The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Nov 28) rejected a plea which sought a complete ban on the performance or working of artists from Pakistan in the country, and appealed to the petitioner to not be “so narrow-minded”.&nbsp;

A bench of justices comprising SVN Bhatti and Sanjiv Khanna said that they were not inclined to interfere with the order of the Bombay High Court which had junked the plea filed by Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, who claimed that he was an artiste and a cine worker.&nbsp;

"You should not press this appeal. Do not be so narrow-minded," stated the bench. Supreme Court further refused the submission of the plea to expunge some remarks which were made against the petitioner by the high court.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-20-year-old-medical-aspirant-found-dead-in-rajasthans-kota-663788">India: 20-year-old medical aspirant found dead in Rajasthan's Kota</a>

The petitioner had sought the direction of the court for the central government to impose a complete ban on companies, Indian citizens, associations and firms from soliciting or employing any work or performance, entering into any association, or taking any services and so on with any Pakistani artist like musicians, singers, cine workers, technicians and lyricists.&nbsp;

<h2>Bombay High Court calls petition ‘a retrograde step’&nbsp;</h2>

The petition was dismissed by the Bombay High Court which stated that the measures being sought by the petitioner were a retrograde step in the promotion of peace, unity and cultural harmony, and there is no merit in it. "One must understand that in order to be a patriot, one need not be inimical to those from abroad especially, from the neighbouring country," the court stated.

"A true patriot is a person who is selfless, who is devoted to the cause of his country, which he cannot be unless he is a person who is good at heart. A person who is good at heart would welcome in his country any activity which promotes peace, harmony, and tranquility within the country and across the border," it added.

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In its order, the high court had stated that music, arts, sports, dance, culture and so on are the kinds of activities which are above cultures, nationalities and nations, and these events bring unity, harmony, tranquility and peace in the country and between countries. &nbsp;

The high court stated how Pakistan was a participant in the Cricket World Cup. He added that this occurred because the Indian government took appreciable positive steps in the interest of harmony and overall peace in consonance with Article 51 of the Constitution of India which is regarding the promotion of international security and peace.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Nov 28) rejected a plea which sought a complete ban on the performance or working of artists from Pakistan in the country, and appealed to the petitioner to not be “so narrow-minded”.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Nov 28) rejected a plea which sought a complete ban on the performance or working of artists from Pakistan in the country, and appealed to the petitioner to not be “so narrow-minded”. A bench of justices comprising SVN Bhatti and Sanjiv Khanna said that they were not inclined to interfere with the order of the Bombay High Court which had junked the plea filed by Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, who claimed that he was an artiste and a cine worker. "You should not press this appeal. Do not be so narrow-minded," stated the bench. Supreme Court further refused the submission of the plea to expunge some remarks which were made against the petitioner by the high court. Also read: India: 20-year-old medical aspirant found dead in Rajasthan's Kota The petitioner had sought the direction of the court for the central government to impose a complete ban on companies, Indian citizens, associations and firms from soliciting or employing any work or performance, entering into any association, or taking any services and so on with any Pakistani artist like musicians, singers, cine workers, technicians and lyricists. Bombay High Court calls petition ‘a retrograde step’ The petition was dismissed by the Bombay High Court which stated that the measures being sought by the petitioner were a retrograde step in the promotion of peace, unity and cultural harmony, and there is no merit in it. "One must understand that in order to be a patriot, one need not be inimical to those from abroad especially, from the neighbouring country," the court stated. "A true patriot is a person who is selfless, who is devoted to the cause of his country, which he cannot be unless he is a person who is good at heart. A person who is good at heart would welcome in his country any activity which promotes peace, harmony, and tranquility within the country and across the border," it added. Watch: India PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine | New Zealand to scrap 'smoking ban' In its order, the high court had stated that music, arts, sports, dance, culture and so on are the kinds of activities which are above cultures, nationalities and nations, and these events bring unity, harmony, tranquility and peace in the country and between countries. The high court stated how Pakistan was a participant in the Cricket World Cup. He added that this occurred because the Indian government took appreciable positive steps in the interest of harmony and overall peace in consonance with Article 51 of the Constitution of India which is regarding the promotion of international security and peace. (With inputs from agencies)

