Humaima and Fawad had to return to Pakistan for visa renewal and Imran, whose film Creature 3D’s release is just around the corner, had to miss the film’s promotions as his request for a work visa was rejected thrice in a row. His absence at the film’s promotions has had a negative impact on the film as he is the lead actor opposite Bipasha Basu. Last week, Imran was finally able to attend his first promotional tour in Dubai.
The actors are not pleased with such an unnecessary deterrence in film promotions. “Being unable to promote our debut films can be a huge setback. Back home, we have a fan following but making a debut in a Hindi film does require that we stick around. Our absence or abrupt exits can mar the project’s impact. Barring Fawad Khan, who has lots of fans in India, other actors do need to make their presence felt,” said a Pakistani actor on condition of anonymity.
Humaima too had to return to Pakistan during the promotions of Raja Natwarlal to re-apply for a work visa. During the process, she was unable to promote herself and the film at a few promotional events.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (16)
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The Indian Officials must see reasons that
David Coleman Headley was of Pakistani descent but not all Pakistanis are not David Coleman Headley, there may be few good ones also
But keep the guard up, no one can be sure
Seems like India is having a shortage of local talent. The Pakistani actors must have gone through auditions before they were given the roles, so they were not desperate. The indian govt does not want to acknowledge that the movie industry needs Pakistani actors to replace the ageing Indian ones, and thus this drama of making visas difficult. The indian govt should not give visas at all, if they are filling in local gaps of talent then they should stand by their decision and let work be work.
@Mirza Thanks for your wish Mirza ji, But we Indians would like to vote for any Political Party which can assure us that there will be a Great wall, A Deep Trench, Motion sensors at Indian Pakistan Boarder. You have mentioned a word Safe, Is this word still exist in Pakistan? BTW there are not Security checking arrangements at Mosque Gates(You know this if you came to India) Live & Let Live.
@PAkistani Its all about money Honey
@ sweetie Who said pakistanis cnt Survive. Without India...excuse me this is big joke...and shan rightly said that " cheap sell outs" they all are. ...99% Pakistanis working in India have a bad image in Pakistan .....
@all Indians After reading your comment one can guess why these people are having issues :) in ur country.
I used to go and spend my winter vacations in India regularly. After I felt unwelcome I have started going to Malaysia which is safe, warm, clean, inexpensive and does not require any visa from most countries. I am sorry to say but the terrorists and hate mongers have won. Let us hope that one day we would have bridges and not high walls.
@PAkistani: because Pakistanis can't survive without india!!
@PAkistani: Please list the 200 countries that have a movie industry Have these 3 people been offered a role in those movie industries?
No one is doing India a favor by acting in Indian movies. They do so in order to cater o a wider audience and because it is financially rewarding.
Its a visa, not some sort of a birthright. Nor are there 200+ countries that will allow you to walk in - you should know that. Don't get your nascent stardom into you heads.
Visa authorities have done them favour by not extending their visas. The people will be looking for them after watching bogus movies they have made.
Since Pakistan refuses to accept they are a terrorist sanctuary they are responsible for countries to hesitate visas to Pakistani citizens. Their inability to respond, curb their daily threat has hindered all aspects of future for Pakistan so it doe not matter if an actress or a fruit-walla is going to face problems getting an Indian visa. So stop crying and talk to your politicians to get strength and face reality to improve the security in Pakistan, this will enhance the rest of the world to include Pakistan.
The usual terrorism related hurdles faced by average Pakistani visitor to India should not be applied to famous actors and actresses. Although potential terrorism from Pakistan is a legitimate concern what are the odds of Humaima Malik indulging in terrorism? doesn't make sense.
Knew this would happen, just ask Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
Pakistan and India do not give visa to each others citizens easily. There is a hisory to this that everyone knows. In fact when Indian journalists are posted in Pakistan they are not allowed o o outside Islamabad, not even Rawalpindi. Imagine how difficult it makes their job of reporting?
While unfortunate, these restrictions apply to all and there is no reason for Pakistani actors to think they are special.
There are over 200+ countries where they can go and do films. I don't know why they even go to a country which doesn't treat them friendly!!