After the internal turmoil evoked ‘Post Uri’, rhetoric’s and the surgical strikes, it’s obviously a natural knee jerk reaction to say ‘No’ – We don’t keep any relations with Pakistan and it’s Citizen?
I would say otherwise. We should not let the political dynamics between countries influence our one to one individual interaction and ideological differences. Despite presuming that the current Pakistan political-military establishment holds an ideological antipathy towards India, India should let Pakistani artists work as long as it falls within the legal purview and framework.
I would say, we ought to build that one to one individual relationship with Pakistani nationals, irrespective of the conflagration and juggernaut existing between the two countries.
Let’s step back and understand the build up to current conflagration is a byproduct of the establishment, a compromised democracy where the army rules and dictates. It’s the army and not the common man, who is responsible. In fact, they are the ones that are deprived. Especially in the case of Pakistan, where democracy never had an opportunity to anchor and prosper, we sincerely have to give dual benefit of doubt. So the current struggle is not with Pakistani (Citizen) but with Pakistan (Establishment).
Understand, common man, be it any country, region or religion, has those same patterns. Their concerns, aspirations, anxieties and struggle are same as ours. Their happiness is the same as ours. Our rouse is against Pakistani establishment, not against their citizen, especially in the case of Pakistan, where they lack that ability to mold the political opinion. If they are legally here, they work within the legal framework, then they should not be declined the opportunity to work in Bollywood.
Ok, if you are still not convinced, let me ask you? In a hypothetical situation, if Indian Government commits a grave situation and US decided to send back all those innocent who emigrated from India, would you support that?
If you are still not convinced, let me ask yet another question. What if few Indian citizens commit a grave crime, do you think India US or any country where that hypothetical situation happens, should cut all diplomatic ties despite the Indian Government being on right foot?
Someone may naturally ask, will they treat Hrithik Roshan the same? Well, let’s not collude our value systems even if the answer is no. To be true, if the politicians or radicals don’t force their opinion, you will most likely see Pakistani voting to see him perform in Pakistan.
Well, let’s differentiate between Citizen and Ruling elite. We can’t preach love, at least let’s treat every citizen with dignity and opportunity. We expect the same and we should reciprocal the same. Let the merit of their performance decide where they ought to be in the Industry. Well, if we differentiate citizen from establishment, I believe, that will embolden our faith in having them continue as artist in India.
Art, like sublime thoughts defining philosophy, transpires humanity. Artists attempt to cross those barriers of religious, geopolitical boundaries, at times which become timeless and invaluable. Boundaries and affiliations have a finite span and keep changing, whereas art remains within the realms of humanity. Such is a supreme nature of art. An artist is an object of depicting those abstract expressions. Fortunately for us, artists are the medium and we humans are bestowed with the supreme sense of that expression. While, it is true that these artists originate in Pakistan, this notion of region is self-defeating and limited. While appreciate art and artist, we should cross those barrier that limit our perception towards art and artists.
With love towards India – Ash
No more of Bollywood for Pakistani artists? http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/no-more-of-bollywood-for-pakistani-artists/story-yLQJhjt6yQtcGNf3JqCiLM.html
Ban on Pakistani artists http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ban-on-pakistani-artists-what-om-puri-nagesh-kukunoor-nawazuddin-siddiqui-and-randeep-hooda-said-on-the-issue-2260684
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