Daily Times

On February 22, 2018, the Federation Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) agreed to ban Pakistani artists and technicians from working in Indian films and TV serials, in a unanimous vote. Following this, singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo called for a revised ban on Pakistani artists working in India as well. Indeed, these decisions were made in light of the growing tensions and deteriorating relations between the two countries as of late.

However, time and again, Pakistan’s multi-talented array of performers have proved that their facet of skill and achievements do not need any validation from across the border.

While many artists decided to keep mum on the matter, a few celebrities from the Pakistani film industry took to social media to comment on the ban:

“Thank you for banning us. You have given us a chance to make an Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah and other big stars in Pakistan,” voiced actor Adnan Shah Tipu in a Facebook video.

Tipu went on to say, “Pakistan is my mother. If I say anything to your mother, you will feel offended. Likewise, if you say anything about my mother, will I be ecstatic about it?”

“Go play your game, we will play ours. You’ve banned us. Thank you very much.”

“Pakistan above all,” he concluded.