Lollywood legends Shabnam and Nadeem seen together after decades
February 13, 2017
KARACHI: They say art knows no border. But the phrase loses its meaning when it comes to India and Pakistan, where Pakistani artists often face bans.
A session titled 'Cinema across Borders’ on Sunday at the Karachi Literature Festival had actors Nadeem Baig, Shabnam, Asif Raza Mir and Mustafa Qureshi, as well as Indian journalist Priyanka Jha in the panel. The session was moderated by Umber Khairi.
The session was all set to start when one of the audience members insisted that a moment of silence be observed for the late Indian actor Om Puri. The moderator and panelists agreed.
Khairi after appreciating the presence of the panelists, specially Nadeem and the yesteryear actress Shabnam who were seen together after a long time, asked Nadeem if benefits can be achieved if Indian and Pakistani cinema work together.
Nadeem said that there should be no border for art. The Aina actor emphasized that India and Pakistan should work together while protecting their own identity.
Shabnam agreed with Nadeem, “Both countries should work together. Art and sports should never be politicized as they spread happiness and it should never be involved in politics”.
The moderator moved towards Asif Raza Mir, the Tanhaaiyan actor and asked him if it is justified to consume only Indian media but not others.
Asif responded while paying tribute to Nadeem. He said, “I did my first movie Playboy with Nadeem Sahib in which he was the main hero while I was the side hero”. Asif while reminiscing that time said, “I still remember the time when I saw Nadeem Sahib sitting in a car with three or four girls while I was sitting in the van, thinking how lucky he is, but now I would say that I'm lucky as I worked with him".
He said, “We have the best technology in our cinema industry but we need good actors to revive our industry and for this we need to move beyond borders while keeping our own identity alive.”
Umber Khairi involved the editor of The Indian Express group, Priyanka Jha in the conversation. Khairi asked Priyanka about the mood of Bollywood in the wake of recent protests related to Pakistani artists in India. Priyanka before answering the question thanked the Pakistani nation for their warm welcome
In response to Khairi's question, Priyanka said that ups and down come but they make us realize how close we are as we begin to miss each other. Priyanka further said, "India welcomes everybody with talent no matter if it's Irfan Khan of India or Jackie Chan from China. If the person has talent we love to welcome them with open arms".
Umber Khairi also asked Priyanka about the sentiments of Indian nation towards Pakistani artists to which Priyanka said, "Fawad Khan is popular in India because of his talent". She also appreciated Mahira Khan for her performance in Raees.
Mustufa Qureshi known for playing the villain, joined the session midway and left the audience in fits of laughter as he said, "It was difficult to reach here on time due to traffic but I'm here now for the love of Shabnam".
The moderator proceeded with a question towards Nadeem regarding the patronage for artists to promote talent. Nadeem said, "Film industry is a penetrating media which helps to educate people. We do not lack talent but backing or support from the government".
As the session reached its final phase, Umber asked her last question from Mustafa Qureshi about his perspective over both countries working together. Mustafa said, "Artists belong to same world. Their directions and destinies are same. They have one purpose; to entertain people".
Shabnam listens to fellow speakers during a session at KLF 2017- Photo by Haseem uz Zaman
Mustafa Qureshi further added that all the countries around world should work together but what about working with a country which humiliates our artists, forces them to leave their country? A country which kills our innocent citizens on the Line of Control and threatens to block Pakistan's water? The questions raised by Mustafa Qureshi cast a gloomy silence.
The moderator tried to shift the conversation on a lighter note by asking him to comment on the main question. Qureshi however dared to disapprove and said that as an artist he should have the right to speak his mind. He concluded his stance by delivering an Urdu couplet:
"Hum hain funkaar, muqabil kay moarrikh to nahi
Hum jo mehsoos karen to bhala kyun na kahen"
