are treating Muslims in India and these lowlifes are desperate to go work there.
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AH Dec 29, 2022 10:37pm
Go live in India if your so desperate to work there
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Shaun Dec 29, 2022 10:41pm
India has more than 225million Muslims, they don't need any Pakistani coming to India.
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ABD Dec 29, 2022 11:07pm
@Adeel Pakistan is the last country who will be interested in working with India until 370 is restored in Kashmir.
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Manjunath Dec 29, 2022 11:08pm
@Zak I don’t think so
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Me Dec 30, 2022 12:42am
Not Pakistani Actors, Indian actors
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Gurpreet Singh Dec 30, 2022 01:24am
I respect Mahira but the truth is that Indian film industry doesn’t need any Pakistani artists or collaborators. There’s absolutely no lack of talent or resources in India. So Indian film makers don’t need to hire outsiders, least of all from a hostile country.
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Vj Dec 30, 2022 01:36am
She need to work more in Bollywood. Amazing talent hidden in land of pure.
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Truth Dec 30, 2022 02:34am
"there’s a lot of love there" Replace "love" by "money" in the above statement
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Fawaz Dec 30, 2022 04:46am
Hopefully in the distant futures, all these imaginary lines will disappear, and people will have the right and ability to travel and seek new experiences .
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Shahid Dec 30, 2022 06:56am
She is obsessed with Bollywood and the money it offers. She is getting old and knows it very well that the Pakistan film industry doesn't pay much for the "mother" roles.
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Mumbaikar Dec 30, 2022 08:00am
@Zak "Is it lovely for the Kashmiris, in IOK? Hypocrasy at its worst." Pakistani artists could have contributed in making of Kashmir Files, it ranked in top 3 films made in 2022 in India. Their contribution would be considered lovely and full of love for natives of Kashmir.
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Imran Dec 30, 2022 08:12am
Pakistan should have nothing to do with India until the Kashmir issue is resolved.
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Chacha Jee Dec 30, 2022 08:14am
A Pakistani Celebrity can name any Indian Celebrity Actor or a Sportsperson as their ‘Friend’, then his or her career in India will be over, finished. Power of being a Pakistani Celebrity.
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G H A L I B J E E E Dec 30, 2022 08:54am
She is of the few people in Show Bussiness which has earned respect through her work and thoughts.
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Sid Dec 30, 2022 09:38am
Pakistani artist can work in middle East, central Asia or Chinese industry. Why all the time try to compare yourself with India.
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Narayan Dec 30, 2022 10:03am
I live in the US and I have a lot of friends who are from Pakistan. I see no difference between them and any other friends. Awesome folks. We try not to let the noise around come inbetween us
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Narayan Dec 30, 2022 10:06am
@Zak Dude. Hindus too died. Those were extraordinary times. Now if such thing happens you will see not 10 million deaths. 100s of millions will loss their lives on each side. Mahira talks sensibly. We are two different nations. If we keep some sane decent relationship both side can survive and next try to prosper
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Masood Dec 30, 2022 10:06am
She is just telling the truth . From the bottom of her heart
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Raj kumar Dec 30, 2022 10:56am
@Shaun Fully agree with you.
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Raj kumar Dec 30, 2022 11:01am
@ABD That will not happen and we don't want Pakistan to even be the last country to work with us. No need both ways.
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kaliraja T Dec 30, 2022 12:34pm
@Ahsan Gul Modiji visited Pakistan. Even Dr Manmohan Singh who was born in Pakistan, did not visit Pakistan. When Modiji tried for friendship , leadership of Pakistan did not reciprocate.
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Anonymouseee Dec 30, 2022 01:18pm
She is absolutely shameless to go work in india where Pakistani assists were humiliatingly kicked out.
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JNM Dec 30, 2022 01:21pm
Why dont you visit Iron Brother China? No work there for you?
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bimal william Dec 30, 2022 02:41pm
In India it is hard to make someone spacegoat just because he or she speaks something good about Pakistan. I totally disagree with Ms Mahira Khan.
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SATT Dec 30, 2022 03:13pm
But the question is why bonding with the enemy country?
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Zenath Dec 30, 2022 03:17pm
She is old
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NYS Dec 30, 2022 03:21pm
@M. Emad this is why not just one but a great number of Hindustani are becoming scapegoat for gov wrong perceptional and exceptional agenda "Ya ha mera Hindustan"
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H A SYED Dec 30, 2022 03:23pm
Either mahira is imbecile or nincompoop because she is unable to understand that those Indian actors and actresses who are showering their love for her is despicable, she must come out of this hallucination.
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Simba Dec 30, 2022 03:48pm
Begging for work from India.
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Simba Dec 30, 2022 03:49pm
@Zak Indian citizens in India's Kashmir are having a lovely time. Best if Pakistanis stayed away.
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Shabnam Dec 30, 2022 04:02pm
You think so. Silence is a language as well. Sometimes people need their mouths zipped.
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Truth be told Dec 30, 2022 04:17pm
Yes we remember your bonding over a cigarette in NY which apparently gave the impression that the smoke was post coital. No wonder you miss the days that are not your proudest moments in life but are attracted to the 30 second climax.
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divaksar Dec 30, 2022 05:06pm
@Zak keep dreaming
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