In an interview with Irshad Bhatti, while discussing a changed perspective on courtisans, Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar revealed that he declined to write Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. Stating that it was supposed to be a film named Mandi, he put forward an important condition for writing it. He said he commanded the team to ensure he is given the same respect accorded to Indian artists in Pakistan.
Khalil-ur-Rehman further added that he promised to write the film for free if his country and he are given the rightful respect and honor. He added that when an Indian artist visits Pakistan, the media and social media rally after them; however, it is not reciprocated on the other side of the border. His only demand was to be followed by the Indian media in the same way.
He added that the team said that if he is not writing it, it will not be a film, and they kept their promise by not only changing the name but also making a series instead. He also criticized the Pakistani media and entertainment industry, saying that they have been chasing clout for notorious and disrespectful artists like Javed Akhtar, while their social media and mainstream media are filled with hatred for Pakistan and its artists.
Javed Akhtar has been in the news after he made anti-Pakistan statements, where he said he would rather choose hell over Pakistan. During his visit to Pakistan during the Faiz Festival, he also connected Pakistan to terrorism in the region.
