Pakistani actress and television host Madiha Imam has shared her candid thoughts on the idea of working in India, emphasizing that creativity should transcend borders while remaining sensitive to political and social realities.
Madiha, who began her career as a video jockey before transitioning into acting, has earned acclaim for her roles in popular dramas such as Ishq Mein Teray, Muqaddar, Baba Jani, Zakham, Ishq Jalebi, Dushman-e-Jaan, and Dil-e-Momin. Recently, she received praise for her performances in Yahya and Behroopia. She is married to Indian filmmaker Moji Basar, giving her a personal connection to cross-border artistic collaboration.
In a recent interview on a private channel, Madiha was asked about her willingness to work in India. She responded by stating that ideally, artists should have the freedom to work anywhere in the world. “For artists, creativity should flow freely. The entire world is a canvas for self-expression,” she remarked.
However, she acknowledged that cross-border projects come with sensitivities that require thoughtful consideration. “It is important to remain conscious of the circumstances and make well-thought-out decisions,” she added, highlighting the need for awareness alongside artistic freedom.
During the discussion, host Faysal Quraishi cited historical examples, such as Japanese actors continuing to work in Hollywood decades after World War II, to demonstrate that art can transcend political differences. Madiha agreed, noting that creative collaboration should ideally rise above conflicts while respecting cultural and political nuances.
In another part of the interview, Madiha expressed admiration for Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, saying she would love to invite her to Pakistan. She explained that Vidya Balan could bring significant value to Pakistan’s television industry if given the opportunity, further reflecting her belief in the power of cross-border artistic exchange.
Madiha Imam’s comments underscore a growing perspective among Pakistani artists: while creativity should know no borders, navigating international collaborations requires both sensitivity and awareness of broader contexts.
