Ever since the
Uri attacks and MNS' warning to all the Pakistani artists to leave India, there have been a lot of people in the industry who have come forward to speak about it.
Bollywood
poet, lyricist and screenwriter
Javed Akhtar spoke to
Bombay Times exclusively and came to the defence of the decision to ban the artists.
The lyricist insisted that the reception for Pakistani artistes here has always been grand and they have always been given more, hence, contributing positively to the relationship, which hasn't been reciprocated in the same measure.
He said, "India-Pakistan's cultural relations have been lopsided.
Lata Mangeshkar is the most popular Indian singer with a wide following in Pakistan. Going by the sentiment of our nation, the decision made to suspend the involvement of Pakistani artistes in our films and cultural programs appear to be inevitable. But let's hope that at some point, the relationship changes and we can balance our cultural exchanges".
Catch the full interview with Javed Akhtar on Bombay Times tomorrow, October 1.