Blame Media not Feroze Khan: Dale Bhagwagar

Blame Media not Feroze Khan: Dale Bhagwagar
Monday, May 22, 2006 13:28 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Denying the authenticity of the entire controversy surrounding veteran actor and film-maker Feroz Khan's trip to Pakistan along with the Indian delegation, Dale Bhagwagar, public relations officer of Akbar Khan's 'Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story', has squarely blamed the media for dramatizing incidents "which do not warrant national attention".

Ever since the controversy gained momentum, the Khan brothers have been unavailable for comment. While Feroz Khan's whereabouts could not be ascertained, Akbar Khan has flown to Iran on a personal visit after his return from Pakistan.

Replying to queries about the news regarding Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, banning Feroz Khan's entry into Pakistan, after the actor's remarks at a Press conference in Lahore, Bhagwagar said, "Do you really believe that a man of the stature of the President of Pakistan has the time to be involved in minor incidents like these?

Since the last two days, the media is going berserk covering the episode, inspite of there being no official confirmation from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. The media seems to be simply delighted to cover the issue quoting "sources in the Pakistan Presidency" and "reports from intelligence agencies".

When asked if he implies the media reports are fabricated, the public relations officer retaliated, "Has any newspaper, website or channel come out with authentic proof of what they are stating. They are all quoting or picking up from each other."

He adds, "From day one, the media has been giving undue importance to this incident. Mr Akbar Khan, who was an integral part of the Indian delegation to Pakistan, has clearly stated that what happened regarding his brother in Pakistan was a slip of the tongue."

Bhagwagar further stressed that he sees vested interests in this debate about whether Feroz Khan should be banned in Pakistan.

"When I did my research, it came to be known that the origin of the story of this so-called ban, was from none other than Mr Fakhr-E-Alam, the compare of the Press Conference in Lahore.

I'm told, Mr Alam is a fading actor in Pakistan, who is 'using' this incident to gain mileage for himself through fiery interviews in the Pakistan media.

In his quest for his two minutes of fame, he is forgetting and ignoring the fact that he is responsible for raking up an unnecessary 'nationalistic' debate between the two countries. What's more; the media, for the sake of sensationalism, is willingly falling prey to the antics."

It can be noted here that earlier, BJP vice-president Mr Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi termed Feroz Khan as a "national hero" and applauded him for standing up for the country in Pakistan.

At this juncture, 'Taj Mahal' maker Akbar Khan was furious, claiming that Mr Naqvi had tried to politicize the incident. With the news about President Musharraf banning Feroz Khan's entry into his country, the issue has again begun to have political undertones in India.

"I feel the media should concentrate on positive developments that have taken place ever since the Indian delegation visited Pakistan for the 'Taj Mahal' premieres in Lahore and Karachi. The love and respect the Pakistani people gave our delegation was unbelievable.

After it returned from Pakistan, the Government of India has invited the Lahore-based Pakistan Film Producers Association (PFPA) to Delhi on June 25 for a Pakistani film festival, which is such an optimistic development. Lets hope this confluence of cultures ushers in a new era of friendship", concludes Bhagwagar on a positive note.
‘Stardom pushes you to do better’ - says global star Ram Charan

In a recent interaction, global star Ram Charan opened up about stardom as he reflected on its impact on his work and his approach...

Saturday, January 13, 2024
Nehha Pendse opens up about her new show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai!

The well-known talented actor Neha Pendse has entertained her audience through her magnificent performances in several Bollywood...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Kanwar Grewal in a tete a tete with Roopam Singh on farmers' demonstrations and latest release!

For over 3 months, farmers have been in revolt. While it was a slow-starting, after two to three months, separate unions...

Saturday, January 09, 2021
Exclusive interview of Harf Cheema by Roopam Singh on farmers' protests!

Farmers have been in a protest for over 3 months. Though the start of this protest was slow, various unions started marches towards the...

Thursday, December 31, 2020
I rejected Sacred Games initially as I had no idea how web series worked: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Catch the entire episode of Royal Stag Barrel Short Large Films on Saturday, 2nd January 2021 on Zee Cafe...

Tuesday, December 29, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT