In an intimate and heartfelt interview, legendary actress Mumtaz shared the memorable experiences from her recent trip to Pakistan, where she had the pleasure of meeting some of the country’s top stars, including Fawad Khan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. During her visit, Mumtaz received extraordinary hospitality from these renowned figures, leading her to advocate for lifting the ban on Pakistani artists in India.
In her interview with Zoom, Mumtaz opened up about the warmth and generosity she encountered. She recounted a particularly touching moment involving Fawad Khan, the celebrated Pakistani actor known for his roles in both Pakistani dramas and Hindi films. “Do you know what he (Fawad) did? He reserved an entire restaurant for me. It was just Fawad, his wife, and child with me at the restaurant,” Mumtaz revealed. This gesture of booking an entire dining establishment exclusively for her, underscored Fawad Khan’s exceptional hospitality and respect towards the actress.
Mumtaz also shared her experience with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary Pakistani singer. Despite being unwell, Khan insisted on performing for Mumtaz, adding a deeply personal touch to her visit. “Rahat saab was not well when we met. But he insisted on singing for me. I felt very special. Mujhe laga abhi bhi main Mumtaz hoon,” Mumtaz said, translating to “I felt I am still that Mumtaz,” illustrating the emotional significance of the moment for her.
The actress’s trip also included a series of photographs with Fawad Khan, where the two were seen engaging in a warm conversation. Mumtaz wore a stylish black top and maroon pants, while Fawad was dressed in a traditional black kurta-pyjama with a navy blue shawl draped over his shoulders. The images captured the camaraderie and mutual admiration between the two, highlighting their genuine friendship.
Mumtaz’s visit and subsequent revelations came at a time when she had been vocal about the need to lift the ban on Pakistani artists in India. This ban, which affects several Pakistani artists, has been a point of contention and debate in the cultural sphere. Mumtaz’s positive experiences with Fawad Khan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan serve as a testament to the enduring cultural ties and personal connections that transcend political and geographical boundaries.
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Fawad Khan, who gained fame for his roles in popular Pakistani dramas and made a notable appearance in the 2016 Bollywood film “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil,” has since been focusing on his career in Pakistan. He is currently starring in the supernatural show “Barzakh.” Reflecting on his career hiatus, Fawad expressed gratitude towards his fans for their patience. “I have always been very thankful to fans who have waited for me and I apologise for making them wait for so long. But it was not in my hands,” he told PTI in a Zoom interview.
He further elaborated on the nature of fame and public perception, stating, “I’m a firm believer that everything has its own time… You say that ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ but we also have another saying, ‘aankh ojhal, pahaad ojhal’ (out of sight, out of mind). This also happens,” reflecting on the complexities of maintaining a public presence while managing personal and professional responsibilities.
Mumtaz’s heartfelt recounting of her time in Pakistan highlights the importance of maintaining cultural connections and personal bonds despite political and social challenges. Her experiences with Fawad Khan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan underscore the universal nature of respect and hospitality, offering a glimpse into the positive side of cross-cultural interactions.
