'Happy Bhaag Jayegi' director writes to Pak censor board, questions ban

Karachi : After Pakistani censor board imposed ban on the romantic comedy 'Happy Bhaag Jayegi' in the province, director Mudassar Aziz has written an open letter addressed to the board members and asked for a valid reason behind the same. According to an Express Tribune report, the writer/director in his letter also pointed out that Pakistan is often considered a horrifying place but a visit is enough for a person to know how wonderful it really is. "I realised that this 'perception' of lawlessness and lack of freedom of choice is untrue. Pakistan actually is a land of limitless potential and bright, eager minds. It left me pleasantly surprised," wrote Aziz. "In fact it seemed like I came back from a visit to the neighbours, just as neighbours should be!" he added. The ban came as a shock to the director, who claimed there is nothing in the film to defame Pakistan, adding it in fact brings out the positives of the place. "The first ever film content that showed people on both sides of this seventy-year-old border as simple human beings with affection, honesty, love and their small shortcomings was found OFFENSIVE by you! Wow!" he said. Aziz appealed to the board to show the film to the people and then decide whether they find something offensive in the movie or not. "I dare you to show Happy Bhag Jayegi to one common Pakistani. One who loves his family, strives for his daily bread, loves his cricket, loves his films and lives his life under the nonsensical garb that you force down his throat. Let that common smile-deprived Pakistani who is tired of being viewed as the only stranger in the world that has largely become one big melting pot today, come and tell you that he finds Happy Bhag Jayegi offensive, and I promise you that my apology note to you will be even longer than this letter," he urged. Interestingly, Pakistani actors Javed Sheikh and Momal Sheikh are also a part of this Daina Panty starrer movie. He said that there has to be a concrete reason for the ban or else it is worthless. Aziz concludes the letter with, "Thank you but no thank you.