These celebs call out silence within the industry over Zindagi Tamasha fiasco
Pakistan’s first film of 2020, Zindagi Tamasha was slated to hit cinemas on January 24, however, the Sarmad Khoosat’s directorial has been stopped from release on its scheduled date, despite being cleared by multiple censor boards twice, on the pretext that if released the film may create unrest within a segment of the society.
The film was mainly suspended after an Islamist political party objected to its portrayal of a struggling cleric. What’s more shocking is that showbiz fraternity has remained silent on the matter and except a very few, no one from the industry even responded to the film’s release being halted.
Thankfully Mahira Khan and a few other celebs have now called out the silence within the industry that should’ve stood up in support of the film.
The deafening silence is criminal. #zindagitamasha https://t.co/IApZzmkbuU
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) February 6, 2020
Osman Khalid Butt responded to her tweet, making a point about stars raising their voices beyond social media.
I do agree, though, that social media pressure is perhaps not enough.
Anyone who takes the stage at PISA should speak about #ZindagiTamasha.— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) February 6, 2020
‘Strongly urge everyone taking the stage (or walking the red carpet) at the #PISAs tonight to speak out regarding the #ZindagiTamasha fiasco. An attack on one film is an attack on the entire fraternity. Freedom of expression cannot be held hostage like this. Let’s get political,’ Osman tweeted urging celebs to speak about Zindagi Tamasha fiasco on PISA Award Ceremony, scheduled to be held in Dubai tonight.
Strongly urge everyone taking the stage (or walking the red carpet) at the #PISAs tonight to speak out regarding the #ZindagiTamasha fiasco. An attack on one film is an attack on the entire fraternity. Freedom of expression cannot be held hostage like this.
Let's get political.— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) February 7, 2020
Mira Sethi is another celeb who has come forward to support the movie and rally for its release.
The ban on #ZindagiTamasha has everything to do with protecting the egos & interests of those “offended” than the actual content of the movie which contains nothing underhanded or sly.
That’s WHY it was initially unanimously cleared by the censor board.
Release the movie.
— Mira Sethi (@sethimirajee) February 6, 2020
“The ban on Zindagi Tamasha has everything to do with protecting the egos & interests of those ‘offended’ than the actual content of the movie which contains nothing underhanded or sly… That’s why it was initially unanimously cleared by the censor board… Release the movie,” Mira tweeted.
It is indeed disheartening to see so few artists taking a stand for the movie’s release. We hope and wish other celebs act upon OKB’s advice and use the platform of PISA to stand in solidarity with Sarmad Khoosat.