Media Watchdog
The realities of Bigg Boss, Wasim Akram and Pak-India relations

The realities of Bigg Boss, Wasim Akram and Pak-India relations

Though we scream and shout about how different India and Pakistan are from each other, in terms of culture or traditions, that is simply not the case!

Faseeh Mangi October 15, 2010

It never fails to amaze me how Pakistanis and Indians pretend to be indifferent to each other but keep their eyes and ears open for any tiny bit of news that might be floating about each other.

There are countless people who we can thank for this.

Let’s see, there’s the cricket teams, as no Pakistan-India conversation is complete without at least three mentions of the last match played or how unfair the Indian Premier League was for not letting any Pakistani play this time.

That doesn’t mean India has ‘recognised’ the immense talent we have in the Green Land. They got Wasim Akram to co-host a show with Sushmita Sen, with rumours that the two would tie the knot as well. Though those two denied the rumours, Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik did actually get married.

The latest and probably the most shocking of all is Veena Malik and our very own Begum Nawazish Ali being participants in the widely-watched “Bigg Boss” show. They have made more news thanks to Shiv Sena protesting against their participation than through their performance. Veena Malik has used this platform to go on and on about how brutal her relationship with Mohammad Asif was whereas Begum Nawazish has continued to do what she’s best at, flatter all those around her while putting on a forced show of modesty. I wonder how many more feathers they’ll rustle.

Though we scream and shout about how different we are from each other, in terms of culture or traditions, that is not the case. We’re more alike than we are willing to accept. Both Indians and Pakistanis enjoy festivities with big celebrations, fancy clothes and elaborate shaadis. The bonds of friendship and relatives reach out all over the world regardless of where you are and when people from the two nations meet elsewhere, it’s like the reunion of long lost brothers and that is exactly hopefully what “Bigg Boss” will prove...aside from raising television rating points and oh yes... the publicity.

WRITTEN BY:
Faseeh Mangi A senior sub-editor on the business desk of The Express Tribune who is currently finishing a masters degree in Business Administration.

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

More by this writer

COMMENTS (61)

Amna | 14 years ago | Reply Forget it, I am not even going to reply anymore. You obviously do not understand my comments and so I am not going to kep trying to explain what I mean to you. You are obviously defensive and are going off on huge tangents. Like I have mentioned before this page has been going on for too long, and I am not going to focus on this anymore.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @Amna, I guess it must be really boring for you but I want to reply for the last time. "My point was, you act like security is main concern Indians have with Pakistan yet you claim not to know the Army Chief’s name.WIth all the Indians on this site all the time I think you would know by now." --> I have an academic in Pakistan and emotional interest in the well-being of India. It would be a perfect world for me if what ever happened in Pakistan did not affect India security wise. But, its not a perfect world,is it. Lot of the guys who are commenting here too have an interest in Pakistan for some or the other reason like me. Considering there are 81 million Internet users in India and most of them are English educated Pakistani websites like this one should have been swamped by now. As I said, I've observed only North Indians intensely are emotional about Pakistan. Rest dont give a rats behind for cultural and geographical reasons. "Pakistan is a Muslim country with nuclear weapons" --> They knew in advance in the 1990s and even in the 80s that Pakistan was a Muslim country and was getting help from China on nuclear weapons. Even in the early 1990s they had a pretty good idea that both India and Pakistan had nuclear weapons. India even had to abort a Test in the early 1990s as the Americans found out about it and threatened to sever aid. Anyway, what I trying to say is America willfully ignored Pakistan's nuclear weapons program in the 80s and 90s and is not ideologically against it but for other reasons. Stop this victim mentality and own up. US could have destroyed Pakistan's program but it ignored it since Pakistan was its ally and there is no reason why US should be threatened by Pakistan's program since Pakistan has specified that it is India-centric and will probably never have long-range missiles which can reach the US. If America was ideologically against a Muslim country then why it is supplying $60 Billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia? Regarding the strategic location thing, Pakistan's location is not strategic but tragic. 3000 people died in 2009. I dont see what is strategic in that. Yes, US uses Pakistan's land to get into Afghanistan. But, what will happen to this strategic leverage over US once they go out of Afghanistan in 4 to 5 years from now? US will remember all the Pakistani patronage to Taliban and promptly stop aid on some pretext of the other, which Pakistan is deperately depending on. If Taliban come to Power in Afghanistan, then US will blame Pakistan and even punish it using economic and military means. So, my dear, Pakistan's location is not a strategic location. Atleast its not going to be in a few years. If Pakistan's location is strategic then it is for India. Pakistan acts as the buffer against the extremely volatile and violent Afghanistan. It is taking all the hits in War on Terror and will be blamed by the world for the mess in Afghanistan. The Afghans hate Pakistan already for screwing up their country. I am so glad that Pakistan lies geographically where it does.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

Amna | 14 years ago | Reply "Who is the most important person in India? Its the Prime Minister. Why? Because he holds the most power. Same question for Pakistan. Answer Army Chief. Considering Pakistan has been ruled by its Military for more than half its existence that was not such a ignorant statement to make" So you obviously did nto understand my comment, and now you are just confusing me and this is getting a lot more boring and extended then it already was. My point was, you act like security is main concern Indians have with Pakistan yet you claim not to know the Army Chief's name.WIth all the Indians on this site all the time I think you would know by now. And, no- AMerica does not want to come after Pakistan for oil, but Pakistan is a Muslim country with nuclear weapons. A Muslim country with nuclear power in such a strategic location is a concern, regardless of how they try to put it....that is the ONLY problem...not the Taliban or the other million excuses they have made since 9/11. And I cant speak for what mUsharraf personally wanted but the reason for my comment was is that the Pakistan-India and Bangladesh-India situation can not be compared. FOr obvious reasons. And if India is strong and Pakistan so weak, why is Pakistan not a part of INdia even after 63 years?? India is obviously not strong enough to take over Pakistan. Just get over yourself and stop replying without understanding my comment. Honestly the commentary on this page has gotten long, boring and should have been over already.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @Amna, Who is the most important person in India? Its the Prime Minister. Why? Because he holds the most power. Same question for Pakistan. Answer Army Chief. Considering Pakistan has been ruled by its Military for more than half its existence that was not such a ignorant statement to make. "The whole “nukes coming into the hands of terrorists” crap is exactly that…crap." --> You can argues both ways. I know right now Army is in control of the nukes(Mind you I didnt say the Civilian governemt, I said Army) and they are safe, so says our PM and Army Chief. Hope they stay safe for a long time to come. But, Pakistan is regularly featuring in the top ten failed countries too. Okay, I guess the Army will not let Pakistan go the somalia way, hence will not fall to the Terrorists completely. But, the Army has used Jihadis in the past to control Afghanistan and hurt India. Who knows those Jihadis might get some fissile or radioactive material and wrap it around a bomb which can make a place uninhabitable for decades to come. "We all know that is just an American excuse to come after Pakistan." --> Yes, America wants to come after Pakistan because it has so much Oil like Iraq! America hates you because you guys supported and are still supporting the Taliban. They hate your nuclear program because it makes their nukes less special and there is a danger of a dirty bomb from Pakistani nuclear plants being used in a crude bomb. Pakistan would be insignificant if it weren't for Afghan war. When the US troops eventually pull out who will pay the bills in Pakistan? "Nice try to compare with Bangladesh, but we have the Kashmir issue…you dont have that with Bangladesh" --> Do you really think a power like India is going to give up a vast stretch of land, brimming with precious resources to a country which can barely stand on its feet? Has any power like India,stable and economically strong, given,under any circumstances, a large part of its land to any neighboring country,ever? History is against you. There is greater chance of Sri Lanka becoming a Super Power than this happening. Bangladesh realizes this and chose to befriend India than make it an enemy. Even Musharaff recognized this when we virtually accepted LoC as border and opted to make "borders irrelevant" or "soft border". When he had arrived he wanted Kashmir so badly he invaded it(Kargil) by the time he finished he had realized Kashmir will be under Indian control forever and tried to make the best of the situation. Soft Borders. lol. Yeah right.

