Celebrities Interview - Exclusive

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"I hope by the time I come to Mumbai, tempers would cool do
Jagmohan Mundhra has invited his Shoot On Sight lead Mikaal Zulfikar to Mumbai. But will the young actor be allowed to work in Mumbai?

Speaking from Karachi Mikaal says, "I need to be in Mumbai and work in Bollywood. I may have visa problems while coming to Mumbai, because I am a dual passport-holder (Pakistani and British). We're hearing a lot of anti-Pakistan sentiments coming from India. Some important people in India are talking about a war with Pakistan. That's the worst possible option for both countries. Both the countries are at war with terror. The countries should not be at war with each other."

Contrary to the belief that Pakistan is jubilant over the terrorist attack on Mumbai, Mikaal affirms that the average Pakistani is as horrified by the attack on Mumbai as they were when Karachi was similarly attacked some time ago.

Speaking from Karachi, Mikaal says, "The two attacks are no different. Both Pakistan and India are at war with terror. And I speak for ninety percent of Pakistan when I say what has happened in Mumbai has deeply saddened us Pakistanis. Mumbai is a second home to me. Over in Pakistan we face many more terror attacks than India. We're more terrorized than you are. I guess we've to live with terrorism in today's world. And we need to stand up and face it as a global community."

Mikaal thinks Pakistan and India should come together to fight terrorism. "We in Pakistan are distraught that this should happen at a time when relations were getting so much better. We can't let terrorism triumph by letting relations suffer. A minuscule section of people are spoiling things between the countries."

The young actor says he has no idea which groups struck Mumbai. "I get information from the news reports, just like anyone else. But we do know what happened in Mumbai was total terror, and we wouldn't wish this on anyone. We're neighbours. We need to work together. Even our Prime Minister has handled the situation sensibly, not getting provoked by the blame game. We understand India is angry. And we know some people are speaking out of emotions rather than rationality."

Mikaal says the average Pakistani does not endorse terrorism. No one in Pakistan wants violence. "I've heard two Pakistani comedians working in Mumbai (Nadeem and Ehsaan) have been asked to fly back. Frankly, I hope by the time I come to Mumbai tempers would cool down. With due respects to Indian sentiments, to blame the whole of Pakistan is cruel and unfair. In Pakistan we share India's pain, Terror sabke liye terror hai."

Says Mikaal, "I'd love to come to India, but if I feel it isn't safe then I won't. But I don't think that's the case. I've been to India before and I've never felt any hostility. I want to bring a message of peace and love from Pakistan and India. I hope the wounds heal by the time I come to Mumbai. If not, I'd like to heal them. For us in Pakistan a terror attack in Mumbai is as gruesome as an attack on Lahore or Karachi."
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