Even though Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has banned Feroz Khan’s entry into Pakistan, India is still rolling out the red carpet to give the Pakistan Film Producers Association a royal welcome. So, despite the political battleground and differences between the Pakistani and Indian artists, Indian audiences can look forward to some seldom seen Lollywood fare.
Akbar Khan’s film on the Mughal empire has paved way for the first Pakistani film festival in India since 41 years. But Pakistani movies are not completely alien to India, Pakistani made Khamosh Pani was released in India by Shringar films and had an average response at the box office.
After Taj Mahal – An Eternal Love Story emerged a success at the Pakistan box-office, the Government of India has invited the Lahore-based Pakistan Film Producers Association (PFPA) to India on June 25. Confirming the development PFPA vice-president Jamshed Zafar said, “We are all enthusiastic about visiting India and holding the screenings. It will be a pleasure to catch up with Indian culture and the film folks in Mumbai and Delhi.”
The Association has finalized five of Lollywood’s top-grossers to be screened at the fest. These are Sayed Noor’s Daku Rani and Majaajan, Jawed Sheikh’s Yeh Dil Apka Hua – the biggest grosser in Pakistan, Sajjad Rashid’s Salaakhen and Reema Khan’s Koi Tujsa Kahan.
Akbar Khan, who had visited Pakistan with a high-powered Indian delegation comprising filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, President of AMPTPP (Association of Motion Pictures and Television Programme Producers) Pahlaj Nihalani, Minister for Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni, political stalwart Shatrugan Sinha, trade editor Vikas Mohan, exhibitors Yusuf Lakdawala and Shyam Shroff, has been instrumental in bringing this cultural tie-up between India and Pakistan.
Lets hope this confluence of cultures ushers in a new era of friendship between the once warring nations.
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