Manika Ahuja
Celebrated filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has openly come to the rescue of Karan Johar, maker of yet-to-be-released Fawad Khan and Ranbir Kapoor-starrer film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which was recently put on hold by the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI), in four states. The decision (to put a hold) came in consequence to a controversial ban imposed on Pakistani artistes working in Bollywood, in the light of Uri attacks. “I humbly ask just one question, KJo and Rahul Dholakia, who have made this film (Ae Dil..) are both Indians. They invested money in this project when Indo-Pak space was radically different than what it is today. Back then, Modi was being sworn-in as the Prime Minister of India and leaders from both the nations (Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and Modi), shared friendly relations with each other. The point being, that he cast Fawad Khan in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil when things were right. Then why penalise KJo? Show compassion, and separate his film from the anger you are leashing out on him. Why penalise your own?” questions Bhatt.
Known for his candid responses, and intelligent observations, Bhatt, gestures to his phone screen to make known that he is not oblivious to Centre’s recent indication that there is no policy change in terms of allowing Pakistani artistes to work in India’, and shares his take on the Indo-Pak hullaballoo, “There is no glory in war, true glory lies in averting war and all the bloodshed that comes with it.” Here are some snippets from another candid interaction with Bhatt....
Ordeal for peace
Bhatt knows, and understands fully well that he is in “minority”, when it comes to backing-up Johar, and the engagement of Pakistani actors in Bollywood , but he is not oblivious to the fact that “fighting for peace is a far more difficult ordeal than crying for war. It is not the architects of war who keep our country’s spirit alive, but those who concur with the Mahatma’s dream of peace.”
He is quick to clarify that his implication is not in the least to suggest that one should not fight terrorism, “those who shed blood should not be spared. Thus far and no further will terror forces be allowed to target India as a soft target. But resisting war does not mean one does not love one’s country, for when there is war, a lot of innocent blood is shed.”
Not a first
So, does he support Pakistani actors working in Bollywood? Bhatt takes a couple of minutes to ponder, and reflects, “This is not for the first time (the Pakistani artistes controversy). When my film Saathi starring Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan, released in 1991, it was removed from the movie halls.” He gathers his thoughts, and continues, “Engagement of Indo-Pak artistes in a civil society should not be resisted. That is a journey I kickstarted back in the year 2003, those on the other side should examine its merits.”
Kill terrorism not talks
Urging the masses to resolve problems through “talks and not through the bullet”, Bhatt succinctly shares his views on India’s current social milieu and the times of conflict that we are living in, “Terrorism impacts the way of life, and everything that we are witnessing right now, are the after-shots of terrorism.”
All set to bring to Chandigarh a taste of his “first romance with theatre”, in the form of a play The Last Salute, which draws from the much-talked about George Bush shoe hurling episode, which happened in Iraq, Bhatt notes the one thing that he admires about theatre, “Theatre provides a centerstage to the underdogs. I drew a unique satisfaction with my association with this one...”
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Karan Johar is known for delivering excellently star studded productions in Bollywood and the audience will very soon witness another similar treat from the much loved director's upcoming film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
KJo's favourite girl Alia Bhatt also has a cameo in the movie. The Udta Punjab' star plays a “DJ” in a song.
In an interview with Rajeev Masand, Karan confirmed this saying, “She (Alia) has done a cameo in the film. She is playing a DJ in the very song that we are in (The Breakup Song).”
“We had a part for the DJ, so there was a link. It was always a part in the script. If somebody has gotta do it, then why not someone whom I love,” he revealed.—ANI