Bollywood actor Feroze Khan's comments highlighting the comfort levels of Muslims in India in comparison to that in Pakistan set off a heated verbal exchange between him and a local compere at the premiere of Taj Mahal in Lahore.
ISLAMABAD: Bollywood actor Feroze Khan's comments highlighting the comfort levels of Muslims in India in comparison to that in Pakistan set off a heated verbal exchange between him and a local compere at the premiere of Taj Mahal in Lahore.
Feroze Khan, who is in Pakistan along with his family, including son Fardeen Khan, to attend the premiere of his brother Akbar Khan's film Taj Mahal, got engaged in a war of words with Fakhar-e-Alam, at the function for the movie's release in Lahore on Tuesday.
"I am a proud Indian. India is a secular country. Muslims there are making lot of progress. Our President is a Muslim, Prime Minister a Sikh.
"Pakistan was made in the name of Islam but look how the Muslims are killing each other," Feroze Khan was quoted as saying during the premiere by the local daily The Nation on Friday.
He went on to say that "I have not come here on my own. I was invited to come. Our films are so powerful that your government could not stop them from long," the daily reported.
His comments set off a backstage row between him and Alam, who took up the issue with the 67-year-old actor resulting in a heated exchange.
The other Indian film stars and delegates apologised to Alam over the incident, the report said.
The Indian delegation that attended the premiere included Minister for Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni and Congress Member of Parliament Rajiv Shukla.
Feroze later denied making remarks against Pakistan or its people.
"I have a lot of respect for the people of Pakistan who received us with great love. It is a matter of pride for me that the film of my brother is being exhibited here and people not only gave a very warm welcome to the delegation but also an encouraging response to the film too," he was quoted as saying by another newspaper, The Post.
"Fakhar-e-Alam showed disrespect to my colleague Manisha Koirala by asking a question in an indecent manner. I asked him to be responsible and not ask such questions. I did not use even a single word to disgrace Pakistan, the Pakistani people or my hosts. Any such story can be concocted. How can a staunch supporter of friendship between two neighbouring countries speak any word that could harm the peace efforts?" he said.
Feroze’s comments drew mixed reaction in the media here.
Reporting on the Taj Mahal premiere, the Daily Times said "although the announcer made glaring mistakes in pronouncing names, Feroze saved the evening by taking over and delivering a grand speech. He praised the Indian and Pakistani leaders for making such an event possible. His speech was met by applause," it said.
The Nation said the incident left a "bad taste in the mouths of Pakistani audience and artistes to see the other side of the Indian hero's personality."
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