‘Fawad Khan booked entire restaurant for me, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sang for me’: Mumtaz recalls visit, advocates lifting the ban on Pakistani artistes

 

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“They should be allowed to come and work here. They are talented. I agree we have no dearth of talent in the Mumbai film industry. Lekin unhe bhi mauka milna chahiye (But they should also get work opportunities in Bollywood),” she insisted during the conversation. 

She recalled the warm hospitality she received from Pakistani artistes. “Rahat saab was not well when we met. But he insisted on singing for me. I felt very special. Mujhe laga abhi bhi main Mumtaz hoon (I felt I am still that Mumtaz),” said an elated Mumtaz, adding,  “Do you know what he (Fawad) did? He reserved an entire restaurant for me. It was just Fawad, his wife and child with me at the restaurant.” The Do Raaste also shared an adorable picture with renowned classical singer Ghulam Ali, calling the meeting, ‘special.’   

 

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She also spoke about the similarities between Indians and Pakistanis and how the citizens of both countries have a lot in common. “Woh log hum logon se bilkul alag nahin hain (They are no different from us). Everywhere that I went, people came forward to shower me and my sister with love and gifts. Ek kalakaar isse zyada aur kya chahta hai (What more can an artist ask for)? They knew all my films, all my songs (sic),” expressed a grateful Mumtaz.  

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Reflecting on her memorable visit to the neighbouring country, Mumtaz, shared, “Itna pyar itni mohabbat, itne saare lunches aur dinners. Aur itne saare gifts! My God!!  (I received a lot of love and attended many lunches and dinners as well as gifts) I was overwhelmed. I never knew that people there loved me as much as people here. Log mujhe sadak pe pehchante the (Even people on the streets recognised me). That’s because I’ve maintained myself. Main abhi bhi wohi Mumtaz lagti hoon (I still look like my younger self). I haven’t changed that much. I get recognised wherever I go. This is God’s blessing, nothing else.”

 

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For the unversed, a ban on Pakistani artistes working in India was implemented in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack in 2016. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s cinema wing had warned filmmakers against working with Pakistani artists with the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) stating that they won’t work with Pakistani artistes, citing “security” and “patriotism” as some reasons not to allow them to work in India.

In 2023, the Bombay High Court rejected a plea to ban Pakistani singers and actors from working in India.