India welcomes Pakistani artists with grace: Actress Sarwat Gilani

Sitting miles away in Karachi, the mention of India makes Pakistani actress Sarwat Gilani remember its ‘mitti ki khushboo’ (smell of the earth) which is endearing to her family till date. She is appreciative of how India has been welcoming artists from her country, and says “it’s a big deal”.
The 32-year-old’s TV show Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu is being aired in India as Meri Jaan Hai Tu on Zindagi channel.
In an interview with IANS, her first with an Indian media house, over phone from Karachi, she opened up about her Indian connection with fondness, and even spoke of how spreading the idea of oneness is a “huge responsibility” that entertainers on both sides of the border have.
“To see India welcoming Pakistani artists with such grace is a very big deal…it just shows that people there have a very big heart,” she said, referring to how actors like Ali Zafar, Fawad Khan and Humaima Malick as well as singers like Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam have made space in Bollywood.
Does she intend to work in an Indian film or show?Sarwat, who is expecting her first child, said: “For me, it doesn’t matter where I work. If something good, interesting, and what I’m looking for comes along, then why not? I would love to do an Indian project.”
“I’m a very artistic person. So if they (any Indian) would like me to be a part of any film that will require my acting skills more than my face value, then I would love to do it. I like meaningful cinema and India has a lot of meaningful stuff to offer,” she added.
Asked about some similarities between entertainment content of India and Pakistan, Sarwat, who is said to have appeared in over 20 TV shows, explained: “I feel our problems are the same. (IANS)