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I’m a very good girl


3/10/2005

SHE was already famous in Pakistan but it was a screen kiss that netted actress Meera international headlines.
The clinch took place between her and co-star Ashmit Patel in her debut Bollywood film 'Nazar.'
The outrage in sexually conservative India and Pakistan was huge.
The Lahore-born black-haired beauty received death threats and there were demands for an apology for her "vulgar" and "un-Islamic" behaviour.
The trouble with all this was that the kiss was not a kiss. At least that's what Meera insisted when I spoke to her at the Bradford 'Bite the Mango' film festival.
Meera maintains she is a good Pakistani girl with high morals.
"It wasn't actually a real kiss we just did an imitation of a smooch," she said.
"I wouldn't do anything to jeopardise my reputation as a good actress.
"I come from a very respectable family and the whole thing was really blown out of proportion.
"There were some people in Pakistan who were upset that I was in India starring in a Bollywood film and this was a way to get bad publicity for me.
"I don't even know how this rumour had got out, but it really got around fast.
"I received death threats from Islamic fundamentalists, and all this even before the movie was released.
"It was a very upsetting part of my career, but I learned to get on and ignore the malicious rumour which was aimed solely to destroy my credibility as an actress."
'Nazar' was the first Pakistani/Indian crossover movie made in 50 years. Directed by leading Bollywood film maker Mahesh Bhatt, the aim was to improve relationships between both countries.
Meera plays a music presenter Divya who is haunted by strange visions of brutal murders. To help her discover what is happening, is Ashmit Patel who plays the cool cop Rohan.
As they unravel the reasons behind the mysterious visions, both fall in love.
Though the controversial film failed to make much of an impact at the box-office, Meera's talent and screen presence was definitely noticed and she has since signed up for a further four films in India.
Meera started her career as a leading model touring Pakistan. She was talent spotted by director Samina Peerzada who gave her the female lead in her film Inteha which earned Meera her first award - for best actress at Pakistan's annual film awards. A star was born!
Since then she has gone from strength to strength.
In her relatively short career Meera has appeared in over 60 films playing an eclectic mix of roles.
Bollywood recognised Meera's versatility as an actress and roped her in from across the border.
So what is it like to be a Pakistani actress in Bollywood?
"It is great. I have never once felt that I was a away from home," she said.
"Since my arrival I have had nothing but support. Mahesh Bhatt, for example, has been magnificent. I don't think I would have come this far if it had not been for him.
"I have always admired films from India and it was a long term ambition to star in a Hindustani movie.
"My fans in Pakistan are happy for me, and most importantly I am a part of this drive to improve relationships between my own country and India.
"For too long there has been tension, especially between the film industries. Although many Pakistanis watch Bollywood movies on DVD, they are actually banned in the cinema.
"'Nazar' became the first film from India to be screened in Pakistan after 50 years.
"It was definitely a momentous occasion and something that I am very proud of."

S.B


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Most recent 2 of 3 user comments

   I think its up to her how she lives her life she doesn't owe anyone any justifications !! As for Soraya and Salina get a life girls (you sound like 12yrs old who just happen to be jealous) who are you to judge what is "islamic" right or wrong we shall leave that to the almighty ALLAH!!! One thing can be seen here that she is only acting and doing what she does best its must be a fantastic opportunity to act in a bollywood flick. GOOD LUCK
Nyla, UK
7/02/2006 at 16:01
   I can't believe that she thinks that what she is doing is right! I am not saying that eveerything I do is right, but how can you hug and 'pretend ' to kiss people of the opposite sex and show so much of your body and say that islamically you are not doing anything wrong? She obviously needs to go and read the Quran to see where she is going wrong.
soraya, uk
18/12/2005 at 18:51
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