Indian officials push ban on Pakistani artists

LAHORE: Every day, the animosity between Indians against Pakistani artists and the Pakistani artists seems to increase. In a new wave of controversy, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) has demanded a ban on work permits to all Pakistani artists wanting to work in India.

That’s not surprising. But this time, the demands were expressed through a letter from the IMPPA president T P Aggarwal directly to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the letter, Aggarwal requested that the PM take into account the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers and make a decision once and for all.

Stress levels amongst Pakistani artists currently engaged in different projects within Bollywood have increased while the Indian government is expected to apply even more restrictions. A couple of days ago, IMPPA also demanded for visa restrictions to be amplified and requested a complete ban the issuance of visas for all Pakistanis.

According to the letter, the IMPPA has demanded a ban on Pakistani entertainers in the Indian film industry entirely. “It is our request to the government of India to bar the work permits of all Pakistani artists working in different departments of the Indian film and music industry,” it reads. “Not only as entertainment professionals but also as Indians, we are immensely hurt by the rude behaviour portrayed by Pakistani artists with regard to Pakistani terrorism.”

The statement further read, “This will send a strong message, not only across the border but also in India, that when it comes to the dignity and sovereignty of our country, we Indians stand united in our quest to safeguard it.”

This is the second time this week such demands have been made. Earlier this week, the Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees also pushed for increased restrictions over Pakistani TV channels showing Indian shows.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ATIF ASLAM

On the other hand, some insiders of the Pakistani film industry are also demanding that the Pakistani government take the same stance on the release of Indian films within the country.

Speaking to The Express Tribune regarding this matter, Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran, senior official of Pakistan Film Producers Association and chairman of the Pakistan Film Distributors Association said, “The Indian showbiz industry stands united to bar Pakistani artists from working within Bollywood but it is a shame that even after this, Indian films are allowed to release in our country.”

He continued, “The Pakistani government should consider the circumstances and put a ban on the release of Indian films in our cinemas so we can also spread a strong message amongst our people. Our film industry has been revived and is also establishing itself in a better place now. Therefore, for the welfare of our local cinema, we should take the relevant steps.”