Sanjay Mishra Calls Controversy Over Fawad Khan's Bollywood Return ‘International Issue'
Published By :
IANS
Sanjay Mishra called Fawad Khan's return to Bollywood an "international issue."
Veteran actor Sanjay Mishra has broken his silence on the much-discussed return of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan to Bollywood, calling it an 'international issue.' In a candid conversation, Mishra shared his perspective on the actor's comeback. He told IANS, 'This is an international issue. If we work in Hollywood and face opposition, what can we do? I grew up listening to Mehdi Hassan—should I not have? Many people did. You can't please everyone."
Fawad Khan's comeback to Indian cinema with the upcoming romantic comedy 'Abir Gulaal" has stirred fresh debate within political and entertainment circles, once again spotlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding the participation of Pakistani artists in Bollywood.
A few days ago, actress Ameesha Patel defended the actor, highlighting that the country has always celebrated talent, regardless of its origin, and that art transcends borders. Patel told IANS, 'I used to like Fawad Khan before also. We welcome every actor and every musician. This is the culture of India. So art is art; I don't differentiate. International artists are welcome; all around the world, artists are welcome. In any field—painters, musicians, actors, directors, anything."
Veteran filmmaker and current IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit previously voiced firm opposition to Fawad Khan's casting. He warned that the actor's return would spark a nationwide response and criticized the Indian film fraternity for engaging with Pakistani talent, despite an unofficial industry freeze on such collaborations.
He stated, 'It's a matter of insensitivity towards our national interests. This decision reflects a disregard for the gravity of the situation. Some individuals believe they are above such matters, as if these issues don't affect them. Many argue that art transcends national boundaries, but I challenge that notion. Let me ask you this—out of all the attacks on our country, where have we seen any Pakistani artist or public figure condemn these acts? Not a single one has publicly denounced the brutal attacks carried out against our soldiers, innocent civilians, or our country."
'If you believe you are above national sentiment, then it's essential that there be consequences. And I assure you, the entire nation will react to this film. I am confident that there will be widespread protests, with people taking to the streets to express their disapproval," Ashoke added.
The release of the film's teaser on April 1 stirred immediate backlash, with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) promptly raising objections to its screening in Maharashtra.
Helmed by director Aarti S Bagdi, 'Abir Gulaal" features Vaani Kapoor alongside Fawad Khan and is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 9, 2025.
First Published:
April 15, 2025, 16:27 IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
13 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Netflix top boss thought Sanjay Leela Bhansali pitched Heeramandi to them to be rejected: 'It almost felt like a dare'
When Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, was greenlit by Netflix, it was hailed as a landmark moment for Indian streaming. Bhansali has the legacy of being Indian cinema's most visually opulent showman. His films are larger-than-life and lavish. Hence, a series on the same scale was unthinkable. In a recent chat, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that he felt that the filmmaker almost wanted 'no' for an answer when he pitched the show. Speaking on Nikhil Kamath's WTF podcast, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos talked about the scale of Heeramandi and said, 'Heeramandi was probably one of the most creatively interesting projects I've worked on in India. I was involved in the greenlighting meetings for it. He (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) came to LA to do the pitch. He came in with this very big vision. Honestly, it almost felt like a dare—like he was saying, 'I dare you to make this; it's so big. He's a legend of cinema, so the idea of him making a TV Show was unheard of. I thought he came for us to say no. And then, when we said yes, there were lots of delays. It was a complicated production.' Announced in 2021, Heeramandi took almost three years to make and produce before it was released on the platform in May 2024. 'He built these enormous, practical sets that we shot on. There was something beautifully old-fashioned about every element of the production. And he was so proud of it. I was so proud of him. To me, Heeramandi is a true reflection of India's deep, enduring love for cinema,' Sarandos added. Heeramandi is a fictional tale set in the famous red light district of Lahore in pre-Partition undivided India. Bhansali had initially conceived the story as a film in 2007. It was later revived as a show in which Bhansali wanted to cast Pakistani actors Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, and Imran Abbas. But those plans had to be shelved due to the virtual ban on Pakistani artists in India after 2016. Heermandi stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, and Taha Shah Badussha.
New Indian Express
15 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Sashaying to the Top: Mrs. India Globe 2017, Veena Jain gets candid with TNIE
In the sunny upscale suburb of Palm Springs, California, women from 50 countries around the world gather with the hope of winning the prestigious Mrs. Globe Classique pageant, for women over 45. For over seven years, former beauty queen, Mrs. India Globe 2017, Veena Jain, as the national director of the pageant, has mentored Indian women, preparing them to compete at this international stage. 'Mrs. Globe is the top international beauty pageant in the 'Mrs.' category,' says Jain, who trains participants through all three rounds – national costume, coronation gown, and the swimsuit round, adding that Indian women bring a blend of emotional intelligence, cultural representation, and confidence that is needed in the presentation. 'Our representatives are confident, communicative, and emotionally intelligent. These aren't skills we need to teach; they are embedded in our culture,' she explains, saying, 'We look for someone who is poised, confident, social, and inspiring.' This year, Jain has taken Sharada Narayanan, a city-based fashion entrepreneur, under her wing, describing her as 'the full package, with a strong presence and natural charm.' Narayanan defines herself as a fashion designer, entrepreneur, social changemaker, mother, and spouse. Her journey to the Mrs. Globe stage wasn't easy; it began in the corporate world but an inner pull towards creativity led her to fashion design. 'Colours, fabrics, these fascinated me from a very young age,' says Narayanan, adding that her first time walking the ramp in her own design made her realise she had a side she hadn't explored yet, leading her to open her boutique, Metamorphosis.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Smriti Irani, Amar Upadhyay and cast members of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi arrive at Ekta Kapoor's house
Excitement is building up as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi gears up for a grand comeback, and the latest buzz has added more fuel to the fire. Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay , who played the beloved characters Tulsi and Mihir in the iconic show, were recently spotted outside producer Ekta Kapoor 's house, sending fans into a nostalgic frenzy. A paparazzi video that is now going viral shows Amar Upadhyay dressed in a white shirt and off-white pants, looking dapper as he posed for cameras outside Ekta's residence. Smriti Irani, donning a graceful salwar set, smiled warmly at the shutterbugs as she made her way in. The video has stirred massive excitement, hinting at something big brewing in the production house. Sources reveal that the duo has already begun shooting for the much-anticipated reboot. The new season of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is expected to be a limited series with around 150 episodes but is designed with the long-term goal of reaching the landmark 2000-episode count once again. Fans have also been speculating about the possible return of other original cast members. Rumours suggest that actresses like Mouni Roy and Karishma Tanna might make cameo appearances, adding further nostalgia to the revival. An extended promo featuring several cast members is reportedly in the pipeline, promising a grand reintroduction of the soap that once ruled Indian television. With Tulsi and Mihir set to return to our screens, this revival is poised to be both a trip down memory lane and a fresh chapter in Indian TV history. All eyes are now on Ekta Kapoor and her magic touch to recreate the cultural phenomenon.
