INDIA’s role of a spoilsport is tiresome. From pulling books from shelves, such as Wendy Doniger’s The Hindus: An Alternative History to name justone, to targeting films, plays, satirists and actors with protests from far-right elements, the India-Pakistan rivalry has reached the cricket field, bookstores and the big screen. Last December, the Indian authorities halted the release of The Legend of Maula Jatt, a Pakistani blockbuster. This year, they ensured that Team India played its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai. Now this political chill is likely to devour Abir Gulaal, a new film scheduled for a May release, featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. As the teaser garnered substantial excitement from a large section of cinephiles, political outfits and film associations were quick to oppose the collaboration. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, a BJP ally known for its nuisance value, has stated that the film will not be screened in Maharashtra, while raking up the 2019 Pulwama incident.

Understandably, film bodies have little choice but to align with autocratic rulers. But the BJP-led regime’s refusal to lift its cross-border cultural and sports blockade has hurt the much-touted ‘Brand India’ campaign; such mindless ruckus is a blow to economic benefits, legitimate businesses and stakeholders on both sides. Only piracy networks stand to gain from it. Arts, sports and culture transcend caste, creed and borders. For the longest time, culture and cricket have served as diplomatic channels through which both countries have defused tensions and revived ties. Sadly, India’s religious and identity-based politics has no space for pragmatism. The consequences of hate are often irreversible. The onus is on India to give peace and prosperity a chance so that wider discussions can take place. This will ease visa restrictions, generate religious and cultural tourism as well as revive trade. The nuclear-armed neighbours must allow soft power to resolve hostilities.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2025