Bollywood actors Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra have spoken out against discrimination faced by Pakistani artists from working in India.
In a exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, the actors were asked over having Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sings in their upcoming film ‘Namaste England’.
Arjun Kapoor said that both are creative people and were selected because they were the most suitable for it and not necessarily to snatch the opportunity from somebody’s else.
“I don’t think the audience is ever going to judge a song based on the nationality of the singer. That is the beauty of India. We are an open-minded country,” he said.
He said that both singers were selected for their ability to sing high-pitch songs as required in the film.
Parineeti Chopra, who has previously worked with Ali Zafar in the film ‘Kill Dil’ along with Ranveer Singh, said it was immensely sad that a ban been imposed on artists from Pakistan.
“When you meet us, you will never know Ali is from a different country until he tells you,” she said, adding the India attracts talent from around the world which is taken positively and there is nothing wrong with it.
“I wish I could work with Ali again. I wish I could work with Fawad. He would be such a great hero in our industry. He is so loved here.”
Expressing immense displeasure over the ban on Pakistani artists, she said that she was glad to have worked with Ali Zafar in the past.
“I find it so sad that only Pakistani artists have been banned,” she said.
Arjun said that Indian films were being exhibited in Pakistan and were receiving a great response, and they receive immense love and support on social media.
He said that the political situation between the two countries is unfortunate, but personally they can hope that the situation improves as humanity transcends borders.
