A lot of people had faith in art’s predisposition for unity up until seven years ago because of Pakistan and India’s strong cultural cooperation. From the renowned Naseeruddin Shah’s involvement in the 2007 Shoaib Mansoor film Khuda Kay Liye to Atif Aslam achieving new heights of stardom with his Bollywood portfolio, it was normal to see artists promote friendly relations between the neighboring countries.
The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) banned Pakistani actors and professionals from entering India after the 2016 attack on the Indian army base in Uri, holding Pakistan accountable for the incident and ending numerous fruitful collaborations.
According to Livemint, the Bombay High Court recently rejected a court case requesting that the Indian government forbid any professional relationships with musicians from Pakistan. In its ruling, the court made clear that enforcing such a ban would be a step backward in the effort to promote cultural peace and unity, both inside India and in relations with Pakistan.
Cross-border supporters are using social media in anticipation of future partnerships between the two countries as a result of the ban’s lifting. Fans of renowned vocalist Atif Aslam are especially happy to see him returning because his discography frequently serves as the musical underscoring for Bollywood romance and heartbreak.
One user on X shouted, “Atif Aslam is coming back?” Atif Aslam, please return to Bollywood; the young people miss you. One fan asked a “Atif Aslam and Shreya Ghoshal collab” in all capital letters, while another did the same.
Atif Aslam is coming back ?? pic.twitter.com/TO5qT5Zj5I https://t.co/70e518jHIG
— Sunshine (@timepasshai) October 22, 2023
Okay…Let Atif Aslam and Shreya Ghoshal Collab now please 😭😭😭 https://t.co/AhWrhFF5sB
— Introvert Boy (@GaneshDGN) October 22, 2023
ATIF ASLAM COME BACK TO BOLLYWOOD THE KIDS MISS YOU https://t.co/lYyOSherd1
— meri (@rwrbmidnights) October 23, 2023
Another Pakistani celebrity with undeniable popular appeal outside of the country is Fawad Khan, and for good reason. Khan cemented his reputation as a talented artist who is more than just good-looking, donning a boyish charm and outstanding acting ability. Unsurprisingly, the actor from Kapoor and Sons has a large following in India. One fan shared photos of him and Deepika Padukone and pleaded with all parties involved to “make this happen.”
Make this happen! https://t.co/Huck9DghFI pic.twitter.com/D6gbiMnWom
— 🌻 (@ffffffilms) October 22, 2023
FAWAD GIRLIES RIGHT NOW (I’m fawad girlies)pic.twitter.com/EAw7J1mNOv https://t.co/Lot2VQ1iOU
— grathie lethbian (@silamsiva) October 22, 2023
cannot wait on fawad’s comeback it’ll be crazy pic.twitter.com/WhCFI20cal https://t.co/r2uPb8GK7w
— ًhay (@bekhayaIi) October 22, 2023
All “Fawad girlies” were represented by a post on X that used animated meme reactions to convey the fandom’s happiness. “Looking forward to Fawad’s return! Among the stream of quote tweets and fan tweaks, one fan anticipated that “It’ll be crazy.”
Another X user declared, “I’ll start believing in God again if I get a movie with Shah Rukh Khan and Fawad.” The audience seemed to be clamoring for the two legendary Khans to share a screen. “Just so you know, Shah Rukh Khan and Fawad in a movie together can heal the world!”
if i get a movie with srk and fawad i’ll start believing in god again https://t.co/4WLas9DgYY
— s (@socialsuic1de) October 22, 2023
Indian viewers also expressed want to see Mahira Khan and Shah Rukh paired together once more, remembering the pair’s smoldering on-screen relationship in the 2017 movie Raees. One remark stated, “When can we get them back again for another movie because their chemistry was too good!” Others wondered when a Raees 2 may be released.
when we get them back again for another movie because their chemistry was too good 😫🤞pic.twitter.com/rgRHo9YhKe https://t.co/ABQQRCvYTl
— 𝙎.𝙆 (@shak3342) October 22, 2023
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.