Pakistan Artists Ban Lift: Seven years have passed since a blanket ban was imposed on Pakistani artists in India. Many talented actors from the neighbouring nation, including Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, among others, who impressed Indian audiences with their acting prowess, had to relocate to their home country after a ban.

However, in a recent ground-breaking decision, the Bombay High Court has allowed Pakistani artists to work in Indian films and web shows, which potentially opens doors for them to once again work in the Indian entertainment industry.

Petition to ban Pakistani artists from working in India rejected by the Bombay High Court

In a significant development, the Bombay High Court rejected a petition filed by a cine worker who sought to continue the ban on Pakistani artists from working in the country. Justice Sunil B Shukre and Justice Firdosh P. Pooniwalla, who presided over the case, observed that the petition lacked merit.

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The bench also stated that it was a retrograde step to promote cultural harmony and unity. A report by News18 quoted the court's ruling, saying, "activities promoting peace, harmony, and tranquillity, including arts, music, sports, culture, and dance, transcend national boundaries and contribute to unity and harmony within and between nations."

Why was the ban imposed?

Back in 2016, after the URI attack, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) made the resolution to not work with Pakistani artists. It led to the conclusion that no Indian producer would hire any Pak artists.

Indian netizens react to Bombay HC verdict

Soon, Indian netizens reacted to the news, which left them divided. While many condemned the decision, many supported the lift, saying art should suffer because of politics. One said, "finally a good decision..art has no boundaries." One fan requested, "Sirf Atif Aslam ko allowed krdo pl."

One commented, "Talent should not be bordered." Another showed displeasure and said, But why do we need them there are many talented people in India." "If cricketers can come and play in India, why not these actors and singers...good decision," one comment read.

One wrote, "Dushmani toh bas us jawan ki hai jo goli khata hai hamare liye , baki hame toh entertainment chaiye , cultural harmony chaiye , shame on this." One wrote, "India has lot of talent we don't want any outsiders anymore."

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Well, it has to be seen if Pak actors like Fawad Khan, whose many projects were shelved, would get a revive or not.