Mehwish Hayat on Amitabh Bachchan’s refusal to play Pakistani role

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat, who  has recently received Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, expressed  disappointment over   Bollywood’s  megastar Big B’s move to   bar himself from playing a Pakistani protagonist in Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty’s directorial debut.

Showing her disappointment the actress said , movies have the power to build bridges especially when tensions are high.  She appeared to be a star  who conveys the message of peace and harmony and can  play a crucial  role for better cultural ties .

Hayat’s comments came after Amitabh Bachchan, who was all set to play a afore-mentioned role in Pookutty’s directorial film, has reportedly pulled out himself from the project.

The renowned actress of the Pakistan’s film industry  took to  Twitter to share her words about Big B’s decision, and wrote:”If true, this is very disappointing. Movies have the power to build bridges especially when tensions are high. I guess that in the end nationalism trumps everything – I hope that we can also take heed before we gush about all things Bollywood in future”, the actress tweeted.

Bachchan reportedly denied the role  because of the souring relation between Pakistan and India that has worsened due to air skirmish between two neighboring countries  after Pulwama attack.

It is leant that Resul had been discussing the script for his directorial debut with Bachchan for two years.

The cultural ties between India and Pakistan   also broke down and Pakistani stars and singers were   banned from Bollywood.

On the work front, Bachchan will next be seen in the multi-starrer Brahmastra, which is being directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar. The film also stars Alia Bhatt and Rabir Kapoor