We have decided not to show Pakistan’s programmes: Subhash Chandra

In the wake of the Uri attack, where 18 Indian soldiers were attacked in their sleeping tents, Rajya Sabha MP and Essel Group Chairman Subhash Chandra has spoken up about the ban on Pakistan’s programmes on Zindagi channel. While talking to a popular daily, Chandra said that he had requested Pakistani actors (Fawad, Mahira, Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, Veena Malik, and Imran Abbas, among others) to condemn the Uri attack, but they refused to do so. He further added to the sire, "Nobody did it (condemned the attack). We even said don't name Pakistan, but they didn't do it... What to do?” "If you want to fight, fight from the front, but why attack sleeping soldiers? So, we have decided not to showcase Pakistan's programmes," he added to the daily. Zindagi Channel, launched in 2014 with the tagline 'Jodey dilon ko', brought to us endearing tales from across the border. In a way, it showed us how similar Pakistani lifestyle was. The shows eventually made way for actors like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan's debut in Bollywood as well. But following the attack, the actors, along with other Pakistani artists were given an ultimatum by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to leave India. The media honcho even shared about his friendship with Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and added to the daily, "But when the Prime Minister of that country speaks the same language in the United Nations, then I was forced to do it (pull the programmes). That doesn't mean that Nawaz Sharif will not remain my friend," he said. It seems that Chandra has also asked Dharma Productions to not work with Pakistani artists in the future, the site added. We still don’t know that fate of the production house’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which stars Fawad in an extended cameo. However, Chandra told the site that "Our doors are not permanently shut" and that he planned to work together with them in the future. Zindagi is gearing up for a revamp where it will show Indian productions and a series from Turkey, apart from world cinema.