Amna | 14 years ago | Reply "Rarely you will find an educated Indian who can name the country’s Army Chief(You know why Army Chief and not PM or President" I doubt your security is really the reason you are so obsessed with Pakistan. If it was the above statement should not be true like you claim it is. "All you hear about Pakistan is negative stories and its Art world has nothing to offer to India to change that perception" Yes, and you find fault in our art world and use that to argue against us because security is you only concern?? The whole "nukes coming into the hands of terrorists" crap is exactly that...crap. We all know that is just an American excuse to come after Pakistan. Of course India has to act like the little neighborhood wannabe that wants to be accepted by the neighborhood bully and repeat everything America says and so you act like that is your biggest issue. Nice try to compare with Bangladesh, but we have the Kashmir issue...you dont have that with Bangladesh

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @Amna, ".then why are you still so worried about Pakistan?" --> Somalia constantly figures along with Pakistan as most failed states but I dont worry about it. Why? Because that is thousands of kilometers away! What ever happens in Pakistan affects us too. You guys fail and the nukes fall into the Jihadis who are they going to target? America is too far away, India is the obvious choice. Why cant you guys be more like Bangladesh. We have border issues with them too but they dont support Islamic nut-jobs to attack Indian targets, do they. We just gave them $1 Billion worth of soft loans which they are using to build roads, schools,etc. "Please, you are not fooling anyone. " --> I dont want to fool anyone. Thats the point. "No matter what happens in Pakistan, I as a Pakistani know that we will always have much to be proud of. Even with all its issues the Pakistani nation still manages to be a concern for India." --> Good that you are proud of your country. Rest I've already explained above.

Amna | 14 years ago | Reply @ Anoop: yet you Indians are the ones on a Pakistani site, constantly writing comments on a post and filling up my email box. What I dont understand is since you guys are so modern and finally America is paying some attention to you and everything you have always wanted is happening....then why are you still so worried about Pakistan? If we suck, then be happy we do and let it be. Please, you are not fooling anyone. No matter what happens in Pakistan, I as a Pakistani know that we will always have much to be proud of. Even with all its issues the Pakistani nation still manages to be a concern for India.

alok | 14 years ago | Reply HAPPY DIWALI..!!

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply OMG. You know what I have observed, for some Pakistanis it is really important to project success stories about Pakistan in Indian media. If the opposite happens then the reaction is equally to the extreme. I watch movies of 5 languages and I never felt the need to debate how India is being shown in any language Cinema or TV. Indians generally are less obsessed about Pakistan. Rarely you will find an educated Indian who can name the country's Army Chief(You know why Army Chief and not PM or President). Especially for non-North Indians Pakistan is a country which supports Terror inside the country and is full of bearded Mullahs and Burqa wearing women. I blame the language barrier and lack of cultural activities emanating from Pakistan. All you hear about Pakistan is negative stories and its Art world has nothing to offer to India to change that perception.

alok | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit Yousuf: yes third option is to become FRIEND.....but do u think it is possible?...ground reality is BIG NO,,,,,,U knw the reasons my only words to u basit that different religion doesn't means that you should separate,,,,neither different culture means so.If it was so necessary than India should have been divided in 20 more parts..and Pakistan too in pashtoonistan, punjab and baluchistan also....which dint happen so best possible solution is though Hindu's and Muslim's may be philosophically diff but very ideologically similar too......partition was nvr necessary one more thing :- I think many people and you also dint read this blog properly...please do read the last para again n u will get your answer

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply @Alok, I had asked a question dear, and you said you have to go to drink and u'll answer lately

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit Yousuf:

  you dint answer,,!!!

Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @Amna: Good Amna........your comments are upto the mark, Great!............. thats the best reply for Ghusia

Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @Ghausia: well Mr. Ghausia do you think that we need to answer them (Indians) or explain them? this is the biggest shame that we feel to answer these bloody indians

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply I cant mention now,,,as its time for my beer party,,,so hold on for few hours.......the only question I ask you why in India you DON'T listen that though Muslims are talented but they are not getting chance bcz of their religion?..why?...why India is so unbiased?...how come India is giving chances to all in every opportunity?.....you better tell what impression it gives you about my nation......as i said i am getting late as I have to drink,,so will reply you late in night

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply @Alok I can response this post by pasting your own words in reference to you previous post dear. You are right Basit that opinions are like wrist watch but I beleive in checking it daily whether its showing the correct time or not..and if its not then I shift its needles by seeing others watch and make it correct,unfortunately not many people do so and they want others to change their timing. yaar sub taraf se dekho na duniya ko…..why you see only which suits you? why so -ve? When I denied that facts you had mentioned. We were on the decision taken at that time. If I'll follow you point of view then at many places Muslim Indians and FIRANGIs livin together so why they bothered to eject ANGREZ from the sub-continent? As they were more developed and prosper at that time. But debate for debate will create. First of all you should stay on a point that : Are we representing the INDIA and PAKISTAN's national opinion or giving our own? If we are representing the National Opinion (As I am not representing the National Opinion) than we must have background. And If not, In Personal Opinions, you can't say the participations in Movies, Sports are chances given to state to some individuals. Its a matter of talent if you found any Muslim who is talented then you have to give him/her a place otherwise you have to face your voters as you said Muslims are the thick population there. Secondly, You can't impose that Muslims are satisfied overall, by referring some articles or interview and off course I also can't. The problem of India you have mentioned yourself in your last line.. ""ts up to Pak how it takes India whether as big brother or enemy"" so isn't any third option there? Please mention

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit Yousuf: You are right Basit that opinions are like wrist watch but I beleive in checking it daily whether its showing the correct time or not..and if its not then I shift its needles by seeing others watch and make it correct,unfortunately not many people do so and they want others to change their timing. If you read my words above then you will see I nvr define culture only by cuisines but i included many things like dress,life style even way of thinking too.In India Punjabi doesn't think and act like Tamil.....in same way Bengali and Gujarati are entirely different.......even languages are different....kabhi India aayie to maluum paddega. kheir according to you and and me too to partition was done for sake to keep Hindu and Muslim culture separate as they cant live together. But i am saying very candidly 1) India has same no of Muslims as Pakistan has ,2) In India two things are very famous, bollywood and cricket and you see in both you will find a huge presence of Muslims.......then how this theory of living different religion and culture at different place is true,I am not getting............In India this theory is nullified. On one side you yourself advise people not to see Pakistan from eyes of TV but in last reply you only saying about what you see in TV about Gujarat.......yaar Gujarat and Ayodhya were only two incident I saw in my life and whole world knows that they were politicized and we,general public condemn them .....why don't you see something better?...why don't you see Indian cricket team always has 2-3 or more Muslim players...? why don't you see bollywood which is leading by khan's?....why don't you see our last president was Muslim?....yaar sub taraf se dekho na duniya ko.....why you see only which suits you? why so -ve? About problems in India ,yes we have,,,,who doesn't have problems today?..Even America too,,,,,its not how big problems you have ,its how you are solving them...and If world is calling India as next superpower than its proof that we are solving our problems in more efficient way than our neighborhood. .Rahi baat jiyo aur jeene do ki,,,,,to my dear even after so many disputes India offer help to Pakistan in its floods recently and giving chance to many paki players and actors to work in Indian cinema or tv.....this shows our character.....so this live and let live doesn't look good here...................its up to Pak how it takes India whether as big brother or enemy........choice is yours !!

