Sarmad Khoosat played Manto back in September 2015, which was followed by a TV series containing the same cast that was released in December of 2015.
Khoosat’s version of the Manto’s life and stories were praised by people all over the world, including our bordering neighbors, India.
With the release of Nandita Das’s version of Manto starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui back in September of this year, a conversation around art should have no borders has once again arisen.
Sarmad Khoosat remains appalled at the fact that Pakistan has banned the release of the Indian version of Manto due to political and national controversies rather than allowing beautiful art to speak for itself.
After the Indian version of ‘Manto’ released on Netflix recently Sarmad is going off at the producers of his movie, Geo Films for not doing the same
I had kept my mouth rather shut about it earlier but pehlay ghar ka musla suljha lein phir bahar ki baat kartay hain. I have felt very embarrassed in front of innumerable fans who keep asking about why isn’t it available online. So, Jaago aur jeenay do #GEOFILMS
— Sarmad Khoosat (@KhoosatSarmad) December 19, 2018
Well, this social media warfare is agonising and rathe trivial most of the times but I must reiterate that MY Manto got a lot of ‘acceptance’ and appreciation in India. We travelled with the film from Delhi to Mumbai to Kolkata to Goa and Jaipur.
— Sarmad Khoosat (@KhoosatSarmad) December 19, 2018
Manto was met with awards from the Indian film industry as well.
Indian audiences and film fraternity gave the film and us a lot of love. If I may brag, at the Jaipur filmfest, Manto won Best Actor Award too. Other than some truly phenomenal films, PIKU was there too. And we all know what stalwarts PIKU had.
— Sarmad Khoosat (@KhoosatSarmad) December 19, 2018
Even though the movie was not advertised like it was supposed to be according to Sarmad, he admits, the movie was received with a warm welcome.
Yes, we did not get a commercial release despite Zee Studios having bought the rights to distribute it but that was more of a political mess that affected much more than films between the two countries.
— Sarmad Khoosat (@KhoosatSarmad) December 19, 2018
Nandita Das, the filmmaker behind the Indian Manto also had a few words to add to this conversation
Her main goal in creating her version of Manto was to continue to tell the story of a legend and continue the legacy. She believes Manto is a story that should be told by all that believe in the message and have something to add to the conversation. The more the merrier in her opinion. She is a prime example of how welcoming the Pakistani version has been all over India and should be the same in Pakistan.
The last thing we want to do to #Manto and his legacy is to make it India vs Pakistan or Indian Manto vs Pakistani Manto or Sarmad Khoosat Official vs Nawazuddin Siddiqui. In fact I feel there should be many… https://t.co/oHLxqYSqNU
— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) December 19, 2018
To which Khoosat replied
(Who else is loving the emphasis he put on having to watch it on Netflix?)
Absolutely NOT!❤️ much love for u @nanditadas and @Nawazuddin_S …. unfortunately I’ll have to watch it on Netflix and I must admit I am equally nervous and excited. Sarhad say azaad hai yeh pyar. Manto Zindabad. https://t.co/7fSqn0iFO4
— Sarmad Khoosat (@KhoosatSarmad) December 19, 2018
Khoosat’s opinion on this matter has been well-received by people on both sides of the border, especially Indians.
I was blown away by your performance when I watched it online as drama.I had been dying to watch the movie ever since the news of it came out nevertheless you were outstanding.Btw hope you remember me this is your mad fan shivani from India.I used to post on your fb timeline☺️
— shivani292 (@shivani292) December 19, 2018
So much love from Indian fans
So much love from India, for your act in the series of legand MANTO @KhoosatSarmad . pic.twitter.com/xseFepkf7j
— RAJAT KUMAR (@KEYAT9) December 19, 2018
Some Indian fans want to know if the Pakistani version of Manto can be released on Netflix as well
Pretty please?
This is true opportunity where both India and Pakistan giving tribute to Manto sahab with their respective Interpretation & Portrayal..@KhoosatSarmad can ur version also be made available on Netflix..I see many Pak movies and serials there..Manto belongs to everyone 🙏
— Rajni Sharma (@findrajnisharma) December 19, 2018
Other fans have yet to get their hands on the Pakistani version
Indian to Netflix par ha. How to get ones hands on your depiction of manto?
— RANA (@eagle_phoenix2) December 19, 2018
And the love continues…
From Jaipur a Thumbs Up ,seeing it again to reiterate my stand
— Kirty Kochar (@KirtyKochar) December 19, 2018
Don’t worry we aren’t forgetting Manto’s Pakistani fans
It was absolutely brilliant. Gave tears to most of the people in cinema and yes, the movie got standing ovation both the times i watched it
— Danish Ahsan (@DanishAhsan18) December 19, 2018
I thought your Manto was an extraordinary piece of cinema, and I only wish more of the world had seen it. Major kudos. 👏🏽
— RK (@roh_tweets) December 19, 2018
You have done lots of excellent work for pak showbiz industry
— Q.A🇵🇰🇸🇦 (@aynee041) December 19, 2018
Majority of the fans were proud of both countries’ productions and found them equally amazing
I don't have word to describe @KhoosatSarmad work in Manto… But I'm desperately waiting for this Indian Version of Manto. My all applause for you. @nanditadas @Nawazuddin_S @KhoosatSarmad
— Ali HAIDER (Hadi) (@AliHAIDERHadi1) December 19, 2018
What you did was outstanding, knowing a fact resources available and bringing #Manto in every house hold 10 ot of 10. The 2018 is also an amazing way of telling #Manto story on Silver screen just outstanding WOW. I enjoyed both immensely ✊🏼
— Touseef عباس (@lahore7) December 19, 2018
Both versions are great.
— Sid-Says: (@Afqaar) December 19, 2018
What are your thoughts around this arts should have no boundaries debate?
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