23rd October, 2023 Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has rejected a petition to ban Pakistani artists from working in India. They emphasized that music, culture, and sports unite people, marking a new era of cross-border collaboration.
The Controversial Petition
The petition, filed by Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, a self-proclaimed cine worker and artist, had demanded that the Indian government impose restrictions on Indian citizens and companies collaborating with Pakistani artists. This included actors, musicians, singers, lyricists, and technicians. Qureshi had also called for the cessation of visa issuance to Pakistani artists and penalties for those who disregarded the proposed ban, citing concerns about potential job competition for Indian artists.
Bombay High Court’s Definitive Rejection
However, the Bombay High Court, in a landmark ruling, firmly rejected the plea, citing the undeniable ability of music, sports, culture, and dance to transcend borders and foster a sense of unity and peace between nations. The court emphasized that it could not mandate the government to create specific laws and policies restricting artistic collaborations between India and Pakistan.
A Message of True Patriotism
“A true patriot is a person who is selfless, who is devoted to the cause of his country, which he cannot be unless he is a person who is good at heart,” the court declared in its verdict. “A person who is good at heart would welcome in his country any activity which promotes peace, harmony, and transparency within the country and across the border.”
This decision marks a significant departure from the past seven years when Pakistani artists were largely banned from working in India due to political tensions. With the rejection of this petition, it is expected that Pakistani talents like Atif Aslam, Fawad Khan, Ali Zafar, Mahira Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and many others can now collaborate and contribute to India’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene once again.
Embracing the Unifying Force of Artistry
The rejection of the petition reaffirms the idea that the arts have the potential to promote unity and tranquillity, serving as a testament to the enduring power of human creativity to bridge gaps and heal divisions.
In a world often marked by divisions and conflicts, the Bombay High Court’s decision to reject the petition to ban Pakistani artists from working in India stands as a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that culture, music, and the arts can transcend borders and serve as bridges of unity and harmony. As a new era of artistic collaboration dawns, it is a reminder that creativity knows no boundaries and can bring nations together in a shared celebration of humanity.
By Harsh Rathod