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SHOCKING: Mahesh Bhatt to bring Pakistani artistes back in India, BJP frowns

25 Feb 2017

Is the blanket ban onPakstaniartistes in India over? With the unofficial ban not with-standing, the intrepidMaheshBhattis all set to bring back Pakistani artistes to India, come what may. Last week,Bhattmade a call to singer-actor AliZafarin Karachi offering him a song on the theme of cross-border peace. Ali responded favourably. So didShafqatAmanatAli agree to contribute a song toMaheshBhatts endeavour free of cost? Delhi-based actorImranZahidwho will be working withMaheshBhatton this project says, Every Pakistani artisteBhattSaab has approached has responded enthusiastically. Shafqat AmanatAlis manager said he doesnt want any money for this song. We are also working on gettingRahatFatehAli Khan andAtifAslamon board. But what about the unofficial ban on Pakistani artistes in India? SaysImran, We are going to use voices of the Pakistani artistes, not their physical presence, for a play calledMilne Do which will be staged in Delhi onJune8 andMumbaionJune 23. Furthermore, the Indian Government has clarified that it has not banned Pakistani artistes. When the Government has taken a clear stand on the issue, what chance do the protesters stand? Imrandoesnt rule out local pockets of protest at the Pakistani presence in our land. Bhatt Saab is not new to protests. He has dealt with opposition all his life.Dialoguewith Pakistan must re-start on a cultural level. The Delhi government is supporting our endeavour here in Delhi and in West Bengal, MamataBanerjeehas extended support to our mission. However,BJPspokesperson Shaina NC is clear on the issue. Relations with Pakistan have deteriorated to such an extent that there is a move now to declare Pakistan a terror state on an international level. Given the current crisis I dont think we can have Pakistani artistes coming here.