Pak Govt allows cross border filming

Friday, June 23, 2006
Mumbai (UNI): The Pakistan government's move to amend its Film Rule Act, 1980, and allow Indian actors to work with their filmmakers, has been welcomed by Bollywood, which termed it a 'new dawn' for both the countries. As the Pakistan Ministry of Culture has ammended the Film Rules Act, 1980 which makes way for Indian actors to cross the borders to work in their films, Bollywood captains have said the move will further thaw the ice between the two countries.

Appreciating the move, noted filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt told UNI ''Anything which is not mutually beneficial will not work. But this move is mutually beneficial to Indo-Pak and all the South-Asian films. It will usher a new dawn. We will contribute mutually and it will enhance the quality of Pakistan films, as they will work with superior quality technicians.'' ''When we work in a new atmosphere with new people and new products, we improve on our films and products,'' he added.

Legendary filmmaker B R Chopra's son Ravi Chopra (of Baghbaan fame) said, ''It is an excellent move. Anything that strengthens friendship between the two countries is excellent. We are of the same stock. It is sad that there is tension between us. The situation should be such that we can walk there any time and vice-versa.'' Director Kunal Kohli, who has garnered applause for making films like Hum Tum and Fanaa, said ''This is a very good first step. But there should be a good second step, too. Like using our actors is not enough, our films should be allowed to be released there also.''

Shringar Films distributor Shyam Shroff said the move will benefit Pakistan, more than India. ''Their production is down in the dumps at the moment. After this move, their production activity will improve, which will in-turn improve the exhibition sectors, leading to opening of more theatres there.'' Filmmaker Romesh Sharma said ''This is a welcome move. Their artists have been coming here and performing. There is a lot of talent on both sides. This kind of profile will have a lasting impression. They are good in television, too.''

Shravan, of the Nadeem-Shravan music directors duo said ''This is a welcome news. The people have been waiting for decades. All great Pakistani artists have been coming to India, like Ghulam Ali and Mehandi Hasan. But, there are many more great artists in Pakistan. This will lead to a great cultural exchange.'' Akbar Asif, son of filmmaker late K Asif, said, ''I am happy that the Pakistani government has opened doors for Indian actors to work in their films. This will help carry forward the process of building of cultural bridges between India and Pakistan,'' he said Incidentally, TV actors like Nausheen Ali Sardar, Juhi Parmar and Anu Kapoor have already worked in the neighbouring nation's serials.

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