Mikaal Zulfiqar talks about IndoPak tensions affecting film industry

After Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Shaan Shahid, it is now Mikaal Zulfiqar who has spoken about the rising tensions between India and Pakistan which have been affecting the film industry. In a post on Facebook attached to a picture of himself with Indian actors Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah, the actor stated that he wasn’t surprised that relations have deteriorated following the Uri incident.

“I personally first experienced this back in 2009,” he said. “Every time there has been serious political tension between the countries, multiple spheres suffer — including the arts.” The actor admitted that working in Bollywood is an “attractive prospect” for Pakistani actors, and said he continues to receive offers to work across the border.

However, he feels that working in Bollywood is not a sustainable career choice, given that tensions between the two countries may bubble up at any time. “In Pakistan, we have all the potential to make a valuable contribution to the arts and culture locally, nationally, regionally and internationally - we just need better support from our own society,” he continued.

“It is up to Pakistanis to support, encourage and value local talent.” The actor fully endorsed a reversal of the current situation, `though, saying: “I firmly believe in peace between the two countries and our communities... It is very sad when tensions spill over, it divides the very mechanisms that have the capacity to unite us. Culture reflects and mirrors our society - and what sadder reality is there when even our cultural spheres are denied the opportunity to collaborate.”