New Delhi: Pakistan on Friday blamed Bollywood actor Feroz Khan for the unsavoury controversy created during an Indian film delegation's visit to Lahore in April.
"Feroz Khan made some unpleasant remarks which he should not have made. He was under the influence of liquor and had lost control over himself," a member of the visiting Pakistani official delegation said.
The delegation, led by Pakistan Culture Secretary Jalil Abbas, was in Delhi to hold talks with India on "Promotion of Friendly Exchanges in Various Fields".
The two-day discussion concluded on Friday.
Taking a serious note of the incident, President General Pervez Musharraf blacklisted the Indian actor for his remarks.
Pakistani media had reported that Musharraf, who was given a report of the entire incident that took place between Feroz Khan and singer Fakhar-e- Alam in Lahore, directed the Foreign Ministry not issue a visa to the Indian actor in future.
Feroz Khan was in Lahore in April-end in connection with the release of his brother Akbar Khan's film Taj Mahal.
"India is a secular country. Muslims there are making a lot of progress. Our President is a Muslim, the PM a Sikh. Pakistan was made in the name of Islam, but look how Muslims are killing each other," he had said.
"I have not come here on my own. Indian films are so powerful that you cannot stop them," he added.
The actor was also reportedly incensed at some remarks on Indian actress Manisha Koirala, who was a part of the delegation.
Noted film director Mahesh Bhatt had apologised over the incident.
When asked about the controversy, Pakistan Culture Secretary Jalil Abbas sought to downplay the incident, saying it was a media creation and should be given "a decent burial".
Asked about the ban slapped on Feroz Khan in the wake of his statement on the condition of migrant Muslims in Pakistan, Mr Abbas said, "He has simply been blacklisted and it is a normal procedure."
Mr Abbas, however, said this episode should not lead to any rancour in the hearts of the people in the two countries.
"It should be treated as a closed chapter now," he added.
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