Earlier this week, Indian publications reported that Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan turned down an opportunity to play a Pakistani character in an upcoming film. After the news went viral, Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat has now expressed her disappointment.
In a tweet, Mehwish wrote,
“If true, this is very disappointing. Movies have the power to build bridges especially when tensions are high. I guess that in the end nationalism trumps everything – I hope that we can also take heed before we gush about all things Bollywood in future.”
Read: Amitabh Bachchan refuses to play Pakistani character in upcoming filmÂ
If true, this is very disappointing. Movies have the power to build bridges especially when tensions are high. I guess that in the end nationalism trumps everything – I hope that we can also take heed before we gush about all things Bollywood in future.https://t.co/XqYQZjN53d
— Mehwish Hayat TI (@MehwishHayat) April 11, 2019
As per reports in the Indian media, Amitabh didn’t want to be labelled as ‘anti-national’ and be embroiled in a controversy; which is rather unfortunate. Artists, globally, should have the creative liberty to choose the characters they wish to play and not be intimidated by radical elements in the society which harness productivity and take away their freedom as a performer.
