Images

The Indian government needs to do its job protecting cultural exchange, says Atiqa Odho

The Indian government needs to do its job protecting cultural exchange, says Atiqa Odho

The actress will be seen in TV serial Laikin next, along with Sara Khan from across the border
23 Jan, 2017

Mahira Khan won't be promoting Raees in India but things are looking up as her fellow Pakistani actors Adnan Siddiqui and Sajal Aly just got visas to Delhi for the completion of their Indian film, the Sridevi-starrer Mom.

That being said, veteran actress Atiqa Odho feels like there's still a long way to go before we mend ties.

The Humsafar star will be seen in the A-Plus serial Laikin next, alongside Sara Khan from across the border.

Speaking to Images, she shares, "We're delighted to have Sara among us. I only wish India treated our artists with the same respect as Pakistan has always treated their artists working in our industry. It's a shame that Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan are unable to go back to work in India or unable to promote upcoming projects due to extremists attacking them and their good image there."

"Why were they targeted specifically? Because they became high-profile actors in india and certain people obviously don't like it when Pakistan shines and shows its real talent which is related to art and culture."

She adds, "I request the Indian government to stop such people from using actors as soft targets to play their dirty politics on. The Indian government, just like the Pakistani government needs to do its job protecting cultural exchange between the nations. Actors are goodwill ambassadors and must be treated and protected as such."

Props to her for telling it how it is!

Comments

Ketan Jan 23, 2017 01:58pm
I am an indian and 100% agree. India needs to do a lot compare to pakistan in terms of tolerance for the artists across the border.
Recommend (0)
bryan Jan 23, 2017 02:21pm
I think there are only one or two cities where there could be a problem. Rest they dont face any issues anywhere
Recommend (0)
Pakistan Zindabad Jan 23, 2017 02:37pm
Although i am not media guy and not a fan of Atiqa. But she spoke in Patriotic tone unlike the other media fellows. This is a proud stuff. Wish you good luck.
Recommend (0)
javed malik Jan 23, 2017 03:29pm
If they are disrespected then they should stay here and work.
Recommend (0)
Shahzad Ahmad Jan 23, 2017 04:49pm
@javed malik People From Subcontinent are treated Really WELL in Gulf Countries If you know What i mean. Its Their Job they will go wherever they find it. There are Few actors coming to Pakistan from across the border (Leading lady in Ishq Junoon deewangi has done many projects in Pakistani TV Industry) and they have no issues, Even when people talk about India in Bad manner its About those who are bad not India as a Country. Good and bad is everywhere.
Recommend (0)
Shahzad Ahmad Jan 23, 2017 04:50pm
Hope You find it Great in Here Sara khan. A Warm Welcome.
Recommend (0)
Pra aksha Jan 23, 2017 05:17pm
@Pakistan Zindabad Although i am not media guy and not a fan of Atiqa. But she spoke in Patriotic tone unlike the other media fellows. This is a proud stuff. Wish you good luck. Tell all Pakistanis to be patriotic like you & she & never ever even dream to visit my country, we too are patriotic!
Recommend (0)
madhusudan Jan 23, 2017 05:23pm
Indian goverment and indian people are not against fawad khan or any other pakistani actor,,they are loved by people here.
Recommend (0)
Ashwin Jan 23, 2017 05:40pm
Bollywood film producers had to beg Shivsena for safe release of their movies. This is really a bad mark on Maharashtra and Indian government. This was not right at all.
Recommend (0)
Ramesh Manghirmalani Jan 23, 2017 05:40pm
I agree
Recommend (0)
Be Fair Jan 23, 2017 05:50pm
What cultural exchange? The culture is same. It's a harmony, incense, mix up,of same but separated cultures.
Recommend (0)
Ahsan,Karachi Jan 23, 2017 06:06pm
Why double standards by India? Some Pakistani artists are granted visa while others not.
Recommend (0)
S. A. M. Jan 23, 2017 06:40pm
in my opinion one should not go where there is no respect for you. having said that can we generalize that the entire indian populace is disrespectful i think this conclusion would be incorrect. it appears that there is just one batch of bad boys in india province of india that's behind the entire dilemma. so yea atiwa said it aptly that indian govt should take steps to ensure that these thugs can't create such an unwanted environment that only serves to hurt indian image.
Recommend (0)
Azhar Jan 23, 2017 07:31pm
Well said Atiqa Odho!! I totally agree with you. Mahira and Fawad were banned because they were doing very well and quickly gained popularity in India. This made the Modi government insecure as they cannot see the name of Pakistan propser in any way. Haters gonna hate, but people to people connection should always be kept alive.
Recommend (0)
MANISH Jan 23, 2017 08:27pm
Show your talent in Pakistan
Recommend (0)
hement Jan 23, 2017 10:15pm
Why go to a closed minded culture. Focus inside Pakistan, there is much superior talent here and build local industry.
Recommend (0)
Thoroughthinker Jan 23, 2017 10:26pm
Good mind and looks can only impress and affect humans.
Recommend (0)
sahas Jan 23, 2017 10:37pm
Indian government unable to protect its own people
Recommend (0)
Nirad Patkhedkar Jan 24, 2017 03:59am
Pakistani people say that artists and sports should be kept above politics because it is beneficial for them. In the same way, we say that trade should be kept above politics and allow us transit route to Afghanistan for trade.
Recommend (0)
mansurulbari Jan 24, 2017 10:19am
There is no word of tolerace in modi's dictionary,he may learn to live peacefully with tolerace
Recommend (0)
mansurulbari Jan 24, 2017 10:25am
We are not intterested to perform in india,unless our artists r invited on merit
Recommend (0)