Bollywood has been home to several Pakistani artistes, out of which many have managed to develop a massive fan base in India. However, the Cine and Television Artistes Association (Cintaa) in India has decided to take strict action against actors who have not completed the required visa formalities and ones who have not enrolled under this union.
Foreign artistes who are planning to work in Bollywood have to now register under the Cintaa before starting their work in this film industry, reported Mid Day. The Indian newspaper further claimed that Pakistani singer turned actor Ali Zafar was summoned by Cintaa for allegedly working in India without an employment visa.
Cintaa has even threatened to block the release of Yash Raj Film’s upcoming release, Kill Dil, co-starring Ali Zafar, Govinda, Ranveer Singh and Parineeti Chopra. President Gajendra Chauhan of Cintaa has asked Zafar to prove that he has the required work permit to continue with the projects in Bollywood. Chauhan also mentioned that when Zafar had initially come to India for work, he had the required visa which was later extended till 2012. However, post 2013, Gajendra claimed that the actor has been visiting the country on a visitor’s visa which shall not be permitted.
“Indeed, I was contacted by Cintaa via e-mail to clear confusion regarding some documents, which was promptly done by my office to their satisfaction,” Zafar told The Express Tribune, when inquired about Cintaa’s concerns. However, the singer refused to comment on whether the new restrictions by Cintaa are going to have an impact on cross border collaborations of Pakistani artistes.
“We have written to the External Affairs ministry asking for guidelines to be followed by Pakistani artistes who come to seek work here. Pakistan has not been kind to Indian artistes and their artistes come and take away our people’s work here; this is not acceptable to us at all,” Chauhan told Mid Day. He further added that Veena Malik had to enroll with Cintaa as Pakistan did not issue E-visas to its artistes who come to work in the Indian film industry.
According to the newspaper, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Mumbai wing has decided to oppose the release of Kill Dill. The party will also stage protests against Pakistani actors currently working in Bollywood films. They feel that Pakistani artistes should not be allowed to work in Bollywood as India has great talent and there is no need to look across the border.
On the other hand veteran Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh feels that politics and cinema should be separate from each other. “Personally, none of my work has been affected so far and only yesterday, I received a call from the wardrobe department of my upcoming film for which I will be flying out in the next few days. They (Indians) have no problem as long as you are working there and paying taxes,” said the actor who has starred in notable Indian films, such as Om Shanti Om and Namastey London.
The Na Maloom Afraad actor, further added, “I admit that certain extremist groups often create unrest against Pakistani artistes who are working there, but we have always been welcomed by the Indian artiste community. We are artistes and we should follow Malala Yousafzai’s example and talk about peace and not let the tension at the Line of Control affect the realm of entertainment.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 14th, 2014.
Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.