Comic in 'Paki' row
Asian stand-up's fury at BBC
Comic Jeff Mirza has attacked a BBC programme for including the word ‘Paki’ in the title - even though he took part in it.
The programme British, Paki and Proud, to be screened on Saturday, examines the lives of Pakistanis in the UK, and whether the community could reclaim the word that has long been used as a term of abuse.
Mirza is one of those interviewed by programme-makers, alongside the likes of Nahif Kureishi, Lord Tebbit and lawyer Imran Khan.
But he now claims he was misled by producers, especially over the name of the show, which he understood was to be Pakistani Nights.
He said: "I find the word Paki to be very offensive, particularly as it has baggage and violent overtones.
“While I don't mind a discussion programmes about the word, I feel that the producers completely mislead me.
“My parent suffered years of abuse being called this word I resent the Beeb for trying to make this four-letter word acceptable by putting it in the programme title.”
However, the BBC defended the change of title.
A spokesman said: “The decision to use 'Paki' in the title of the film was not taken lightly and the programme makers are in no way endorsing its use.
“British, Paki and Proud is a thought provoking documentary which seeks to challenge assumptions and the title reflects the fact that some young
British Pakistanis are trying to reclaim the word as a badge they are proud of
“When the interview was recorded last October, Jeff Mirza was told that the programme was being made under the working title of Pakistani
Nights. It was made clear to all of the contributors that the programme was looking at the use of the word 'Paki': its portrayal in the media and its use in association with identity.
“Pakistani Nights' was always a working title, and as with many television programmes was altered for transmission.”
Although many contributors are vehemently opposed to the word, others think it should be reclaimed.
Fashion designer Abdul Rahim said: “The word Paki should not have been a derogatory term in the first place. Paki means 'pure'.
“Isn't it a laugh that these skinheads have been calling us pure all this time. “
The film goes out on BBC2 at 9.15pm on Saturday, part of a Pakistani, Actually theme night.
Published: 4 Mar 2005
