Adil Najam
This picture was taken in Karachi earlier today (7 August, 2006) by atrophying and posted on Flickr.com.
Even if its was done inadvertently, I find it a very timely and appropriate billboard. Especially at this precarious time in India-Pakistan relations – note the silliness of recalled diplomats – when extremists on both sides seem to be succeeding in scuttling what had been a reasonably good process of rebuilding confidence.
Anyhow, my dear subcontinentals, please hold your sun-baked passions and enjoy the picture. Whether it was intended as such or not, I will take this as a neighborly greeting from one neighbor to another.
On behalf of all us Pakistanis, I thank you dear Amitabh. And I wish you, and all Indians everywhere, a wonderful Independence Day of your own on August 15.
Remember Mohsin Khan who starred ina few Bollywood flicks in the 90s.Actually he did quite well in the movies but ever tried to find out why he suddenly packed up his stuff gave up bollywood and returned to Karachi?
He was repeatedly threatened with death by Shiv Sena till the poor guy gave up quits in India.He has explained this many a times.
As for Junoon,Adnan Sami or Strings well its commercial interests that drives them there not any India Pak unity.Music companies have invested millions of dollars in these bands for the music scores they are creating.
I feel pity for Atif Aslam,the chap created a hit tune only to be bought up by Mahesh Bhatt for a pittance,who then made millions out of it by selling his movie’s music rights to TIPS.
Mustafa: you are a bit off in thinking Pakistani showbiz personalities are not praised in india. Junoon, Strings, Adnan Sami Khan etc have all done quite well in India. Amitabh did well in Pakistan because his act and his movies appealed to the audience. If Pakistani performers do the same, they will receive the same recognition. Just like the fundamentalists in pakistan, there are fundoos in India as well – and we just have to live wit that as a reality.
probably the best billboard in karachi these days is the PSO Independence sign on Submarine Chowk. those who are into photography are requested to send the pic to Adil bhai. It is the most apt description of the spirit of Pakistan
with or without Bachan sahibs permission, I say its not a bad idea…No matter how much tension you would have between India and Pakistan, Indian movie stars have always been in Pakistanis minds and hearts…Ask any Pakistani teenager if they know a Kishore Kumar Song or if they know of the movie “Sholey” or who Shahrukh Khan is….So who cares if a Billboard is up with Amitabh Bachan…Till when will we carry on this secret affinity with Indian Stars ?
It doesn’t go down well to see Mr.Bachchan smilimg from a huge billboard in Karachi and that with a Pakistani green flag on its side.Agreed Big B was a rage in Pakistan in the 80s but then it isn’t official.
Would you ever see a Pakistani TV star on a billboard in Mumbai?Never.
Instead the Shiv Sena has always made sure nothing Pakistani ever shows up in their territory.Not a single Pakistani TV channels is carried by Cable operators in Mumbai or elsewhere.Pakistan have have 37 of its satellite channels but they don’t exist as far as India is concerned.
Its time to look inwards,focus on making Pakistan strong and self reliant.Once you are strong within,Mr.Bachchan will himself come to endorse Pakistani products.