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Alok, Its your opinion and as I said before its not necessary that whole India is thinking like this. You are saying a different thing as we seen in TV and newspapers regarding Gujrat and other issues with muslims. And whatever you had described is not the religion based difference. And you always mentioned culture as Food Cuisines, To correct you dear, culture is more than that. Partition based on the religious differences can't fail because it is a difference itself. " Opinions are like wrist watch, every body think that his watch is on correct time". And as you said India can't take the problems of Pakistan on it. Thats right, you must not take and leave us to face these by ourselves, It will give us motivation and courage. Coz India already have problems it is facing and it is open in front of everybody. so I simple say to India, Jeo aur Jeenay do.

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit Yousuf:

       well,I am not saying that India and Pakistan should become one again,,no one gonna accept this as if Pakistan has wish to live as majority of Muslim people country,in same way India too doesn't want to take problems of Pakistan on its head
       what I am saying is your theory of cultural difference to divide India and make Pakistan doesn't go down with me.....bcz India still has so many cultural differences....Tamil,Punjabi,Bangla,Gujarati,telgu.kannad,bihari all have different cultures.....if extrovert Sikh of Chandigarh cant adjust in conservative Tamilnadu, in same way Telugu man of Andhra look out for idli sambhar in various restaurants of Delhi but not satisfied........
      India is big country with vast culture and many languages ...........but my dear its still united......if we go on your theory than should India be divided in many parts as all parts have diff culture?....tell....................one more thing India as nearly same no of Muslims as Pakistan has and they have all rights of freedom and you can see whatever is visible like in cricket and bollywood,Indian Muslims performing very well and enjoying fruits of opportunities....where is the partiality here?....so why they had divided India 63 years back.......to Janab division on basis of religion to fail ho gaya na
       I still beleive ....partisan was the biggest mistake ,if India is united today then it could have been 63 years back also...............................but you are right as new questions are coming here,,,so new one is whether partisan was right or wrong? ha ha

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Alok, its nice to read your comments. Partially agreed. but I'll add something on ""it was not culture but religion played the role in division"" . But how can we disengage religion from culture. And Religion never encourage killings, terrorism and to harm anybody. I agree that believers of any religion can live together, Off course they can live. As I have seen the extremist elements gives the blow to the fire and make smooth issue a serious ZINDAGI aur MAUT ka masla. Alok Ji, wo nazara ab bhi hosakta hay. Can't anybody play, discuss and solve the issues by living seperate? But apart from debating for an entertainment, Its too easy to accept somebody's identity and let them free to do according to their wishes. If me and you both thinks that we should be one then what is the problem in being Paki or Indian? So a person who's priority is religion can live in their own surrounding and it is completely upon his own wish to be social upon the limits of his relegion. So in my opinion Alok, it is not necessary to be a same entity to love and respect each other. As many Hindu's are not Indian National but their love and attachment with India is because of Hinduism and same here. Why a Hindu (Non-Indian National) doesn't have that much attachment with Australia, Malaysia, China etc than India? Don't get me wrong again, I m not saying every Hindu hates anybody but its a religion that bound him/her with India and same case with any other country. Jew loves Israel more, Muslim loves particular muslim country more. So everybody can do the work for prosperity by living separate if he/she intended to do so. So its not necessary to be a one entity to work together for prosperity. Frankly speaking the MEAN POLITICIANS of India and Pakistan never let them be together for a purpose coz by this their BUSINESSES get shut. I mentioned so many times that people don't wanna fight or hate. Its the upper level double standard of both sides, Otherwise India and Pakistan can work together for prosperity in a healthy and perfect competition. Hope I cleared my opinion without stretching it too long.

D | 14 years ago | Reply @Madhvi: Madhavi I don't have anything agenst pakis. But reality is thy r entering in our house n spreading terror . Thy supply all Mony n training to these terriests. ISI itself is involved . I knw normal ppl must not be involved . But thy don't try to stop this .. Infact thy try to argue .. Thts the prob... N 1 mor thing Indian producers earn otherwise also .. Thy will earn more if these Pakis will stop piracy on net.

D | 14 years ago | Reply @Khan: Do u know who is governing in Pak??? Who has controls to ur nukes?? Ur contry is a terreriest country. Mushraff agreed on this in his recent interview. N whn u talk abt tech... U use all made in India prods... Starting frm ur underware ... Haha so don't talk abt tht. One thing I agree India would have a superpower if partition would not happened in 47. Coz we waste lots of money n resources to keep track of u psycho ppl. I still rembember mumbai attack, no wise nation would have supported it... But u ppl did ..

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit Yousuf:

             Janab banda hazir hai,,,,ok if you want me to take initiative to tell similarities then i am gonna accept it,,,,but i wont go between Hindu n Muslim but between India and Pak.

           Coming to the point,,,,lets go before azadi,,,we were same then,fighting for freedom together but suddenly after division we became totally different...how come?.........British played game of "divide and rule" and brother became enemies......in fact worst part of this is suddenly culture of living under same roof and eating together for centuries changed suddenly....well done my dear Indian's and Pakistani's......................

` Just imagine if we were not separated than for companies in India and Pakistan would have such a big market opportunities,,,,,,we would have less defense spending and no arms race,,,,,,,,,,,Spending in education, poverty alleviation programs and fighting terrorism would have been so easy....and last but not least....our cricket team would be the strongest in world....wow sachin , sehwag,akhtar,afridi in same team.......kya nazara hota...ha ha....lol !!.........

        There are lots of similarities,,,,we speak same language,eat same food,same color,same features....and best thing same passion--cricket...ha ha..................Salwar kameez is a popular dress among the women of India as well as Pakistan. Both the cuisines being different have some common dishes as well are cherished in both the countries.Indian Pakistani Music is the blend of Indian and Pakistani music. The songs connect the two countries immensely.Pakistani artists and singers have been immensely popular in India and so are the Indian artists and singers in Pakistan.......................we have same climate and our wedding also happens in same manner.........countless basit ji...countless....kahan tak difference ginayenge.....and how many you will find, you will find similarities between us will outnumber the differences between us...

        To correct you mydear it was not culture but religion played the role in division....unfortunately some people for kursi did it....that was not an act of intelligence but biggest mistake of history of this part of world..and subcontinent still paying the debt for that wrong decision..!!...............I beleive time will heal up as it did in Rajasthan after the battles between Akbar and Rana Pratap

Madhvi | 14 years ago | Reply @D Don't be so. India and Pakistan both are in problems and as I have visited many times to Pakistan to see my relative, I am disagree with you that Pakistan is working for terrorism. Being neutral, Indian producers has made lot of money from Pakistani Talent so they perform and make money and image, doesn't beg.

Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Wow Mr. D, Great example of day dreaming that Pakistan will be vanished from world map. Good Hopes. Umeed ka daman kabhi nahi chorna chahiye... But before dreaming in day, I would like to suggest you to review the 1965 war and Kargil. Also have a look on the nuclear technology where your son have been you grandfather now. hahaha. lolz

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply Alok Ji, Same comments from me. When you got answers of the topic related questions you had turned the topic from some other side. I asked you to take initiative by telling me the similarity between both culture. Then you turned again on another side. Come on yaar, whats so big deal in facing question and be on the topic... plainly and openly. lolz

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply Basit ji,,it was you who pointed fingers towards Indian news and bollywood making Pakistan bashing movies....but when we are asking things right forward then instead of facing them you are running away by giving lame excuse that topic is getting changed,,,,,com'on face na...whats so big deal in facing questions?