SC calls out ‘narrow-mindedness’, rejects plea seeking complete ban on Pak artists

What have we gained and what have we lost in these seven years of a meaningless ban on Pakistani artists working in India? It’s been a while since Fawad Khan became a heartthrob not just in Pakistan but in India after his TV serials Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar hooked us all to the TV screens. The craze for the actor only heightened and led to Bollywood offers to land on his doorstep. From Khoobsurat to Ae Dil Hai Mushkil to Kapoor &amp; Sons, we have laughed, adored, and only loved his acting chops in the few Hindi films he has starred in. This is not just about one artist, but countless other names who we have loved and appreciated in our films and shows, until everything came to a pause.&nbsp;

<img alt="Fawad Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="729103b1-6b33-46cc-bb16-9a6bf7da6598" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/kapoor-and-sons1489755572.jpg" />

<h2>What went wrong?&nbsp;</h2>

A ban on Pakistani artists working in India was put into effect after the Uri terror attack in 2016. The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) made the resolution that they won't work with Pakistani artists after they cited “security” and “patriotism” as some reasons to not allow cross-border talent to perform in India and vice-versa.

It led to artists like Fawad, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, and many musicians like Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to not collaborate with their Indian counterparts any more. But we have missed them, haven’t we?&nbsp;

<img alt="Mahira Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad8276b8-b001-487e-9b37-9efdcffcd697" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/a-1516881405.jpg" />

<h2>What’s changed now?&nbsp;</h2>

The ban has now been called “a retrograde step in promoting cultural harmony, unity, and peace” by Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Firdosh P Pooniwalla, who presided over a petition filed by a cine worker to ban the Pakistani artists. The Bombay High Court ruled in favour of cross-border cultural exchange and said that this petition has “no merit in it”.&nbsp;

Defending their decision on calling out the petitioner, the two justices ruled: “Arts, music, sports, culture, dance, and so on are the activities which rise above nationalities, cultures, and nations and truly bring about peace, tranquillity, unity, and harmony in nation and between nations.”

The court further observed that patriotism isn't demonstrated by hostility towards foreign nationals, particularly those from neighbouring countries.

<h2>But does it mean that Fawad, Mahira, and Atif will return?&nbsp;</h2>

It’s been seven years since no Pakistani talent has stepped foot on Indian soil, has collaborated on an Indian project, or has even been offered any role.

That could be because whoever wants to collaborate fears ostracisation from within the entertainment community in India or doesn’t feel the need to extend an olive branch to our neighbours.&nbsp;

In fact, Fawad, when questioned by US-based Variety magazine, on whether he will ever work in India again, said that it doesn’t depend on him but on whether they (Indians) want to work with him.

He said that fingers will be pointed at those people who want to work with him. He will do his work and go away but the consequences of that will hit hard on the person who works with him. He said that the same would have a bearing on him once he returns to Pakistan after having worked on an Indian project.&nbsp;

<img alt="Fawad Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e936e120-36f8-4f4a-8bc1-fb57ed37d682" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/screenshot-www.google.com-2023.10.27-16_02_06.png" />

Fawad Khan did mention “never say never” and would be hopeful of a time when things ease out, as he has many friends in the Hindi film circle.

This does mean that Fawad is open to the idea of exploring a project in India if we extend one to him.

But what about others?

The last time Mahira Khan worked in India, her film with Shah Rukh Khan (Raees) got negative publicity. The next time she was spotted with an Indian actor (Ranbir Kapoor), she was mercilessly trolled for her choice of clothes and smoking a cigarette with him while no one raised an eyebrow at Kapoor who was practically doing the same thing. But we digress!

