Pakistan’s cricket team has touched down on Indian soil for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, set to commence on October 5th. After a seven-year hiatus from India, the team’s arrival has rekindled discussions beyond the boundaries of the cricket pitch.
Renowned filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, the creative force behind Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster ‘Raees,’ has sparked controversy with his recent online statement. Dholakia took to X account, formerly known as Twitter, to pose a question that quickly caught the public’s attention. He wrote, “Now that #Pakistani cricketers are officially here, can we also invite Pakistani actors to act in our films? Or Musicians to perform?”
Dholakia’s query swiftly went viral across social media platforms, prompting a wave of diverse reactions from netizens. Some questioned the necessity, with one user asking, ‘Kyu India me actors, singers ki kami hai kya?’ (Do we lack actors and singers in India?).
A distinct perspective emerged from a user who urged, ‘There is so much talent in acting and music… why not give them a proper chance first, before inviting others?’
It’s worth noting that Rahul Dholakia’s directorial venture, ‘Raees,’ served as the Bollywood debut for Pakistani actress Mahira Khan. However, the film’s release was marred by geopolitical tensions following the Uri attack, leading to a temporary ban on Pakistani artists in India.
As the cricket World Cup approaches, Dholakia’s call for cross-border artistic collaboration adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing dialogue between India and Pakistan. The debate surrounding the inclusion of Pakistani artists in Indian entertainment has long been a subject of discussion.
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Picture Source: Asia Net News