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply yaar Basit ji,,,,,i am surprised by your words,,,,com'on yaar why you cant say the diff between india and pakistan culture clear words ?...you are showing articles of telangana and corruption issues as it doesnt happen in yours or any other country.........arey bhaiyya saaf baat kyon nahi kerte ho? why going here or there but not coming on point?......com'on i m so openly ,candidly asking the cultural diff btwn india and pak....plz tell mylord,,,!! its not microsoft interview which is looking for iq..better discuss the things plainly and openly

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply @Hasan I didn't get you? and Thanks for combining my all posts. Article bhi ek topic par hota hay.. yahan to har answer par topic change hota hay

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply Thats start with word by word and line by line but its stretched by you people out of topic. And now you are suggesting me to be on word by word and line by line. I rad it twice and a person with a normal IQ can understand what I meant to. Discussion is about giving opinions not to jump the topics another after one. Discussion was almost closed on the topic it started I have seen this habit in many Indian writers to jump the topics after taking answer of one. again. I live in reality.

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply Thanks Neeraj & Alok, Thanks for escape. Its proven who is right. @Alok fine, why don't you take initiative and tell the similarity between India and Pak culture. Jokes are common here as from @Alok ""this is the beauty of this nation that even then its united"" referring your own website http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/98744-The-burning-issue-India-Separation.aspx Second Joke i would like to refer http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/337392,hits-delhis-commonwealth-games.html Another Joke http://www.indianchild.com/satiinindia.htm third joke http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mim2267/is170/ai102140949 These all are the references on the jokes you had mentioned above. Thanks for showing patience and concluding this by yourselves and giving readers a chance to decide what is true.

Hasan | 14 years ago | Reply Mr. BASITS COMBINED POSTS: (WHY DONT YOU WRITE AN ARTICLE AND SEND IT TO BLOGS@TRIBUNE.COM.PK. @Alok; let me give a little comment on you answer to Amna “if he is watching bollywood movies then let him watch na,,,movies are for entertainment ,that is what he is getting,,,why you are after him for doing this?…..and my dear I dint understand how come India is not more progressive bcz of bollywood…how progress is indirectly proportional to bollywood…..India is calm,peaceful country and really growing…” I don’t know what is amna’s opinion behind that but in my point of view For instance as you said “India is progressive because of bollywood” so entertainment factor is not behind this sentence. this shows the biz aspect from bollywood and if we are pointing biz we as a paki should go for Paki things. No questions. Secondly, its proved that media controls mind and there is a lot of cultural difference between India and Pakistan so our culture is being disturbed. Yes, its true that these feeling should be in the viewers, nobody can force anybody to do as per his opinion, everybody is free to do whatever he want to. But I will add an example that might clarify my point. If somebody is continuously peeping inside your house from his own balcony, will you ask him “WHY?” definitely you’ll ask. Why? he is in his balcony na? simple thing to understand we also don’t have any hard feelings to any community and if i’ll talk as a muslim our religion discourages hatred. Yes India is growing, but if you consider the population and market size of india there is a lot of difference. (Its incomplete as I have a meeting :) will talk laterz ) @Alok: Hi Alok ji. I appreciate your concern but I just wanted to clarify the issue of watching bollywood movies. I will second your comment that hatred is being distributed my some politicians(both sides) for their own sake. I wanted to explain that everybody usually makes their mind by watching TV. If I’ll see that Indian TV channels are false commenting on Pakistan and above 50%, so what image will be created in my mind and same case over there.I can tell you more than 50 movies of bollywood in last decade that has presented false image of Pakistan and I can bet you can point 2 or may be 3 of lollywood. Producers usually says “hum to wo banatay hain jo janta ya awam pasand karti hay” so you can calculate the %age of favourite topic. I do agree that people of both sides don’t want to fight but Its my personal opinion that no war in history was the fight between the people of any country but between the concepts or between the egos or might be between materialistic benefits of governments. becuase people never fight the wars. But there is only one thing i’ll mention here.. why when any attempt of crime or terrorism happens in india, very next minutes indian media starts saying “its from Pakistan” or “Pakistan ka haath hay” please refer me if you have clips like this from Pakistani channels after any terrorism. I didn’t heard “India nay kia hay” at very next minute. So these things put the images on the minds. I am not blaming the people of India, I have many good friends in india and we usually helps/advise each others in some business matters but why Indian people doesn’t shout on media to stop these practices. As far as growth is concerned, Your %age of growth according to your population and size is near to our %age according to population and size and we have many things to learn and correct and we are doing these at our best. So mentioning growth was not necessary in the discussion of watching movies and celebrities. I hope you understand my opinion. Have a nice day and plz pardon me If there is any comment hurt your feeling unintentionally. cheers :) @lalit Its clear as it written. no need to try hard. 25 % of 1 kg is .25 kg can we compare .25 with the cake which is already .25kg of weight? Alok @lalit I am afraid that there is a little lack of information on your side. After all that 26/11 story, A Paki TV channel had visited the quoted suspect’s village and found nothing. This all documentry is available on youtube for your reviews guys. So you are rite people, everybdy have to accept the ground reality and India tried hard to make a drama but i think script was suddenly failed and we also watched on the TV. Secondly the topic was to watch Indian Movies and drama so i had cleared my opinion that Pakis’ should work more hard for their prosperity and if some individuals having some other opinions about the topic we are discussing, we definitely can’t say the national opinion. Yes, we are facing deep root problems like poverty, corruption and terrorism and we are dealing it as a nation very slowly, but again, As we see in your newspapers on the web we also see the almost same poverty, corruption and these kind of issues and i will add, more than Pakistan. So as a patriot its your good effort to defend your country by good comments but I’ll second your comment that everybody should accept the ground reality. Your answer about HATE, One can’t measure the hatred by some individual visits, artists’ performance and offer to work in a movie. Its all about acquiring fame, business and money. I have seen a video in that I saw college students were beating muslims in a college campus I have it in my computer and can send it for your review, but I didn’t make my opinion by seeing a single video. Yes, as I mentioned, (I think you missed it) people don’t want to fight (or hate) anybody. Because I personally strongly believe that every human being is respectable and by the grace of Allah in Pakistan we don’t have the Upper and Lower CAST (not class) issues and we never believe in that. I also mentioned I have very good friends of mine in India. (Kindly review) Theory of Growth, That was not my theory of growth I was mentioning an example that a country where market size and population is almost 10 times with another, How can we compare growth rate? and I don’t usually be happy by listening STATISTICS, again, ground realities. We are low in resources (whatever the reason is) so definitely if we are producing 100 doctors in a year, India might produce 500 and thats the part of a theory that India must have more students in medical due to its population than Pakistan. At last I would like to say that Film industry is not the measurement of growth and national opinion and best actors, best movies and best music cannot show the nation’s image. (Applied on India and Pakistan both) so we should be more realistic. Off Course, @lalit @BT, things here are for discussion not for beings rash. and everybody should consider and respects another’s opinion. as Neeraj said “typical pakistani mindset” I would like to clear that we are in the discussions from last couple of days and I mentioned several times that you can’t analyse the nation’s mindset by act of any individual so I am also and individual and having my own opinion as all you are sharing your opinions :) What if i’ll say the neeraj is typical indian mindset who doesn’t tolerate freedom of speech from anybody like India is doing in Kashmir. But obviously I won’t say like this coz I know its all about the KURSI and Politics and the poor people is bothering. I would advise neeraj with due respect to read the whole discussion calmly and then comment. It would definitely a learning for me if there is anything from any fellow here. Be patient. I’ll conclude that I am not against those who are working in Indian media or channels or visiting India for bread and butter. Not India, anybody can go anywhere in the world for the sake of work, business or just discovering things and cultures. My concern was that concept of cultural difference that was the reason of division of Indo-Pak. Everybody have a right to preserve their cultural values as India is doing and If somebody is concerned about the cultural values we should respect and admit. If any Pakistani or Indian not following their cultural values I would suggest him/her to do so. I respect SIKH community because they preserved their cultural values anywhere in the world. • @Raza, Very nice to see your comments and I am agreed with the weaknesses we have and we should go to correct it further. You had asked me 2 things to clarify as far as I understand (Correct me if I am wrong in your response). 1. Whatever we see in media represents the true face of society. 2. What are the differences I was talking about between cultures of India and Pakistan. I have a question if I am seeing Prosperity, Patient and Cultured Society, Education & Health easily available in my TV programs and Shows, Should I believe it is true face what I am seeing in Media? If yes than I will correct myself after a little analysis that what I am seeing in TV of any other country the ground reality of the country is same. Let me rephrase again, I told that I don’t have any reason to believe that If I am going USA and with the reason that “Pakistan main kia rakha hay” so that would be my personal opinion coz I am seeing many people living here happily so they have their own point of view. So the act of Individual couldn’t be considered as nation’s thinking I am surprised that somebody is asking what are the cultural differences between India and Pakistan (or I must say should be in India and Pakistan). It means that the partition on the basis of social and cultural difference was wrong, Here you must give me your arguments instead of asking mine. i’ll welcome if anything presented to me that correct my opinion. I would like you to refer http://pkpolitics.com/discuss/topic/any-difference-between-india-and-pakistan for dozens of reasons which is hard to copy here. You are right Raza, we [pakistani must have to wake up and smell the coffee. we are going down and down day by day and there are many reasons. And I have the same mindset that “the person has no credibility in my eyes because he has no clue what he is talking about” and no hard feelings I don’t think those thousands who gave their lives, families, wealth and more are nonsense and clueless people. So your opinion is only an opinion as mine. I apologize I can’t accept anybody’s opinion as a universal law and standard of living either than Prophet Muhammad SAAW. and definitely rejection of anybody’s opinion must have some strong clue otherwise you’ll circled by your own rule that I have re-quoted. Kindly tell me the similarity between two nations that direct us to live together under same roof. (Please don’t mention the movies, dramas, cricket team visits. love stories and marriages of Hindu-Muslim Lovers). You have to put some strong and SENSIBLE reasons. I would be grateful to you if I’ll found some learning and points that correct me on the correct way. • ReplyBasit Yousuf 2 hours ago Thanks @Alok to say me baddiya, I believe jo khud achay hotay hain unhain sab achay lagtay hain. I am just following the regular practice which is adopted here by everybody. Review whole discussion you’ll find the same even by you. I have also a complaint that everybody intentionally or unintentionally taking my words wrong as media do to promote the channel :Kidding :) I live in reality. You can comment eagerly from india becuase you live there and see Pakistan from the eyes of TV but I am not used to do this. If I comment something that I seen on TV then I’ll compare with the other thing from TV. As I can say aishwariya a beautiful and charming lady, I won’t compare her with any other charming lady that I meet and see in real. So when you have rights to mix and mess the things to make your comment strong than everybody can use this righte. What else

