Politics, arts should be kept apart: Siddiqui sets record straight about meeting with Sharif

The actor, who was in London for Dum Mastam promotions, had informed earlier that he met with Sharif to promote his film and invited him to watch the same. However, the event was blown out of proportion as many felt cheated, provided numerous Pakistanis, including several celebs, have recently been protesting against the party in power since Imran Khan was removed from premiership.

“I know it will be a long time before the dust settles on this but I would like to set the record straight” Siddiqui wrote in the caption of a video message he shared on Instagram, which is roughly the same. “My meeting with Nawaz Sharif sahib was totally unplanned. I met him in a personal capacity with no personal agendas, only the interest of the industry in my heart. I reiterate what I have always believed in and often said that politics and arts should be kept apart.”

He went on to clarify, “No, I am not joining politics. I am still clueless about why there is no statement from the PML-N clarifying the same, especially when the official handle of the I&B ministry [re-tweeted] a fake [report] about it too. Due diligence, anyone?”

Siddiqui held that he understands that trolls and haters have used their right to freedom of speech and opinion, “I respect their sentiments,” he remarked. “We, however, shouldn’t always look at everything from a political prism. For me, neutrality has been the key,” he maintained.

In his video message, Siddiqui also assured that had any other political party been in power, he would have done the same; presented his plea to them because “it only makes sense to take your concerns to the sitting government. When PTI was in power I met with them, tomorrow if PPP comes into power, I will go to them too.”

But for those who have decided to ‘boycott’ his film and dramas, Siddiqui takes their decision in his stride. “I welcome both bouquets and brickbats,” he wrote. “Now if everyone is done trolling me for something that I haven’t done, I would like to go back to acting. Prayers for everyone who use their virtual anonymity to strike at others. Pakistan Zindabad!” concluded the actor.