A larger topic here is whether this calling out of the ban on Pakistani artists means that they will return to India and dole out some gems.

Forget actors, let the musicians come back first and give us some new Sufi music or indie songs to groove to. We anyway&nbsp;do that via music streaming apps like Spotify, Gaana, and the like.&nbsp;

<img alt="Atif Aslam" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25bb8743-ce8e-4173-959e-6544b762389b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/screenshot-www.google.com-2023.10.27-16_02_57.png" />

The most recent example is the worldwide sensation “Pasoori” by Pakistani artist Ali Sethi which everyone around the world fell in love with instantaneously after it debuted on Coke Studio Season 14.

The song became such an overnight sensation towards the end of the pandemic that you could hear everyone blasting the song through their speakers.

The song’s rage then translated into it being adapted for Indians and thus the song became “Pasoori Nu” and was sung by our very own Arijit Singh.

But imagine using the original in our films or adapting the song for Indian sensibilities with more colloquial Hindi-Urdu lyrics? Wouldn’t that be just amazing?

Also, can we just have a petition to bring back Atif Aslam? We miss you, Atif! 
 
Also read:&nbsp;Atif Aslam pauses concert mid-way to give a fitting reply to fans throwing money at him: Watch

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

 
&nbsp;

What have we gained and what have we lost in these seven years of a meaningless ban on Pakistani artists working in India? It’s been a while since Fawad Khan became a heartthrob not just in Pakistan but in India after his TV serials Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar hooked us all to the TV screens.

What have we gained and what have we lost in these seven years of a meaningless ban on Pakistani artists working in India? It’s been a while since Fawad Khan became a heartthrob not just in Pakistan but in India after his TV serials Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar hooked us all to the TV screens. The craze for the actor only heightened and led to Bollywood offers to land on his doorstep. From Khoobsurat to Ae Dil Hai Mushkil to Kapoor & Sons, we have laughed, adored, and only loved his acting chops in the few Hindi films he has starred in. This is not just about one artist, but countless other names who we have loved and appreciated in our films and shows, until everything came to a pause. What went wrong? A ban on Pakistani artists working in India was put into effect after the Uri terror attack in 2016. The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) made the resolution that they won't work with Pakistani artists after they cited “security” and “patriotism” as some reasons to not allow cross-border talent to perform in India and vice-versa. It led to artists like Fawad, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, and many musicians like Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to not collaborate with their Indian counterparts any more. But we have missed them, haven’t we? What’s changed now? The ban has now been called “a retrograde step in promoting cultural harmony, unity, and peace” by Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Firdosh P Pooniwalla, who presided over a petition filed by a cine worker to ban the Pakistani artists. The Bombay High Court ruled in favour of cross-border cultural exchange and said that this petition has “no merit in it”. Defending their decision on calling out the petitioner, the two justices ruled: “Arts, music, sports, culture, dance, and so on are the activities which rise above nationalities, cultures, and nations and truly bring about peace, tranquillity, unity, and harmony in nation and between nations.” The court further observed that patriotism isn't demonstrated by hostility towards foreign nationals, particularly those from neighbouring countries. But does it mean that Fawad, Mahira, and Atif will return? It’s been seven years since no Pakistani talent has stepped foot on Indian soil, has collaborated on an Indian project, or has even been offered any role. That could be because whoever wants to collaborate fears ostracisation from within the entertainment community in India or doesn’t feel the need to extend an olive branch to our neighbours. In fact, Fawad, when questioned by US-based Variety magazine, on whether he will ever work in India again, said that it doesn’t depend on him but on whether they (Indians) want to work with him. He said that fingers will be pointed at those people who want to work with him. He will do his work and go away but the consequences of that will hit hard on the person who works with him. He said that the same would have a bearing on him once he returns to Pakistan after having worked on an Indian project. Fawad Khan did mention “never say never” and would be hopeful of a time when things ease out, as he has many friends in the Hindi film circle. This does mean that Fawad is open to the idea of exploring a project in India if we extend one to him. But what about others? The last time Mahira Khan worked in India, her film with Shah Rukh Khan (Raees) got negative publicity. The next time she was spotted with an Indian actor (Ranbir Kapoor), she was mercilessly trolled for her choice of clothes and smoking a cigarette with him while no one raised an eyebrow at Kapoor who was practically doing the same thing. But we digress! A larger topic here is whether this calling out of the ban on Pakistani artists means that they will return to India and dole out some gems. Forget actors, let the musicians come back first and give us some new Sufi music or indie songs to groove to. We anyway do that via music streaming apps like Spotify, Gaana, and the like. The most recent example is the worldwide sensation “Pasoori” by Pakistani artist Ali Sethi which everyone around the world fell in love with instantaneously after it debuted on Coke Studio Season 14. The song became such an overnight sensation towards the end of the pandemic that you could hear everyone blasting the song through their speakers. The song’s rage then translated into it being adapted for Indians and thus the song became “Pasoori Nu” and was sung by our very own Arijit Singh. But imagine using the original in our films or adapting the song for Indian sensibilities with more colloquial Hindi-Urdu lyrics? Wouldn’t that be just amazing? Also, can we just have a petition to bring back Atif Aslam? We miss you, Atif! Also read: Atif Aslam pauses concert mid-way to give a fitting reply to fans throwing money at him: Watch WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained I No more ban on Pak artists in India but will Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam return to Bollywood?