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply you again dint discuss words by words and lines by lines.I am surprised why are you avoiding to discuss the things i mentioned so candidly................................one more thing ,will you please take initiative in telling the diff between India and pak culture?...let us see how diff we are from you

Neeraj, India | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit, You have just told a biggest joke of the year by writhing " I live in reality". Continue with your incoherent ranting, we are enjoying it. And of course, thanks, for proving me right!

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply Thanks @Alok to say me baddiya, I believe jo khud achay hotay hain unhain sab achay lagtay hain. I am just following the regular practice which is adopted here by everybody. Review whole discussion you'll find the same even by you. I have also a complaint that everybody intentionally or unintentionally taking my words wrong as media do to promote the channel :Kidding :) I live in reality. You can comment eagerly from india becuase you live there and see Pakistan from the eyes of TV but I am not used to do this. If I comment something that I seen on TV then I'll compare with the other thing from TV. As I can say aishwariya a beautiful and charming lady, I won't compare her with any other charming lady that I meet and see in real. So when you have rights to mix and mess the things to make your comment strong than everybody can use this righte. What else

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply @Raza, Very nice to see your comments and I am agreed with the weaknesses we have and we should go to correct it further. You had asked me 2 things to clarify as far as I understand (Correct me if I am wrong in your response). 1. Whatever we see in media represents the true face of society. 2. What are the differences I was talking about between cultures of India and Pakistan. I have a question if I am seeing Prosperity, Patient and Cultured Society, Education & Health easily available in my TV programs and Shows, Should I believe it is true face what I am seeing in Media? If yes than I will correct myself after a little analysis that what I am seeing in TV of any other country the ground reality of the country is same. Let me rephrase again, I told that I don't have any reason to believe that If I am going USA and with the reason that "Pakistan main kia rakha hay" so that would be my personal opinion coz I am seeing many people living here happily so they have their own point of view. So the act of Individual couldn't be considered as nation's thinking I am surprised that somebody is asking what are the cultural differences between India and Pakistan (or I must say should be in India and Pakistan). It means that the partition on the basis of social and cultural difference was wrong, Here you must give me your arguments instead of asking mine. i'll welcome if anything presented to me that correct my opinion. I would like you to refer http://pkpolitics.com/discuss/topic/any-difference-between-india-and-pakistan for dozens of reasons which is hard to copy here. You are right Raza, we [pakistani must have to wake up and smell the coffee. we are going down and down day by day and there are many reasons. And I have the same mindset that "the person has no credibility in my eyes because he has no clue what he is talking about" and no hard feelings I don't think those thousands who gave their lives, families, wealth and more are nonsense and clueless people. So your opinion is only an opinion as mine. I apologize I can't accept anybody's opinion as a universal law and standard of living either than Prophet Muhammad SAAW. and definitely rejection of anybody's opinion must have some strong clue otherwise you'll circled by your own rule that I have re-quoted. Kindly tell me the similarity between two nations that direct us to live together under same roof. (Please don't mention the movies, dramas, cricket team visits. love stories and marriages of Hindu-Muslim Lovers). You have to put some strong and SENSIBLE reasons. I would be grateful to you if I'll found some learning and points that correct me on the correct way.

