ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year, the ripple effects are being strongly felt in the cultural domain, where cross-border appreciation for music and film has long served as a bridge between the two nations.
The military conflict in early May—considered one of the worst escalations in decades—has extended its reach into the entertainment industry, disrupting artistic collaboration and limiting audience access to content across borders.
Digital Platforms Sever Cross-Border Connections
Pakistani rapper and comedian *Ali Gul Pir*, known for his large Indian fan base, said his online presence was significantly impacted after the conflict.
“Indians now recognise that the digital space serves as a bridge between Pakistanis and Indians, and they seem intent on severing that connection,” Pir told AFP.
In May, his *YouTube channel and Instagram profile were blocked in India*, despite no prior action when he previously mocked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a satirical song.
Similarly, *Pakistani singer Annural Khalid* reported a decline in her Indian audience following restrictions.
“Delhi was my top listening city before the ban,” she said. “I suffered a great loss in the audience from India… Listeners were deprived of content because music was turned into something it is not.”
Bans Affect Streaming and Bollywood Collaborations
Streaming platforms have also seen changes. The 2017 Bollywood film Raees, which featured *Mahira Khan* alongside *Shah Rukh Khan*, now appears on Spotify India without her credits.
Further setbacks hit film collaborations. Indian actor *Diljit Dosanjh* announced that his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which includes four Pakistani actors, would release only in overseas markets. Additionally, the release of cross-border romance Abir Gulaal—starring *Fawad Khan* and *Vaani Kapoor*—was postponed indefinitely.
Even prominent voices once supportive of cultural exchange shifted their stance. Veteran Indian actor *Suniel Shetty*, previously seen in peace-promoting roles, remarked:
“Everything should be banned… cricket, films, everything.”
Artists Call for Peace Through Creativity
Despite the restrictions, signs of mutual appreciation remain. As of late June, *three Indian films ranked among Netflix Pakistan’s top 10, while **two Pakistani songs trended in India’s top 20 music charts*.
HUM TV, a leading Pakistani broadcaster with a substantial Indian viewership, was among the platforms banned in India. The channel responded by advising Indian fans to access content using VPN services.
Meanwhile, Pakistani creatives continue to advocate for unity. *Dua Zahra*, assistant manager at Warner Bros South Asia’s music label in Pakistan, condemned the politicization of the arts:
“It’s something really unfortunate about politics, creating that rift and putting boundaries around art.”
Echoing this sentiment, Pir emphasized the need to prioritize shared culture over conflict.
