Veena Malik says Sheikh Rasheed cannot define patriotism to her

LONDON: Famous actress Veena Malik has called on Pakistani politician Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad not to issue any statements against her or she reserves the rights to reply in equal measure.

During an interaction with Pakistani media in London, the actress, who shot to fame through Geo’s programme Hum Sub Umeed Say Hain, said she stood by her statement that the Rawalpindi politician, who heads Awami Muslim League, had called her and requested for a meeting over tea.

“I was naïve at that time, I didn’t know who he was when admired me but I refused to entertain his request. He is furious because I rejected him. He told me that he had seen me on Hum Sub Umeed say Hain and liked my work. I was maybe unpleasant to him. He shouldn’t be but his fury is understandable because he had always been anti women, he was anti Benazair Bhutto and he is also anti Veena Malik. It will be only good for him if he stops and doesn’t define patriotism for others.”

The actress, who has raised the temperature high with her controversial performances, said it was sad that the so-called patriots in Pakistan had taken upon themselves to define morality and patriotism. She rejected such elements and said that Pakistani was a multi-cultural and multi-dimensional society and it’s impossible to define the country in simple terms.

“Pakistan has both the burka and jeans wearing sides and both are right to do whatever they want to do with their lives. My father was an army officer who loved Pakistan and served it. I love Pakistan and have the blood of a military officer in my veins. I carry Pakistani passport and will always be proud of it. I am hero to some people in Pakistan and villain to others and I accept that,” she said.

On being asked why she is a controversial figure and whether she creates controversies to remain in the limelight, Veena Malik said, “I have always been media's darling, I love it for being the first choice of media. Magazines love to put me on glossy covers. Television wants me there. I have a strong relationship with media everywhere.”

Veena Malik became thoughtful when asked about her return to Pakistan. She has not set foot in the country in a long time and faces threats from extremist group. “There is not a single moment when I don’t miss Pakistan. I love my country, its people and its culture and I do want to come back. I will soon be back but I cannot tell when.”

She also announced that she would soon be going to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. “I have a deep spiritual side. People have only seen me as a showbiz personality but I observe my religion although I do believe that religion is a matter between the individual and Creator. I very much look forward to take this spiritual journey.”

She said that heroes from every walk of life in Pakistan were leaving this world. “Pakistan needs a new breed of heroes, we have very few left. Instead of attacking them we need to create heroes. I want to be treated like a hero in Pakistan, like an artist with an aesthetic side.”