Producers respond to Pakistan ‘banning’ Indian TV shows

India-Pakistan, two nations that try hard to become friends, but all in vain. Time and again, both countries have tried to mend their differences and come together. But with few miscreants always up to some drama, it mars happiness and brotherhood between the countries.

The aftermath of Uri attack saw protesters to prohibit Pak artistes from working in India. Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which has Fawad Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan starrer Raees, in which Mahira Khan was a part, faced the wrath.

Ae Dil... received a breather as the government assured a peaceful release of the film. Though Raees had to get its female lead replaced overnight.

If Bollywood facing the heat was not enough, a couple of days back the world woke up to the news of Pakistan banning all Indian shows.

Tellychakkar.com decided to speak to popular TV producers on the consequences of the ban, not just monetarily, but also on it affecting the harmony between the nations.

Here is what they had to say...

JD Majethia (Badi Dooooor, SAB TV)

Well, I think that films will have a greater loss than TV shows. Few loyal viewers there might watch TV shows online but there is loss for people who are unaware or don't have the access to the internet. The issue is not important at all if you compare it to our great soldiers fighting day and night for our country.  As a TV producer, I won't suffer the pinch of this ban but broadcasters may. At the end, whatever the decision may be, my decision will always be in supporting soldiers, their families and their sentiments.

Farhn P Zamma (Amma, Zee TV)

I feel that the entire Asian belt is extremely talented, sadly, divided by borders. While casting for Amma, we were really keen on getting some Pakistani actors on board. We had, in fact, spoken to popular names like Sanam Saeed and Saba Qamar who seemed interested but could not finalise owing to date issues. Although we had managed to get an actress from the neighbouring state, the channel wanted to explore talent from India and thus we dropped the idea. I really wonder what the situation would have been had we signed her up. We might have had to stop our shoots. I really feel entertainment is the only medium which can set examples of love and bring about a welcome attitude in both sides. I firmly believe in this and will spread the message of love.

Dipti Kalwani (Badho Bahu, &TV)

As a producer, the truth is that there is never any guarantee for how a work of passion will be received. We never know if all of our efforts will be rewarded in terms of an audience's loyalty. Irrespective of these facts, we always do our best and work hard to tell compelling stories. That's all we can continue to do. It's sad when a relationship deteriorates and even more so when it's a question of two countries. Then the stakes are so high for the people on both the sides. Peace is the only goal we should strive to achieve, otherwise the price that we end up paying is just too high.

Vaibhav Modi (It’s Not That Simple, Voot)

There is a little bit of difference on our industry banning Pak artistes and them stopping our shows. If there is internet, nothing would stop people from watching shows. I would also like to mention that our shows are primarily made for Indian audience. If they don’t want it, that would be their loss. But here, I would also like to mention that currently there is an emotional outburst owing to the recent developments which will cease in sometime. And sadly, entertainment industry gets stuck on political issues.  As mature citizens, we should be working towards building a better country and ironing out relationship differences between both the nations.

Farhan Salaruddin (Dahleez, Star Plus)

Honestly, at this moment, I don't think that anybody is thinking about business, profits or loss. I really don't care if Indian shows or films are screened in Pakistan or not. Nothing is more important than our country and at this hour, every Indian needs to just stand up for the country. No films, no TV, no cricket- let's break all ties with a nation which doesn't know how to maintain relations.

Naresh Borde (Tere Bin, &TV)

Our Indian shows now have a worldwide audience, and even if Pakistan bans them, it will not be a major problem. Indian shows are for its audience first. No producer would want viewership for their show at the cost of our brave jawans.

Do share your opinion on the developments.