‘It’s time to speak up, show some grace and let go’

From what I have understood, Islam is a pragmatic religion. It allows flexibility. It forgives us not reading namaaz, for not observing roza when we are travelling. The late film-maker Mehboob Khan used to read namaaz sitting in his seat in a plane because he didn’t want to make a fuss and attract attention when on a flight. I have myself read namaaz on the sands of Rajasthan during the shooting of Reshma Aur Shera.

I got married into a Hindu family. During the month of Ramzan, not just my husband, but even my mother-in-law was involved in preparations of sehri when it was time for me to open roza. During Diwali, my mother-in-law and I prepared the puja thali together. And my old driver Nissar did the shopping for all the festivals. I have visited more temples in my life than any Hindu. And this is more out of an interest in monuments rather than in religion. My best friend is a Hindu and when she visits me, we travel together to all the holy places. And when I visit her I read namaaz in her bedroom.

When I was in Sun City in South Africa last year to receive a lifetime achievement award, I said I felt proud to belong to a film fraternity which recognises no communal divides. I’m sure that is how all creative, thinking people must be feeling. It is time for all like-minded people to come together and express solidarity in one voice, rather than isolated groups expressing protest in different states.

It may help perhaps, if we form an all-state delegation and visit the sites of violence. Perhaps then, the oppressor may be made to feel ashamed and might just withdraw.

The need of the hour is to diffuse the tension. Solutions can be sought once the violence has subsided. It’s not possible to think clearly when there is so much chaos everywhere. Introspection can come later. Now is the time to exhibit grace. One of us has to let go. Let the Muslims allow the Hindus to build their temple on the site, provided someone assures us that our generosity will not be misinterpreted. That this will not become a pattern in a relationship where compassion will be interpreted as subjugation.

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