Abbasi took to his Facebook page to share his take on the film: PHOTOS: FILE
Abbasi took to his official Facebook page and posted, “I was offered this Indian film Baby last year and I immediately said no to it seeing a slight anti-Pakistan element in its storyline.” The post further read, “I am in favour of our artistes working in Indian films, but if any film has even a slight anti-Pakistan theme, please think like a Pakistani first and then an artiste.”
The Pakistan Film Censor Board has banned the exhibition of Baby. The team behind the film, which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role, was in a state of shock over its ban in the country. While producer Bhushan Kumar was still wondering why, actor Anupam Kher emphasised the need to move beyond borders and look at the universal problem of terrorism. “The film is about anti-terrorism. Sometimes, it is important to go beyond territories and understand who the enemy is; is it a country or a bunch of people?” Kher told IANS.
Interestingly, actor Mikaal Zulfiqar is soon to be seen in the film that Abbasi claims he rejected. In an earlier interview with The Express Tribune, Zulfiqar had described his role in the film as “short and sweet.” He had shared that he received a call from an Indian casting director for the film, and got on board with it as soon as he heard its details.
“I committed to the film when I was told that I was going to star alongside talented actors, such as Anupum Kher and Akshay Kumar,” he had stated. Zulfiqar was hopeful that the controversy surrounding Baby pertaining to its content would “settle down,” so that people can enjoy the film as a mode of entertainment.
Despite having done a handful of Bollywood films, Zulfiqar has no aspirations to establish himself as an actor in India. “As an artiste, there is nothing better than doing a film in one’s own country, and I would always give first preference to my local industry,” he had commented. Zulfiqar mentioned that he was supposed to star in a couple of Pakistani films towards the end of last year, but the projects didn’t materialise.
Zulfiqar attributed the decision to not pursue a career in Bollywood to the nature of the audience and the ever-changing political climate of Pakistan and India. “Indian audiences are a little bold and Pakistani audiences are a little sensitive. So, I would not want to do anything that offends people of my homeland,” he had proclaimed.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 30th, 2015.
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What ever the problem is. But I liked what Abbasi said. Well Abbasi
@Saleem Dawoodi: bollywood never changes it's script for a person. If one doesn't wish to work He's replaced by another. There are many standing in line to grab that place. Unless one is A list actor and established 20 years in industry. Those who aim 300 crore plus movie and the director is lesser celeb than the super star actor, only then does he bear to take tantrums of the super star. Such cases are very rare even for hritik,srk.Only Aamir Khan inputs in scripts are listened since his vision turns box office hits. Those who aim to enter 300 crore club from different country knows to take the sensitives of each country into consideration and form script accordingly or risk being banned. Lose 20 crore 300-20. So I don't think they had anti pakistan content in script in the first place at all. Only those who are ok with ban will go ahead. Judging by reaction of movie makers I don't think that was the case.
@Saleem Dawoodi A Bollywood production changing its script for being turned down by a lesser known Pakistani actor in India is unheard-of, but I will not make any assumptions here. Is it also possible that Mr. Abbasi is trying to claim his bit of political mileage (since he is an active member of PTI), and what better than an hyper-nationalistic statement like this. I think his statement is very unfair to Rasheed Naz (Brilliant actor I must say) and Mikaal. By bringing in that "Being-Proud-Pakistani-Qualification", he seems to be questioning their patriotism and that too on basis of something as filmsy as a movie.
Admired of abbasi's view. I like him
@Ravi: I am assuming if he was offered then he must have read the script also. The one which you didn't get to see. After creating the controversy, who knows if they changed the script a bit later thinking this will have lesser audience now that they have got the much needed publicity. I love this guy for his role of Captain Ehtesham in Waar. One wouldn't be comfortable doing something for money but against one's heart.
Just to set the picture straight: 1) there is not even a single anti-Pakistan dialogue in the movie; 2) Both the Pakistani actor had a very crucial and well written roles; 3) If the the issue was that the terrorists shown in the movie were Muslim, please also note that both Danny as well as Mikal Zulfikar have played heroic characters.
Since the movie has been banned in Pakistan, Mr. Abbasi will not have an opportunity to verify his skewed understanding (assuming that being a model Pakistani he is anti-piracy too). By making such blank and unverified statement, Mr. Abbasi is indirectly casting aspersions on those two actors who chose to play the roles offered to them. Cinematic roles/expression shouldn't be made used as the touchstone for the test of one's patriotism. Mr. Abbasi your fans deserve better from you.