Pakistani actress Meera created much controversy when she reportedly kissed Ashmit Patel in Mahesh Bhatt's production, Nazar. Apparently, the Pakistan government intends to impose a fine on her and ban other Pakistani actors from acting in Indian films.
Meera, however, maintains she is Pakistan's peace ambassador to India.
Don't miss Meera's rediff.com interview!
She answered questions from rediff.com readers in an exclusive chat on Thursday, March 3.
For those who missed the chat, here is the transcript:
Sohail : You are a shining star of our film industry. We are proud of your intellect, calibre and the maginitude of your fabulous successes. So please do not feel scared at all. Only a set of youngsters might have made you upset. Just ignore it. Work with zest to compete your collegues at a place which is already filled with grand stars. It is not easy to work with them. But you can, provide you do not loose heart.
MEERA : Thanks for your advice and for being my well-wisher. I will follow your advice. Thank you
pooja : heelo meera, how do u find indian movies?
MEERA : I like Hindi films, but not all hindi movies. I like films made by Mahesh Bhatt, Yash Chopra, and Karan Johan. I also like movies featuring Shahrukh Khan.
SwapnilChauhan : Hi Meera,, You look awesome in black.. Who gave you this name and whats ur original name???
MEERA : My name is Meera. In Pakistan 'Meera' means 'Mine'. It is not the same as the Indian 'Meera'. I don't have any surname.
SUJIL : MEERA..WHEN U CAME TO INDIA TO WORK IN FILMS, WERE YOU PRESSURISED TO MAKE SUCH BOLD SCENES BY BOLLYWOOD BUFFS OR WAS IT JUST PROFESSIONAL COMPULSION THAT PROMPTED YOU TO DO SUCH SCENES...OR WAS IT JUST A PASSING THING IN A CAREER OF AN ACTRESS..I AM SUJIL FROM DUBAI
MEERA : Firstly, I am a very famous actress in Pakistan. I became a superstar in Pakistan at the age of 16. When I used to walk on the roads, college kids used to run after me. I have seen fame since I was 15, so fame does not mean anything to me. I am a respected actress in Pakistan, and in future I will be a respected actress in India also. As far as bold scenes are concerned, I have not done any bold or vulgar scenes. But let me clarify this, that if the script demands then I will do it, because the profession demands. Nobody can force me to do anything on screen. I don't like vulgarity.
Amzad : What is your dream role?
MEERA : My dream roles are: 'Paro' in the movie Devdas, Kajol in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Rani Mukherjee in Black and Madhuri Dixit in Dil To Pagal Hai.
Musharraf : Meera,Honestly dont u think Pakistan film industry is nowhere close to India's
MEERA : India is a huge country compared to Pakistan. Why are we comparing the two countries?Pakistan is like a baby, while India is the mother. Pakistan has four states, compared to India's 28. So why are we comparing?
Jenser : Hi Meera, After beingvery sucessive in paktani cine industry how do you find your self in the Indian Industry and what major difference do you find between the both
MEERA : I will be successful in India also. I am confident of my work. There is no big difference between the Indian film industry and the Pakistan film industry, just the money difference. They pay you well in India, because the movies here have a big budget.
salman : Which male Bollywood star would you like to work with and why?
MEERA : I like Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan. They are all very very good actors.
madmanhawk : Hi, if given a chance, will u stay back in India? or will u go back to Pakistan?
MEERA : Pakistan is my country and India is the place where I am working. When I feel I will come to Pakistan or come back to India. I am the ambassador of peace. I feel India and Pakistan are like two sisters. If I desire I will go to any of the sisters whenever I want.
arjun : hi meera , you are so beautiful . you`ll surely give a lots of indian actresses a run for their money ..
MEERA : I want this to happen..:-) God has given me the talent, and I want to use it and show the world.Thanks for the compliment.
Shaan : Hi Meera... First of all hats up for ur work.Leave all the issues behind and go ahead.We all r there with u.After all u are just like any other indian actress for us now.So tell me whether you have any plan to settle down in india now or later???
MEERA : I am from Pakistan and I will never change my nationality. I am the ambassador of peace for both the countries.
amandeep : what u say about changing culture inwestern style
MEERA : Walk with the changing cultures in the world or else we will be left behind. You should be a good human being irrespective of the clothes that you wear. Never give up the good person inside you and your traditions and values.
NIC : WILL U MARRY ME,
MEERA : I will consider in future. I am busy right now....:-)
babup_joseph@rediffmail.com : meera ,r u feeling sorry about the kiss
MEERA : Why should I feel sorry? I have not done anything wrong.
ankit : What all Indian projects after nazaar are u working in or any near future plans??
MEERA : I have many offers, but right now I have not signed any more films.
spontaneous82in : hii Meera...would u ever work in an anti-pak bollywood movie...the movie depicting kargil war or some of the many events...?
MEERA : I will never work in an anti-Pak bollywood film.
inder : Meera, would you now feel afraid of going back to Pakistan after all that controversy?
MEERA : I am not afraid of going back to Pakistan because my government is with me. It is my country so why will I not go there?
kvk_nati : Can name some of Pakistan Actor & Actress and who is most loving actor & actress their according to you
MEERA : I love all the actors and actresses in Pakistan. They are all my colleagues and I respect them a lot.
pushkar : Hi mira,You are so beautiful.if in pakistan people do not like to do these kind of kiss then what u can do.pls live in mumbai and do indian films for us
MEERA : Ok I will do Indian movies.
manic : hi mira what do u think about indian cricket team compare to ur team
MEERA : Cricket is a game. Both the teams are the same.
Urfanz : Do you belive in Item Numbers?
MEERA : If there is a good item number, I will do it.
chiragshah : how can u make relationship stronger with india and pakistan ? Clarify?
MEERA : I am here for the same reason. I am here to build the bridges of peace between the two countries.
satish_meera : Is is Kissing in PAK is Crime ?
MEERA : Kissing is not allowed in Pakistani films.
pral : Do you feel that movies can bridge the gap?
MEERA : Yes of course!
casper : WHAT WILL YOU DO IF THE PAKISTAN GOVT BANS U FROM ACTING IN PAKISTANI MOVIES?
MEERA : This is not possible.
Shoiab : Which is your favourite song?
MEERA : My favourite song is 'Kaho na Kaho' from Murder and 'Jadu hai' from Jism.
santhoshBANGALORE : Splendid work done...Great..Keep it up...gossips are a part of film industry...so may i know when is the release of this movie??we r eagerly waiting to see u in action
MEERA : The movie is releasing on 20th May. Thank you.
kashyap : MEERA,WILL U DO A FILM LIKE "SHEESHA" OR "JULIE"
MEERA : Never. I hate doing such movies.
Urfanz : How was the Indian film industry when they found that you were a pakistani actress, any hostile rep?
MEERA : There are some people who didn't like it, but otherwise everybody is nice.
MEERA : Thank you everyone. It was nice chatting to you. If your question was not answered you can contact me on this
http://www.entertainment-world.tv/meera/contact.htm Good Bye