Mahesh Bhatt reacts to Pakistani censors rejecting 'Begum Jaan': I am hurt

Vidya Balan in 'Begum Jaan'

Close on the heels of ban of Taapsee Pannu-starrer 'Naam Shabana' in Pakistan, 'Begum Jaan' has failed to secure a theatrical release in the neighbouring country over objections to the theme - Partition.

Speaking to us from Delhi, producer Mahesh Bhatt says, "I was told by my distributor that Pakistan, as a policy, does not permit the import of films dealing with the issue of Partition. I requested the key officer of the Pakistan censor board to at least view the film and then take a decision. I was assured they would look into the matter. Sadly, I have not heard from them since. My distributor informs me that his office has been intimated that Begum Jaan won't be imported into Pakistan."

Mahesh Bhatt

Naturally heartbroken, he adds, "I did not look at Pakistan just as a market to sell my wares. Yes, when Begum Jaan was not viewed by their Censor Board, I was ridiculed by some of my close associates. That did hurt."

The film is a remake of 2015 Bengali film Rajakahini. Director Srijit Mukherji says the irony is amusing. "It is the rule of someone's land, which must be respected.

Photos: 'Begum Jaan' Vidya Balan oozes oomph in this black saree

Unfortunately, the common thread binding these two nations is the history and Partition is the integral tragedy connecting us. All the hatred can be traced back to it.

Understanding and analysing it from a human view would help but it's a pity they don't want to. They are touchy and sensitive about this issue," says Mukherji.