Branded anti-Pak, actress thumbs her nose

Branded anti-Pak, actress thumbs her nose
KAMAL SIDDIQI

LAHORE, FEB 22

Sued for "degrading the name of Pakistan" just because she appeared in an Indian television show, Reema, the reigning queen of Lollywood, Lahore's film industry, says she has "no regrets whatsoever".

Her appearance in an Indian TV show in 1998 in which she advocated better relations between India and Pakistan, along with other film and TV stars of the two countries, provoked a fellow Pakistani into taking her to court and charging her with "anti-state activities".

Twenty-two-year-old Reema is considered to be one of the hottest stars here although unlike Bollywood, there aren't many challengers in the wings. Speaking to The Indian Express at her Lahore home, she says: "I know everybody is after Reema but this is not the way to unseat me."

The programme, which was aired on an Indian satellite television channel, is widely watched in Pakistan. Reema, along with two other Pakistani stars, TV personality Atiqa Odho and Sajjad Ali, a popular singer, appeared in the programme which caused some controversy at home since Reema was accused of singing Dil Dil Pakistan, Jan Jan Hindustan.

Despite denials, a committee of the Parliament was set up to look into the incident and a case was initiated against Reema, in her hometown. "There is basically no case. There is nothing that they can go on," said Reema dismissively, when asked whether she is upset over the implications of a legal battle over her appearance.

But Reema said that the case has been made out by the "gutter press" since she had quarreled with them over their "cheap reporting". When asked whether she would again appear on an Indian TV programme, Reema said: "Of course, I will. I am a Pathan girl and am not cowed down when I know I have done nothing wrong."

Reema said that the purpose of her appearing on an Indian TV channel was to dispel the impression that Pakistani film actresses were all uneducated and unpresentable. She said that she would continue to work for the upgradation of the image of Pakistani filmstars, since there was an serious imageproblem. "Not only do we make bad movies. We also give bad vibes," she said.

Currently, Reema is shooting for two films, Khuda Qasam and Uff Yeh Biwian. The controversy surrounding Reema's appearance has made the Pakistani showbiz world sit up and take notice.

Ghazal queen Iqbal Bano said that while it may be right to pursue those Pakistanis who gave the country a bad name abroad, in Reema's case "no damage has been done". Bano said that the artistes were the best ambassadors of goodwill that a country had, and "Reema is no exception".