Mahira Khan expressed support for Sarmad Sultan Khoosat who is receiving death threats to stop the release of his movie, Zindagi Tamasha. Despite clearance from three censor boards, criticism by local elements is deterring Khoosat to release the movie.
He posted a long note on his Twitter account and sought the advice of his fans on whether he should withdraw the release of the movie.
https://twitter.com/KhoosatSarmad/status/1218883372375838721?s=20
The actress expressed her angst on the intimidation of Khoosat from unknown people and commented that such a pressure tactic reinforces the power and influence of media on people.
She expressed her bewilderment over how a movie like Zindagi Tamasha, that has not been released yet, can scare people. At the end of her message, she motivated Sarmad Sultan to trust God and continue with his movie.
Khoosat’s heartfelt note
In a heartfelt note, Sarmad poured out his hard work and determination to create this movie. He affirmed that he is using the entertainment platform to bring a positive change in the society which he would not have been able to if he became a bureaucrat, with hands tied, had he followed the advice of his teacher in GCU Lahore.
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He regretted the demotivating comments from his friends who are goading to forgo his movie that took two years and all the savings of his career. Khoosat asserted that he will not thrash his movie over the opposition of a few elements.
He clarified his movie does not malign any particular sect, profession or religious leaders. ‘Zindagi Tamasha is an empathetic and heartfelt story of a bearded man who is so much more than just that’ wrote Khoosat in his open note.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot580d_BVtw
While Zindagi Tamasha has become the first Pakistani movie to win an award at Busan International Film Festival South Korea, the two-and-half-minute trailer received criticism from people at home. The backlash delayed the release of the film that was scheduled for 24th January.
Letter to PM Khan
He called the attention of PM Khan towards the unprovoked criticism of Zindagi Tamasha hindering its release. In his note, he included that bullies are transgressing the legal authority of CBFC that has cleared the movie.
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“I am bringing this to your notice not just because my team and I are being bullied and pressurized but also because this series of episodes undermines a state institution like the Central Board of Film Censors and strips it of its authority and stature. The space for rational and artistic thinking and expression must not be annexed by a few troublemakers for their political ends but I fear this is what will happen if we buckle under this time. Sincerely, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat.”