We live in strange times. In the West, top-notch artists such as Meryl Streep and George Clooney are voicing their opinion on political issues without giving two hoots about the consequences. On the other hand, in our neck of the woods, actors are chickening out of important projects.

Bollywood A-lister Vidya Balan was supposed to do a film in which she was playing the part of a Hindu poetess, Kamla Das, who converts to Islam. She consented to do the role. Then ‘something’ happened (the media is suggesting she was threatened) and she backed out of the project, citing ‘personal reasons.’ To be fair to Vidya B, she had no other option. Safety first, art second. It’s a tough one.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, January 22nd, 2017