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply Yaar Basit Sa'b aap aadmi to baddiya ho but you pick up those lines only from other comments which suits you and you skip those which are blunt truths.....when you talk about indian movies against Pakistan and concept of making them is " Indian producers wahi banate hein jo janta dekhna chahti hai" i gave you example of veer-zara.....it was lovely n super hit movie based on india pak love ,,,,,,,,but u dint even talk abt it,,now how come Indian janta wants to see love between two countries?..according to you it is not,,,next when Neeraj gave answer to your Indian media bashing by talking abt kargil,parliament and mumbai26/11 attack....again you skipped those issues.You started India media proclivity against pak but you are not touching it.now .if you are discussing something then discuss it with honesty na and face all things rather then being pick n choose and abt cultural difference ,do u think we are so diff from you?...visit Delhi,Noida n other cities across northern India u will find its culture is very similar to you,,,but if you visit south India its entire diff.There color,food,language even psyche is different.I am north Indian but i don't get chapati in Chennai n it bothers me...India is such a big country with such diff culture that east,west,north,south all r diff in every aspect....but this is the beauty of this nation that even then its united......and that's why its UNITY IN DIVERSITY is so popular so please don't bash abt Indian media,as whole world doesn't see our TV channels and this time not India but whole world is pointing towards Pakistan.........however we are still hoping that soon in Pakistan everything will be fine and it will come on track of fast growth process

Raza | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit, I'd like to ask you if you could elaborate further on the point of cultural differences between the two countries. The thing is I am a pakistani but my father's whole family is in india (UP), my chacha and cousins still lives there. And then I lived under the same roof with indians from bombay, goa, chennai and delhi for 4 years. And I found the only difference was that we used shampoos from a different countries in our first few months of arrival in US but that too didnt last for long :) So I ask you the same question that I have been asking a lot of people who say we are completely opposite, but they usually don't have anything to support this theory. If you want to know my opinion, I'd say we don't have any identity so far as pakistanis (For the past 63 years we have been struggling to find one though, but that has led us even further from anything real or substantial). Collectively, we really don't know who we are because we base it on something that doesn't exist - 'a culture that is not indian' ? Does this statement means something to you? I would definitely like to know. Secondly, you probably have a family or a friend or someone you personally know who lives or work in US, Canada, Australia or England, and yet I never hear people complaining about why these people work in the west? is there a difference between say US and India. For one, I think US is probably a thousand times different from us culturally than India. We also watch their movies and tv series, but no complains there too. So what's that about. Just a thought. And lastly, if someone says that media/tv/film doesn't play a role in shaping up countries and their image, the person has no credibility in my eyes because he has no clue what he is talking about. I am not pointing any fingers, but we as pakistanis need to 'wake up' and smell the coffee. This mentality that these people are 'ganey wallah' and no role to play in our society as someone from PML-N recently said would only harm us further. Media is the war, it is the battle ground, it is your/our face. No matter how good or bad things are at ground, if we won't pay any attention to how we need to be projected - consider it the last nail in the coffin.

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply Off Course, @lalit @BT, things here are for discussion not for beings rash. and everybody should consider and respects another's opinion. as Neeraj said "typical pakistani mindset" I would like to clear that we are in the discussions from last couple of days and I mentioned several times that you can't analyse the nation's mindset by act of any individual so I am also and individual and having my own opinion as all you are sharing your opinions :) What if i'll say the neeraj is typical indian mindset who doesn't tolerate freedom of speech from anybody like India is doing in Kashmir. But obviously I won't say like this coz I know its all about the KURSI and Politics and the poor people is bothering. I would advise neeraj with due respect to read the whole discussion calmly and then comment. It would definitely a learning for me if there is anything from any fellow here. Be patient. I'll conclude that I am not against those who are working in Indian media or channels or visiting India for bread and butter. Not India, anybody can go anywhere in the world for the sake of work, business or just discovering things and cultures. My concern was that concept of cultural difference that was the reason of division of Indo-Pak. Everybody have a right to preserve their cultural values as India is doing and If somebody is concerned about the cultural values we should respect and admit. If any Pakistani or Indian not following their cultural values I would suggest him/her to do so. I respect SIKH community because they preserved their cultural values anywhere in the world.

lalit | 14 years ago | Reply @BT: agree with you.most of the Pakistanis were happy at the post match address of your tennis star Aisam in US open finals..and he deserves applause because he projected an entirely different image of Pakistan in a western country.going by the logic of some people this act is also inappropriate since one should remain satisfied with himself and never try to project a better image.why should we?after all we know it,and thats enough.

BT | 14 years ago | Reply As a Pakistani I can vouch that the Pakistani media and government are always quick in blaming India. I'm surprised to hear one of you actually state that our media never blames India, or isn't too quick in playing the blame game- it's a real fact. It's the sub-continental nectar of journalism. Let me tell you, I know the people from the Pakistani media industry, especially the musicians. The main reason why they do go to India is because there is a stronger more lucrative industry. Ali Zafar himself reported that he will concentrate on his acting in Bollywood for now because the Pakistani music industry is pretty bad. Shafqat Amanat Ali has only played one show in Pakistan since May. All the rest have been in India, or in other countries, sponsored by Indian promoters. Ofcourse once these stars make it in India, then they do try their best to show a different side of Pakistan. But whether their intentions are to create cultural awareness or progress their own careers is useless, the fact that our artists are going to India and showing their softer faces is a wonderful step. @Amna, I think progress in Pakistan needs to be tackled from every angel. Yes, our improving our image isn't the only way, we do need better governance, but we also need better education, better work ethics etc. However, today, image plays a key role. And having a witty transsexual from Pakistan on a reality show breaks a lot of stereotypes, it shows that if s/he is a star in Pakistan, then the people of Pakistan are far more tolerant than projected. And a note to the author, it's reality show- the whole premise of a reality show is to clear up any public perceptions, and Begam Ali is not just good for flattery, I think you should show him more support than that. And also, your article wasn't very clear, I couldn't understand whether you're supporting our artists, or against them, or that India and Pakistan are one???? I just hope one day the sub-continent can be a bloc, like the EU.

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply @Alok @lalit I am afraid that there is a little lack of information on your side. After all that 26/11 story, A Paki TV channel had visited the quoted suspect's village and found nothing. This all documentry is available on youtube for your reviews guys. So you are rite people, everybdy have to accept the ground reality and India tried hard to make a drama but i think script was suddenly failed and we also watched on the TV. Secondly the topic was to watch Indian Movies and drama so i had cleared my opinion that Pakis' should work more hard for their prosperity and if some individuals having some other opinions about the topic we are discussing, we definitely can't say the national opinion. Yes, we are facing deep root problems like poverty, corruption and terrorism and we are dealing it as a nation very slowly, but again, As we see in your newspapers on the web we also see the almost same poverty, corruption and these kind of issues and i will add, more than Pakistan. So as a patriot its your good effort to defend your country by good comments but I'll second your comment that everybody should accept the ground reality. Your answer about HATE, One can't measure the hatred by some individual visits, artists' performance and offer to work in a movie. Its all about acquiring fame, business and money. I have seen a video in that I saw college students were beating muslims in a college campus I have it in my computer and can send it for your review, but I didn't make my opinion by seeing a single video. Yes, as I mentioned, (I think you missed it) people don't want to fight (or hate) anybody. Because I personally strongly believe that every human being is respectable and by the grace of Allah in Pakistan we don't have the Upper and Lower CAST (not class) issues and we never believe in that. I also mentioned I have very good friends of mine in India. (Kindly review) Theory of Growth, That was not my theory of growth I was mentioning an example that a country where market size and population is almost 10 times with another, How can we compare growth rate? and I don't usually be happy by listening STATISTICS, again, ground realities. We are low in resources (whatever the reason is) so definitely if we are producing 100 doctors in a year, India might produce 500 and thats the part of a theory that India must have more students in medical due to its population than Pakistan. At last I would like to say that Film industry is not the measurement of growth and national opinion and best actors, best movies and best music cannot show the nation's image. (Applied on India and Pakistan both) so we should be more realistic.

