Art is very powerful because it transcends boundaries & one need not belong to any country or religion or social class
LAHORE: Taking the columnist’s stance further in the article, “Banning cinema” by Tariq Mahmud (November 1), Indian nationalists had a major role in the move to boycott Pakistani artistes working in the Mumbai film industry and interfered with Indian filmmakers who hired them. This was soon followed by a Pakistani ban on Bollywood films across cinemas nationwide. There is an atmosphere of anger at Pakistan in India for allegedly aiding and funding terrorism. However, art has no boundaries and should be exclusive to any national interest.
Art is very powerful because it transcends boundaries and one need not belong to any country, or religion or social class. It brings people from all walks of life together to talk about an idea. There is no limit to it. Banning films or artistes on either side is not a solution to the ongoing conflict. Artists are not terrorists. One cannot mix war with cultural and sporting ties. Rather, by reducing these ties we are increasing hatred. The ideal situation would have been love and peace. In this day and age, handling things with love and peace would have been better, especially for the common people.
I understand the anger and the anguish that surround the two neighbouring countries. My heart bleeds for the lost lives. The larger forces must come together and sort the situation out but not through banning talent or art. Terrorists should be killed but not dialogue. I hope people in India and Pakistan do not get swept away with the bitterness and negativity. Art is above politics and we should use it as a means to bring people together. Even if you take the worst periods in history, like the Second World War, art still had its voice.
Salma Tahir
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2016.
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