Will never miss opportunity to work in Pakistani films: Bollywood veteran Raza Murad

Prem Rog and Ram Lakhan star wants to see more opportunities for Indian actors across the border

LAHORE:

Bollywood veteran Raza Murad is one of those who are equally popular on either side of the Indo-Pak border because of their long-time association with cinema, frequent cross-border travels and emphasis on people-to-people contact.

On his latest visit to Pakistan, Murad said he will never miss an opportunity to work in Pakistani films. The actor who was last seen in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, Bajirao Mastani, said Pakistani artists have been working in India for a long time. “I want to see the same happen in Pakistan for Indian artists. I myself would never miss an opportunity to work in a Pakistani film,” he told the media at Wagah Border on Sunday. Flanked by his family members, Murad said joint ventures are essential to improve the quality of films being made on both sides of the border.





Murad went on to add that the quality of films being produced in Pakistan had improved considerably, and that Indians now enjoy watching them. “Bol, Ramchand Pakistani and Khuda Kay Liye were all super hit films. Pakistani singers, Ghulam Ali in particular, are immensely popular in India.” The actor, who himself is a frequent visitor, accredited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for establishing friendly relations between the two countries by recently visiting Pakistan as a gesture of goodwill. He once again expressed his gratitude to Pakistanis for welcoming his family with open hearts. “I am impressed with the hospitality of Pakistanis and this is the reason I like to visit this country. I will say an Olympic gold medal of hospitality should be given to the Pakistanis. They really know how to welcome their guests.”

Explaining his reason for the visit, Murad said this time he has arrived especially on the persistence of his daughter, Ayesha. “I am hopeful that we’ll return with good memories.” Murad will also be visiting Karachi and Islamabad, and plans on returning to India on March 17.



According to the Prem Rog and Ram Lakhan star, actors are ambassadors of countries and no borders can restrict them. “Today I am here on Pakistani soil as an ambassador of love and peace. I strongly recommend other Indian actors to visit Pakistan to experience the wonderful hospitality and love of these people,” he shared.

Murad also commented on the security concerns surrounding the Pakistan cricket team’s tour of India for the World T20. “The issue will hopefully be resolved soon and people will once again get to witness good cricket.” Talking about the recent contest between the arch-rivals during Asia Cup, he said, “Pakistan’s surely has one of the best bowling lineups in the world. But their batting has always been their Achilles heel. You cannot expect your bowlers to win you the match with only 84 on the board,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2016.

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