Dear Saif Ali Khan, how about addressing your own hypocrisy before ‘losing faith in Pakistan’

You blame Pakistanis of downloading pirated versions of your films when Mumbai is the piracy capital of the world.

Ali Shahbaz August 25, 2015
With the cancellation of the recent talks between India and Pakistan on account of trivial preconditions of the diplomatic interaction, it is no surprise that relations between the two countries have further deteriorated, with an accentuating atmosphere of mistrust, suspicion, and disbelief.

During such political volatility, we as people rely upon the strength of confidence building measures between the two nations as an attempt to alleviate tension and these measures are chiefly catalysed by those we call ‘artists’ or ‘media personalities’ who highlight the inherent linkages between the two countries as an attempt to pacify the animosity between these two nations.

However, dear Saif Ali Khan, despite having a huge fan base in both India and Pakistan, you have annihilated the very principle of confidence building, and instead whined like a self-victimised child, consistently complaining about the outcomes resulting from your own actions.

Khan, your statements referring to Pakistan and its people were not only bitterly distasteful but also symbolic of the corrosive nature of public hate speech.

You went on to declare that you “do not have faith in Pakistan” on account of the censorship imposed upon two of your films – Agent Vinod and Phantom – by the censorship authorities in Pakistan.

You further claimed that you were unable to understand “the thought process” of Pakistani people. It takes me by surprise and it also frustrates me, that a man of your calibre is passing such statements from across the border.

In order to give you a better understanding of our “thought process”, one of our artists also had something to say about yours. It’s a different thing altogether that the same artist has managed to wow everyone, in a good way, with his reaction to your accusations.

Photo: Hamza Ali Abbasi official Facebook page

Photo: Hamza Ali Abbasi official Facebook page

Putting Mr Abbasi’s perspective aside, I want to share my own perspective with you.

Sorry to pop your euphoric bubble but your so-called ‘faith’  has not done much for peace between the two countries – and that too, when your ‘faith’ can only be restored by  minting money off your films in the Pakistani market.

As an actor, it is understandable that one of the prime intents of your work in filmmaking is making money which is reliant upon high box office numbers, and there is nothing wrong with that. Nevertheless, what I dislike is your weak sensibility. What saddens me is your perpetual state of denial when it comes to decoding the political tension between the two countries. Elements that, for you, are intended to make Pakistanis ‘a bit uncomfortable’, may in reality be highly sensitive contours of the sentiments of Pakistani people.

What might be ‘a certain element of truth’ for you, may elsewhere be a half-told biased story embellished with nationalistic prejudice. I hope that you, Mr Khan, are informed that several Pakistani movies have also been banned on your side of the border in the past. Waar was banned all across the country and Bin Roye was banned in Maharashtra. Why do you zip your vocal opinions when your censor board bans Pakistani cinema? Hypocrisy and double standards much?

You blame Pakistanis of downloading pirated versions of your films illegally. Well, I hope that you are aware of the fact that your commercial hub, Mumbai, is the piracy capital of the world.

As the saying goes charity begins at home, so why not start welfare from home? How about restoring the so-called “faith” at home first? And I just adore how you envy Bajrangi Bhaijaan’s success in Pakistan. Was it because it portrayed our country and its people in a positive and humble manner? I am sure watching the movie might have given you the needed guidance for your acting skills which are sensitive to the portrayal of people on both sides of the border.
WRITTEN BY:
Ali Shahbaz Ali Shahbaz is a youth advocate for sustainable development. Taking political incorrectness as a compliment, he remains proactive empowering marginalised communities globally. He tweets as @Aalishahbaz
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (206)

Raghu Reddy | 8 years ago | Reply Hell with you.Dont print Indian articles. I would hate to come here.
Raghu Reddy | 8 years ago | Reply Indians ddint elect Modi as Paki land. He is Indian PM. why are your concerned?
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