I long for the day when people in India can freely see my movies in their country: Mehwish Hayat

Pakistani superstars Mehwish Hayat and Fawad Khan not only represented Pakistan at the Filmfare Middle East magazine relaunch in Dubai this weekend, but also received an award each.

Taking the opportunity to extend a hand towards India, the Punjab Nahi Jaungi took to the stage as she accepted her 'Pakistani Icon' award and spoke about the day her films will be screened in India like Bollywood films are screened in Pakistan.

"I would love for Indian friends to come visit us in my homeland and see the love people have for them," said Mehwish.

"I think too much emphasis has been put on the role for artistes and films in building bridges between our two nations. No matter what the people may want, the past year’s events have shown that 70 years of history and deep political issues will always get in the way. This is much more than casting actors from across the border in each others films. I long for the day when people in India can freely see my movies in their country, just as Indian films are played in my country."

Also read: India refuses to withdraw ban on Pakistani artists, reports Indian media

Due to the tensions between India and Pakistan, artists across the borders have been caught in the middle of it for the past year and a half. Many of Fawad Khan's scenes were slashed in Karan Johar directorial Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Mahira Khan's Raees was banned in Pakistan.

Mehwish wore a pale pink gown from UAE-based label Amato Couture for the occasion. While Fawad, who was given an award for being a 'Cinematic Icon', stuck to his go-to designer Omar Farooq.