Re: Sana in Bollywood
'They did not want me to come to India' - Meera
By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com
In the midst of controversies, Meera is all set to see the release of her debut film in India in the form of Soni Razdan's 'Nazar'. However, Pakistani actress Meera doesn't seem to be the least pestered over what has been happening back home in Pakistan... 'I have done nothing wrong' she tells Vicky Lalwani.
How are you feeling over the release of your debut film in India?
I am very confident, as I have worked with great people. This film spreads the message of friendship, peace and unity between India and Pakistan. It is great to play the bridge between these two countries.
What has been the biggest difference between working in India and Pakistan?
I am very glad my misconception that Pakistanis are not treated well in India has been completely wiped off. I have lots of love and support from people here.
What made you do a film with Mahesh Bhatt's wife in the first place?
When we met Mahesh Bhatt at the film festival in Pakistan, he suggested that we do a film together. I loved his sincerity and his intention of doing a film, which could bring both the countries together. I immediately agreed.
After you, another Pakistani actress Sana Nawaz came to India and is doing a film. How do you feel about that?
That was precisely the reason why I did a film here. I had to go through the hard way and my path was full of thorns, but I am glad that it has opened all doors for others to come and do films out here. I just pray more and more like me come and do films in India.
But your family was not in support of you doing a film here in India?No one was in support of me doing a film here. In fact, as you can see my father does not even leave me for a single minute and constantly follows me like a spy. But I guess that things will change once the film releases.
Did your father and other family members have a problem about the kissing scene?
No, they had a problem with me doing a Hindi film. They did not want me to come to India. I know they're still not happy. They keep stressing that I should return to Pakistan.
Which are the other films you are doing?
I have just completed the film 'Kasak' with Lucky Ali and Raj Babbar. It is an art film, but I cannot give you more details.
Are you disappointed that 'Nazar' is not releasing in Pakistan?
I will be very angry if the film does not release there. It's my right as I belong from Pakistan. If India can have a release, then why not Pakistan?
Are you making any effort on the personal front?
I will speak to President Pervez Musharraf when I go back. I want 'Nazar' to release there, as my people there really love me.
But 'Mughal-E-Azam' has already been given a go ahead?
See, 'Mughal-E-Azam' a great film. It is a classic and a citizen of UK is holding the rights, so it's easier.
You had said that you were receiving some threats with reference to the kissing scene you have done in 'Nazar'. Are you still receiving those?
Yes, but I don't understand why they are doing it without watching the film. Let's see what happens after the film releases.
Does the kissing issue have to do with the fact that Ashmit Patel is a Hindu?
Yes, it is something like that.
So, do you regret kissing him in the film?
No, I don't. It is not even a kiss. It is just a romantic scene with a small peck on the lips. I don't think I have done anything wrong.
Don't films in Pakistan have kisses?
Of course there are kisses and there are kisses in every film. But in my case, things were different and there were many other reasons as well.
You said you needed police protection.
Yeah. I have my personal bodyguards.
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But why would any one want to harm you?**
See, there are people who do not want peace between the two countries and so I'm in fear.
Did the government give you the police protection?
They did. And now I have private security as well.
Who are these people who have been threatening you?
I don't know.
But there hasn't been any official name of a terrorist organization?
I never said they were from any terrorist organization.
But then who would threaten you?
There are people from my industry and they are my people.
My people, meaning?
They can be anyone from my family or my friends who do not want me to come to India and do films here.
So, you know who they are?
Yes.
Why don't you tell the whole world?
I don't want to. After all they are my people. I don't want to go against them. I don't wash dirty linen in public.
People think this is all a publicity stunt for your film 'Nazar'?
It's not a publicity stunt. And I don't care for those who feel it that way.
Are there any other projects in the pipeline?
An 'Umrao Jaan' remake, which will be directed by Afzal Ahmed.