Pakistan actor Shaan is a superstar in his country. He is often called the Shah Rukh Khan of Pakistan. So he was in for a rude shock when he arrived in Mumbai for the FICCI Frames convention and discovered that no one recognised him.
"It is shocking that Indians have no idea about the Pakistani film industry," Riaz Malik, a well-known Pakistani distributor, said. "Indian journalists are asking every Pakistani delegate what they do in Pakistan. It's unbelievable!"
"I hope we will interact with each other more and understand our culture and films better in future," Shaan said.
The actor made a lively speech, asking India and Pakistan to fight piracy, poverty and disease together so that both nations can prosper. "Forget our past," he said. "Think of future generations. The world is changing and enemies are becoming friends. So why can't we both become friends again? We were brothers and sisters of yesterday, so why can't we become the same for a better future?"
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The Pakistan delegation was also unhappy that Indians do not quite appreciate their television shows and films. "The Indians have not accepted Pakistani films and dramas, unlike Pakistanis who have adopted Indian cinema," said Javed Sheikh, a Pakistani actor.
"Indian television stars, actors and actresses are very popular in Pakistan," Sheikh added. "When Urmila Matondkar went shopping in Pakistan, she was not charged a penny. No shopkeeper was willing to take money from her! But we have to introduce ourselves! Let's hope people recognise us when we come next!"
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