Hema Malini appreciates Pakistani artists

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Hema Malini steered clear of the controversy by refusing to opine on whether or not Pakistani artists should be allowed to stay in India or not but didn't stop short of appreciating their work.

Hema Malini dew similarity between Indian and Pakistani artists but refused to comment on whether Pakistani singers, musicians and actors should be allowed to stay in the country or not.

"I don’t want to comment much on this controversial question. But all I can say is that we are artistes and so are those who come from there (Pakistan) to perform here," she said. "As an artiste, I can appreciate their work. But whether they should stay here or not, I can’t comment," she commented further.

Pakistani artists were threatened by Indian extremists after Uri attack took place in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed. India placed blame on Pakistan hours after the attack had taken place, which the latter vehemently denied.

Ever since the attack took place and relations further deteriorated between the two neighbour states, sections of the Indian media called upon Pakistani artists to condemn the Uri attack. Pakistani artists Fawad Khan, Ali Zafar and Mahira Khan have been on the receiving end of much flak from the Indian media.