KARACHI: Leading Pakistani actors Humayun Saeed and Fahad Mustafa have said they were “honored and humbled” to receive awards at the recently held Bollywood’s FilmFare Middle East Achievers Night in Dubai, which brought together artistes from both Pakistan and India.
The two actors, along with Sajal Aly, attended the star-studded ceremony at Dubai’s World Trade Center, where all three of them were honored for their contribution to the Pakistani entertainment industry.
Saeed, who was named ‘Trendsetter of Pakistani Cinema’ at the mega event on Saturday, told Arab News they were “warmly” welcomed at the ceremony.
“The entire hall was full of Pakistanis and Indians. It was a good event,” the actor told Arab News.
“Got respect, it felt good. I’m very honored and humbled.”
Pakistani and Indian actors often collaborated with each other on music and film projects until a few years ago.
But threats from right-wing groups to attack cinemas forced Bollywood to drop Pakistani actors from Indian films, while Pakistan banned all cultural exchanges with India in 2019 after New Delhi revoked special autonomous status of part of the Kashmir region it controls.
Saeed, who is winning hearts across the world for his portrayal of Dr. Hasnat in Netflix’ The Crown Season 5, said while they could not perform together but events like this provided them an opportunity to celebrate each other’s work.
“This way, actors across the world get to respect and appreciate the work of their fellows,” he said.
“Whether we [Pakistan and India] work together or not, we should watch and celebrate each other’s work.”
Mustafa, widely known for his popular TV game show ‘Jeeto Pakistan,’ received the ‘Promising Star of Pakistan’ trophy at the awards. In his acceptance speech, he said it was an honor “to stand on Filmfare’s stage.”
“It felt really good. Got huge respect and gave the same,” he told Arab News on Tuesday.
The evening witnessed Pakistani and Indian stars warmly appreciating each other’s works, with Saeed’s super-hit drama serial ‘Mere Pass Tum Ho’ getting a mention on the stage.
Aly, one of Pakistan’s most popular and talented actresses, had an emotional reunion with Jhanvi Kapoor, whose late mother Sridevi co-starred with Aly in ‘Mom.’
Aly received the ‘Most Popular Face of Pakistani Cinema’ award at the event.
