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There was a time when Pakistan’s music industry flourished and our artists did not need to compromise their dignity. Ever since our music industry took a huge hit, Pakistani artists have been forced to work with Bollywood, something most of them do not want to do.
However, recently, the up-and-down cycle of artists being barred from performing in India acted up again. Indian singer turned politician Babul Supriyo demanded for a complete ban of Pakistani artists working in India with Bollywood or any other franchise. The politician also demanded that Rahat Ali Khan’s vocals should be taken off the movie Welcome To New York.
This ban has not only hurt Pakistanis, but Indians as well. Pakistan’s veteran singer and heartthrob of India, Atif Aslam had just sung a song for Sanjeev Kumar’s film Daas Dev. The song was called ‘Sehmi hai Dhardkan’. However, ever since the ban, Atif Aslam has blatantly refused to promote the movie’s song, standing by his country and fellow artists.
“Atif said he will do it, but it hasn’t been done. I’m not sure why he isn’t taking part in the activity, but, as a producer, I see that work promised hasn’t been executed,” said the director in an official statement. Kumar knew about politician Supriyo’s statement and to that he said: “Normally, such statements are made by fringe groups. When a minister says it, it leaves an impact on more people. But we needed Atif for this song. He has 20 million followers on social media. Imagine the kind of traction we would have got had he promoted it.”
Atif’s refusal to promote Bollywood’s music has widely been lauded by Pakistanis, who are standing by all our artists. The ban on Pakistani artists working in India has been dubbed as ‘anti-Pakistan prejudice’ by officials. The ban was passed by Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA). Pakistan’s Foreign Office did not stay behind in their approach as well, as an official statement by spokesman Dr. Muhammad Faisal was made.
“It is unfortunate that art and cinema, which bring people together by acting as cultural bridges, are being held hostage to hate and xenophobia,” said Dr. Faisal. “Unfortunately this decision, following several others, including non-issuance of visas to Pakistani pilgrims, refusal to allow participation of Sikhs and Katas Raj pilgrims, and cancellation of sports matches, underscores the growing intolerance and bias prevalent in India, “ he added.
Behind the ban, of course, is the Indian government, who does not want relations to simmer down and strengthen between India and Pakistan. Pakistanis completely stand by their artists and if they are boycotting Bollywood, so should the common man.
