Pak actor Imran Abbas Naqvi denied work visa

Mumbai: Even as they try to make their mark in B-town, Pakistani actors like Humaima Malik, Fawad Khan and Imran Abbas Naqvi have been facing a lot of trouble over their visas and related permissions. The actors have been facing a tough time getting an extension on their visas.

While Humaima and Fawad were forced to return to Pakistan for renewing their visas, Imran, whose Creature 3D, is readying for release, had to give his film’s promotions the miss as he’s been denied a work visa for the third time in a row.

Since he’s the lead actor of the film, his absence has affected the film’s promotions adversely. Last week, Imran finally attended his first promotional tour in Dubai with his leading lady Bipasha Basu.

Pakistani actors featuring in Bollywood films are understandably troubled by the disruptions in their work caused by red tape. “Being unable to promote our debut films can be a huge setback. Back home, we have a fan following but making a debut in a Hindi film does require that we stick around. Our absence or abrupt exits can mar the project’s impact.

Barring Fawad Khan, who has lot of fans in India, other actors do need to make their presence felt,” said a Pakistani actor on condition of anonymity. Incidentally, Humaima Malik too had to return to Pakistan during the promotions of Raja Natwarlal to re-apply for a work visa in India. In the process, she missed out on opportunities to promote herself and the film.