In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir where 40 CRPF personnel were killed, music label T-Series has pulled down all the songs sung by Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from its Youtube channel.&nbsp;

T-Series, owned by Bhushan Kumar, had recently collaborated with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam for two different singles. In fact, Atif’s new song titled 'Baarishein' featuring Bollywood actress Nushrat Bharucha was released on the channel on the eve of Valentine’s Day. The song does not exist on the channel anymore.&nbsp;

The move was taken after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) asked all the music companies to stop working with Pakistani artists. "We have verbally communicated to Indian music companies like T-Series, Sony Music, Venus, Tips Music etc to not work with Pakistani singers. These companies should stop it immediately or we will take action in our own style," Amey Khopkar, head of the MNS Chitrapat Sena told a news agency.

Earlier, a day after the horrific attack, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/after-pulwama-attack-shabana-azmi-javed-akhtar-pull-out-of-an-event-in-pakistan-197593">Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar</a> pulled out of an event in Karachi which they were scheduled to attend in the coming days.&nbsp;

In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir where 40 CRPF personnel were killed, music label T-Series has pulled down all the songs sung by Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from its Youtube channel.

In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir where 40 CRPF personnel were killed, music label T-Series has pulled down all the songs sung by Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from its Youtube channel. T-Series, owned by Bhushan Kumar, had recently collaborated with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam for two different singles. In fact, Atif’s new song titled 'Baarishein' featuring Bollywood actress Nushrat Bharucha was released on the channel on the eve of Valentine’s Day. The song does not exist on the channel anymore. The move was taken after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) asked all the music companies to stop working with Pakistani artists. "We have verbally communicated to Indian music companies like T-Series, Sony Music, Venus, Tips Music etc to not work with Pakistani singers. These companies should stop it immediately or we will take action in our own style," Amey Khopkar, head of the MNS Chitrapat Sena told a news agency. Earlier, a day after the horrific attack, Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar pulled out of an event in Karachi which they were scheduled to attend in the coming days.

Post Pulwama attack, music company delists Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's songs on Youtube

The ban on Pakistani actors has become a thorny issue for the Indian film industry. Filmmaker Karan Johar on Tuesday said he was hurt on being labelled &quot;anti-national&quot; ahead of the release of his controversial film &quot;Ae Dil Hai Mushkil&quot; starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.&nbsp;

After facing threats by political parties in Maharashtra of vandalising theatres over the screening of the film, Karan said he would not engage with talent from Pakistan &quot;in the circumstance&quot;.&nbsp;

In a video statement, the director said: &quot;Remained silent because of deep sense of hurt that I felt, that there are a few people who actually believe that I am being anti-national. I need to say this and I say this with strength that for me this country comes first,&quot; Karan said.