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit Yousuf: well Neeraj has given already given the answer in detail then what I say more but no one blames without reason..Even after mumbai blast all Pakistani's lambasted Indian news channels for showing involvement of their country in it.......but when your own channel did investigation and found its tru and nawaz shariff candidly agrees with it then whole Pakistan sat down quietly..........mydear who did wat in mumbai 26/11 its so clear that u will hv to accept abt ground reality......... and you only point out the things which suit you....you might be mentioning about movies like BORDER ,LOC........but what abt movie VEER ZARA......did u forget to see it or u deliberately dint see it?..............and your theory of growth i too dint understand....how come you calculate popularity of ISB,,IIT's and IIM's with population,,i m not getting

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply @Amna: See Amna,,,I am not able to understand whether paki actors are working in bollywood or Indian TV serials for improving Pakistan image or for bread and butter?.this we need to find out.......I don't think that veena malik or begum are working for overhauling of the image of their country..so u seem to be wrong here Next thing inferiority or superiority complex comes from inside of heart,,,its a fact bollywood and its actors are far more popular than Pakistani counterpart...but when these Indian actors get a chance to work in Hollywood they too don't leave a chance....reason simple Hollywood is far ahead of us,so everyone wants jump in career then why u wanna keep your actors to lie behind? if i go by you then tomorrow i shouldn't look out for job in other country or any multinational company in India........so i should work only for Indian companies...is it?..bcz working for other nation companies shows my low confidence...is it? no mydear no......if you wanna grow then come out of this limitations of boundaries....its necessary...

   Regarding HATE ......if we hate Pakistan then once again i will ask why wasim akram is anchor in tv serial,,,? why mahesh bhaat wanted to cast shoeib akhtar in his movie "gangster"?  ,why adnan sami is performing in India and why sania mirza is marrying shoeib malik?.......com'on yaar who is having time to think all politics based issues.....world has changed now ,,,,,its a human mindset whoever is anti to his family or country he dislikes them but people everywhere are too mature to give importance to this.
 That is I wanna say

Amna | 14 years ago | Reply @lalit: This really isnt a indo-pak verbal duel, I just made a statement to Ghausia, who is Pakistani about how I feel about a lot of our elite. It wasnt intending to anger or instigate an argument with Indians

Amna | 14 years ago | Reply @Alok: I think you have totally missed the point I was trying to make as well as Basit I believe. My point was that those Pakistanis that think we can improve our image and our problems by going on Indian TV or Bollywood are mistaken. I just feel that they get this inferiority complex from Bollywood and they think that by getting embraced by the Indian media, they are more progressive as Pakistanis. My point is not at all that we cant watch Indian Movies or have Indian friends. My point is that Pakistani problems run much deeper. We can never be progressive or truly improve our image by trying to become "Bollywood". As far as the Indian public being more Anti-Pakistan than Pakistani-public...that is a general observation on my part. And trust me I am not saying this by just meeting a few people. As far as Indian media inviting Pakistani people, that is great but once again, I really believe if you talk to common people on the streets, you will agree with me. And that is due to politics, being isolated from each other and believing media and politicians for everything.

Neeraj, India | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit Yousuf, So, in short, you are saying that negative image of Pakistan in India is the sole creation of the Bollywood and the Indian media. If I go by you, Kargil was just a Bollywood action thriller and nothing more. Attack on Indian parliament was a beautifully enacted and pictured drama scene of Indian soap opera. The 26/11 was another Bollywood block buster, casting dozen or so Pakistani actors with Kasab playing the lead role. And Indian people are so naive and fool in blaming Pakistan for all this. After all Pakistan is a land of the pure and only pious people live there. Boy! What a classic example of a typical Pakistani mindset you are! Yes, as Ghousia has said, Pakistan carries an extremely negative image in India, but there is no hatred towards ordinary people of Pakistan. You must understand that Pakistan's negative image is not confined to India only, in fact, even an immigration officer of Papua New Guinea becomes suspicious of a Pakistani passport holder and you cannot blame him. The reason behind this negative attitude is known to all and I don't see any need to elaborate on that. You said media controls minds and that you didn't hear anyone blaming India in Pakistan. I think you are kidding me! Can you give me a single instance where India was NOT blamed for anything that went wrong in Pakistan? Even the poor monsoons were not spared for India bashing! Let us see what Pakistani media, particularly the Urdu media, is doing in your country. One of my Urdu knowing muslim colleague told me that, Urdu editorials and op-eds never let a single opportunity go in calling upon Pak govt. to use the nuclear 'bum' against India. The famous and oft repeated line is ' Akhir ham ne bum ko showcase main rakh ne ke liye to nahi banaya? About 95 percent people in Pakistan read vernacular newspapers. If your theory of media controlling the mind is true, then, I must not be surprised to see an english reader like you, could not escape the might of the Urdu media! As for the two Pakistani actors taking part in an Indian tv show is concerned, I am a little surprised to see that so many Pakistanis are expressing hatred and spewing venom against the duo, as if they have committed a treason of sort against the Pakistani state. For god's sake leave them alone. They are actors or something like that and like everyone of us, they too are earning their bread, by using the skills they know. I never watch those shows but that didn't stop me from respecting the participants and their viewers as well.

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply @lalit Its clear as it written. no need to try hard. 25 % of 1 kg is .25 kg can we compare .25 with the cake which is already .25kg of weight?

lalit | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit Yousuf: "As far as growth is concerned, Your %age of growth according to your population and size is near to our %age according to population and size." i tried hard,but could'nt get the gist of above mentioned statement.kindly enlighten me with the meaning.going by your statement a small country like Maldives(in size and population)can afford a negative growth rate.

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply @Alok: Hi Alok ji. I appreciate your concern but I just wanted to clarify the issue of watching bollywood movies. I will second your comment that hatred is being distributed my some politicians(both sides) for their own sake. I wanted to explain that everybody usually makes their mind by watching TV. If I'll see that Indian TV channels are false commenting on Pakistan and above 50%, so what image will be created in my mind and same case over there.I can tell you more than 50 movies of bollywood in last decade that has presented false image of Pakistan and I can bet you can point 2 or may be 3 of lollywood. Producers usually says "hum to wo banatay hain jo janta ya awam pasand karti hay" so you can calculate the %age of favourite topic. I do agree that people of both sides don't want to fight but Its my personal opinion that no war in history was the fight between the people of any country but between the concepts or between the egos or might be between materialistic benefits of governments. becuase people never fight the wars. But there is only one thing i'll mention here.. why when any attempt of crime or terrorism happens in india, very next minutes indian media starts saying "its from Pakistan" or "Pakistan ka haath hay" please refer me if you have clips like this from Pakistani channels after any terrorism. I didn't heard "India nay kia hay" at very next minute. So these things put the images on the minds. I am not blaming the people of India, I have many good friends in india and we usually helps/advise each others in some business matters but why Indian people doesn't shout on media to stop these practices. As far as growth is concerned, Your %age of growth according to your population and size is near to our %age according to population and size and we have many things to learn and correct and we are doing these at our best. So mentioning growth was not necessary in the discussion of watching movies and celebrities. I hope you understand my opinion. Have a nice day and plz pardon me If there is any comment hurt your feeling unintentionally. cheers :)

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply @Basit Yousuf: Salam yousif ji, I am highly graced and indebted by your comments....let me clarify you and you plzz read again I dint say that India is progressive bcz of bollywood but i negate the words of Amna's last line P.S- India is not more progressive because of Bollywood..............................India's progress doesn't depend on bollywood that is what I am saying but surprisingly I dint digest your words as Pakistani you should go for only Pakistani things?.....this world has become global village yaar,,,don't you watch Hollywood movies? we too watch them,,,,,then what is so big problem in if someone from your country is so fond of bollywood...............or we can only prove patriotism by not watching bollywood movies....then I think time has come all multinational companies to move back from pakistan,,,they want only that stuff which is made by them.........point to be noted !! your second para,,,I dint understand what you wanna say...............but regarding hatred towards Pakistan, I don't think its here......no one hates Pakistan or its janta,,,,,yes some political parties may mess the things but you know its all dirty politics............regarding growth,,,,,,I bet India is growing fast but yes its difficult to manage big country like its difficult to manage big family,,,,,,,,,,but we are trying hard

lalit | 14 years ago | Reply it rarely happens that even an innocent topic like entertainment, does'nt turn into a full blown Indo Pak verbal duel on a public forum.keep it up...

