You could say that veteran film actor Mustafa Qureshi is going a little overboard when it comes to criticism of Indian films, but you should also realise that his anger stems from his love for Pakistan.

He has been quoted to have said that against the backdrop of the current wave of extremism in India, Bollywood films should not be screened in Pakistan and all those Pakistani artists who are working in India should stop doing so.

Well, it wouldn’t be wise on both counts because the screening of foreign films (English, Indian) help our exhibitors earn revenue and further the cause of cinema, and Pakistani artists working in Mumbai are gaining both experience and exposure. However, their safety and security should be paramount.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 6th, 2015