&quot;Nothing else matters to me but my country. I have always felt that the best way to express your patriotism is to spread love and that is all I have done through my work.&quot;

Karan, who spearheads the Dharma Productions, said he respects the Indian Army for their unending commitment and everything they do to protect the nation. However, he also appealed that the efforts of his 300-member Indian crew must be considered before hindering the release of the movie.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the producers of the film - Fox Star Studios and Dharma Productions - met the Mumbai police commissioner to seek police protection after the political outfit Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threatened to physically hurt Karan Johar.&nbsp;

Police commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and joint police commissioner (law and order) Deven Bharti assured the team full protection ahead of the release. Ashok Dudhe, the DCP of Mumbai Police, has come out in support of ADHM and said, &quot;We, Mumbai Police, will provide adequate protection to cinema theatres as and when required.To maintain law and order, we will provide protection to every cinema theatre in the city.&quot;&nbsp;

Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt, who is the president of The Film and Television Producers Guild of India, further said: &quot;Why are we Indians fighting one another? We are one, we are Indians, let us not get fragmented and let the terrorists feel that they have won by separating us. I know they are upset, we are also upset but we are helpless as the movie has already been made.&quot;

After much speculation over the release or a complete ban on the movie, the filmmakers have decided to stick to the initial schedule. The movie will hit cinemas worldwide on October 28.&nbsp;

Earlier, the political party had given an ultimatum to Pakistani artists to leave the country, in response to the terror attack on the Indian Army in Uri, Kashmir last month.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Industry veterans sought police protection after political parties threaten to vandalise theatres showing films starring Pakistani actors

The ban on Pakistani actors has become a thorny issue for the Indian film industry. Filmmaker Karan Johar on Tuesday said he was hurt on being labelled "anti-national" ahead of the release of his controversial film "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. After facing threats by political parties in Maharashtra of vandalising theatres over the screening of the film, Karan said he would not engage with talent from Pakistan "in the circumstance". In a video statement, the director said: "Remained silent because of deep sense of hurt that I felt, that there are a few people who actually believe that I am being anti-national. I need to say this and I say this with strength that for me this country comes first," Karan said. "Nothing else matters to me but my country. I have always felt that the best way to express your patriotism is to spread love and that is all I have done through my work." Karan, who spearheads the Dharma Productions, said he respects the Indian Army for their unending commitment and everything they do to protect the nation. However, he also appealed that the efforts of his 300-member Indian crew must be considered before hindering the release of the movie. Earlier in the day, the producers of the film - Fox Star Studios and Dharma Productions - met the Mumbai police commissioner to seek police protection after the political outfit Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threatened to physically hurt Karan Johar. Police commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and joint police commissioner (law and order) Deven Bharti assured the team full protection ahead of the release. Ashok Dudhe, the DCP of Mumbai Police, has come out in support of ADHM and said, "We, Mumbai Police, will provide adequate protection to cinema theatres as and when required.To maintain law and order, we will provide protection to every cinema theatre in the city." Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt, who is the president of The Film and Television Producers Guild of India, further said: "Why are we Indians fighting one another? We are one, we are Indians, let us not get fragmented and let the terrorists feel that they have won by separating us. I know they are upset, we are also upset but we are helpless as the movie has already been made." After much speculation over the release or a complete ban on the movie, the filmmakers have decided to stick to the initial schedule. The movie will hit cinemas worldwide on October 28. Earlier, the political party had given an ultimatum to Pakistani artists to leave the country, in response to the terror attack on the Indian Army in Uri, Kashmir last month. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian filmmaker Karan Johar says won't work with Pakistani talent