Despite Indo-Pak Tensions, Bollywood Wants Fawad Khan

Shonali Bose, Indian national award-winning film-maker wishes to cast Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan, however she could not do it because of the ban on Pakistani actors. According to her, such things should instantly stop. 

The film-maker was an avid part of a panel discussion, called ‘Controlling creativity: Is censorship relevant?’ alongside Shyam Benegal at the Ficci Frames 2018 on Tuesday.

According to Shonali, “Instead of taking action to protect the rights of women and project their image under the right light, they are restricting film-makers from doing their work freely.

“Cinema should be free… For instance, Pakistani actors are not allowed to work in Indian films, and this decision is supported by Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association. What if I want to make a film with Fawad Khan?”

When the moderator of the panel mentioned that her comment might earn her the title of an “anti-national”, she replied, “That is the problem with our country nowadays.

I speak of friendship between two countries. I want to make a film with Fawad Khan and nobody will allow me to make the film; producer will not back the film because of the risk and fear that has been created around it.”