Basit Yousuf | 14 years ago | Reply @Alok; let me give a little comment on you answer to Amna "if he is watching bollywood movies then let him watch na,,,movies are for entertainment ,that is what he is getting,,,why you are after him for doing this?…..and my dear I dint understand how come India is not more progressive bcz of bollywood…how progress is indirectly proportional to bollywood…..India is calm,peaceful country and really growing..." I don't know what is amna's opinion behind that but in my point of view For instance as you said "India is progressive because of bollywood" so entertainment factor is not behind this sentence. this shows the biz aspect from bollywood and if we are pointing biz we as a paki should go for Paki things. No questions. Secondly, its proved that media controls mind and there is a lot of cultural difference between India and Pakistan so our culture is being disturbed. Yes, its true that these feeling should be in the viewers, nobody can force anybody to do as per his opinion, everybody is free to do whatever he want to. But I will add an example that might clarify my point. If somebody is continuously peeping inside your house from his own balcony, will you ask him "WHY?" definitely you'll ask. Why? he is in his balcony na? simple thing to understand we also don't have any hard feelings to any community and if i'll talk as a muslim our religion discourages hatred. Yes India is growing, but if you consider the population and market size of india there is a lot of difference. (Its incomplete as I have a meeting :) will talk laterz )

Ghausia | 14 years ago | Reply @Amna I think you need to read my comment again. Nowhere have I stated anything about the Indian government, nor have I said anything about progressing to prove a point. I specifically said that this might help them see that we are a progressing nation. I then further stated that I have observed that Indians on the majority seem to have this perspective that we live in hicksville, which is why I think it would be a good thing if they get to see the reality. Lets start with our neighbours, and then work our way to the rest of the world. And the media is a powerful tool, specially in this day and age. If you haven't studied media at school/uni/whatever, you really should, I'm not trying to show off that I know more because I have, but I have learned a lot of things I was not aware of in my courses at uni. And if you still misunderstand, Ahmed up there basically said the same thing I did so read his comment, I tend to be incoherent sometimes. :D

Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply Well, is it too surprising that we have a lot in common with Indians? Well, we were the same people for thousands of years, till about 63 years. Isn't it just common sense that we are culturally the same? The real problem is not that. But, rather that most Indians think that Pakistanis are backward Islamic terrorists. In fact, to be very honest, much of the world thinks the same things. If you are abroad in the western world and say that you are Pakistani, they give you a startled and uncomfortable look. I think Pakistanis coming on Indian shows helps negate this stereotype. Since every one can see that we are just the same as them in fundamental ways. Ahmed

Alok | 14 years ago | Reply @Amna: From India:- I am surprised by your words Amna ji.....first of all let me tell you majority of people dont hate Pakistan and its people, who told you this?...if it was true then how come tv serials maker taking risk of casting them ? tell,,,so its not so Regarding deep rooted problems in Pakistan ,that is with every country,we too so many...the thing is now a days you people are most highlighted in the world...but i dont think Ghasia is affected by it......................if he is watching bollywood movies then let him watch na,,,movies are for entertainment ,that is what he is getting,,,why you are after him for doing this?.....and my dear I dint understand how come India is not more progressive bcz of bollywood...how progress is indirectly proportional to bollywood.....India is calm,peaceful country and really growing ,,,,recently "Indian school of business " Hyderabad became 12th best b school in world.........so my dear no one is hating Pakistan and Pakistanis...keep this out from you mind....and if political issues are there then it doesn't mean Pakistani shudnt watch bollywood movies..................do remember we were one few decades back..and fought for freedom together........so u r most welcome for watching Tajmahal here and i too wish to eat chicken of Lahore ( i heard its very tasty preparation there) good luck

Amna | 14 years ago | Reply @Ghausia: And who said India is the country that cant be named? what a joke. I have nothing against India, I have a problem with our India-obsessed society that worships anything Indian but doesnt acknowledge that we have some political issues with India. No, that doesnt mean we need to hate Indians, but we need some back bone and confidence as Pakistanis. We need to have political views that represent Pakistan and its interests when we view our political relationship with India. Just cause we watch Bollywood or have Indian friends doesnt mean we need to bow down to any injustice or unfair policy put forth by the indian government. Mind you, I said government, not common people. First of all most Pakistanis are not as negative about India as vice versa unfortunatly. That being said, the point of my comment was that as a nation we need to move forward for our own sake....not to show india or the US or Europe etc. That is a very superficial approach kind of the like how now that Hilary Clinton has been pushing for tax collection amongst our elite, we all feel the need to get on it. When one of our own politicians Imran Khan pushes for something like that, we brush him off as an extremist and so we dont want to listn to any ideas coming from him. Because we are too progressive for that. Pakistan has very deep rooted problems that can only be solved by focusing only on Pakistan's needs. Without worrying about our image...for the time being that is. The image is something which will automatically improve, once we get rid of all the hypocrisy and injustice in the society. As for Bollywood, I think you and a lot of other Pakistanis take these things too seriously. Its entertainment...leave it at that. No need to worship Indian stars...or any stars for that matter any stars and no need to derive an inferiority complex from some movies. Pakistan's governance and economy improve, our media and movies will too, along with our society as a whole. We have plenty of talent, and it will all imrove with good governance. Now our people need to decide when and how they want good governance.

faraz | 14 years ago | Reply We lived together for thousands of years, obviously we have many similarities.

Ghausia | 14 years ago | Reply @Amna wooow you really didn't read my comment properly did you? I didn't say Pakistan was backward, I said that Indians have this perception of us being a hicksville country stuck in the Dark Ages, and yes, I'd like it if that perception changed because I think this whole enmity with India/Indians is BS. The fact that I italicized the our should be obvious enough in its sarcasm for those that can read between the lines. Plus, I comment here more or less regularly, and have often had discussions with Indians and percieved that they have this viewpoint of Pakistan. Since we're making personal attacks like children on LiveJournal, I think people like you who promote hate andf bigotry for human beings regardless of their nationality don't contribute to the country at all which explains our slow progress. See, you're not the only one who can jump to conclusions and judge someone harshly just because they mentioned The Country Which Must Not Be Named. How lame, that we have people who think a country is the source of all evil just because we have history with it. Lack of net etiquette much dude? And India's image at least, is a lot more positive because of Bollywood and their media industry in general.

Amna | 14 years ago | Reply @Ghausia: Why do we need to be apologetic to India and show them we are not backward? Fixing up our problems and progressing forward should be our own priority and we should do so because we need to. Not because the Indians think otherwise. How lame, that we have people that are more concerned about what India thinks. India may be progressing on alot of fronts, but they really have a long way to go before they can label us as fifteenth century. That being said, if people like you who only contirbute to Pakistan by discussing how lame and backward we are while watching Indian movies could step out and activly do something for the nation aside from criticize, we can get somewhere. P.S- India is not more progressive because of Bollywood.

Ghausia | 14 years ago | Reply And hopefully, its one step closer to helping them understand that we're not a backwards nation stuck in the fifteenth century as they think, but are progressing in many ways. (But of course even that image is our fault.)

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ

The realities of Bigg Boss, Wasim Akram and Pak-India relations

More by this writer

FOLLOW US