Fans don't see passports when they purchase a ticket, they see a film: Adnan Siddiqui

From discussing Pak-India ties to his fandom in India, the 'Sammi' star tells all...

The actor has been lauded for his performance in India with his Bollywood debut, Mom, having received "encouraging reviews". When asked about the audience reaction in Pakistan, Siddiqui commented, “A good product is well-received everywhere. People in Pakistan have loved the film and are ecstatic about the collaboration between the two nations.”



The two Pakistani heavyweights Sajal Ali and Adnan Siddiqui could not travel to India because of the recent visa ban owing to which Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan could not cross borders either. On the travel ban, he confessed, “…Obviously it is a sad feeling when you are not able to promote a project you have spent tiring days and nights working on. But then you are relieved that the promotion lies in more than capable hands, for the likes of Sridevi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna.”

Promotions is the time during which the cast shines out and develops PR relations but unfortunately, Pakistani actors playing parts in Bollywood do not get the opportunity to avail the promotions period. Siddiqui was asked whether there was a growing resentment among actors from his side of the border, to which he replied that resentment is not the word but it is hindering the relations between the actors of the two countries to fully foster.

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“The politics may steer a situation in any direction but the people of both countries love and respect art for what it is. They don't see passports when they purchase a ticket, they see a film,” he added.

The political relations between India and Pakistan are frictional these days, to the point that they are hampering cultural ties. Siddiqui was asked to comment on the hostile situation, to which he optimistically responded, “No matter how hard people try, our cultural ties will come out strong. We share more than just the colour of our skins, we share history, we share values, we share customs and it is just a matter of time we will start sharing our artists, directors, writers, technicians on a large scale too. I honestly believe we can find peace in art.”



The actor discussed how he landed the part opposite Sridevi and the legal hiccups that ensued.

“Once I got the offer, I couldn't resist myself from saying yes since I knew I would be playing a role against Sridevi and I was also aware that Ali, who is a beautiful actress, is part of the cast. The political hostility as you say did create hurdles for the film. However, it was Boney Kapoor Saab who became the leader and crisis-breaker, sorted out the production issues and took us all home for a win.”

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Siddiqui was told he is already popular in India due to the religiously followed Pakistani dramas airing on Indian channels. He was asked about his struggles and progress  as a TV actor before making a debut on the big screen.



"My journey in the media industry started with my modelling career and it took off with a casual role in a drama serial. People were extremely kind in accepting me as an actor when I knew nothing and since then, I am trying to prove to them, my fans, that they were right about me," he quipped.

On his prospects in the film industry in Pakistan, Siddiqui  diplomatically responded, “The New Cinema, as I like to call it, is a growing baby. There are a lot of players with growing ambitions, hence it is creating opportunities all across the board which is a beautiful sight. However, since it is an evolving industry, we will need time to eradicate the mistakes and enhance the strengths.”

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