The supernatural thriller Nazar (2005), starring Ashmit Patel completed 19 years on May 20. The film is memorable as it was the launch vehicle of Pakistani actress Meera in Bollywood. Before the release, the promo of Nazar and the title song featured Meera getting intimate with Ashmit. It led to a lot of brouhaha in Pakistan and kept the film in the news. As Nazar celebrated its 19th anniversary, Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke with Ashmit Patel who opened up on this controversial episode.
Ashmit Patel explained how it all began, “We showcased the film at the Kara Film Festival in Karachi, Pakistan. The title song features a little peck on the lips between Meera and me. That became a bone of contention. I don’t know whether it was an India vs Pakistan thing – a Pakistani girl kissing an Indian man – or a Hindu vs Muslim thing – a Muslim girl kissing a Hindu boy. Nothing came out of it except that for the premiere, they rejected my visa application. I couldn’t go!”
When asked to elaborate, Ashmit explained, “During the film’s release, the premiere was held in Pakistan. Everyone went from the film’s team, except for me.”
The move was baffling. By that logic, even the cinematographer should not have been allowed as he was the one who shot the steamy scene. Ashmit Patel emphasized, “They (the Pakistani officials) wanted to make a statement. Disallowing the DOP, who is not at the forefront, would not have made a point. Hence, they rejected my visa which was clearly a message that don’t kiss our lady (laughs)!”
More Pages: Nazar Box Office Collection , Nazar Movie Review
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