Bollywood warming up to its neighbour Pakistan?

However, while Khan’s first Indian release is being anticipated, he isn’t the only Pakistani actor to make a Bollywood debut recently. On August 29 Raja Natwarlal was released where Emraan Hashmi was spotted romancing Humaima Malick. And on September 12, Imran Abbas Naqvi will be seen in Vikram Bhatt’s Creature even as he shoots for Muzaffar Ali’s comeback film, Raqs. “Within the Indian subcontinent, Bollywood is the biggest film industry; it forms the identity of cinema from this part of the world. So naturally, it is the destination for any actor,” explains Naqvi.

None of these actors, incidentally, had planned to work in India. Films and projects have come their way based on their work back home. Both Fawad Khan and Humaima Malick were first noticed in India after their respective films, Khuda Kay Liye and Bol —  directed by acclaimed Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor —  got an Indian release. “Pakistani movies have largely been the masala and entertainment variety. Only a handful of films touch upon real issues. It leaves us with limited choices to explore our acting abilities in Pakistan, making Indian films an attractive option,” says Humaima Malick.

So far, Hindi films’ portrayal of its neighbour too, has been jingoistic. Case in point would be Nikhil Advani’s 2013 film, D Day. But Ashish Mohan’s next film Welcome to Karachi, which stars Irrfan and Arshad Warsi, a humorous take on Pakistani politics is looking to defy the precedent.

Thankfully, neither right wing parties nor the Indian authorities have raised a stink over their presence in Bollywood. Several other artistes, especially musicians, have had to face the brunt of politics in the past. In February this year, a press conference by Meekal Hasan on his collaboration with Indian artistes in Mumbai was disrupted and the venue vandalised. Comedian Naseem Vicky who is seen on Comedy Nights with Kapil was rumoured to have intermittently returned home after Shiv Sena issued a warning to the show producers. Ghosh believes that the number of such instances have lowered in the past few months and “perhaps the Indian audience is now accepting talent for what it is, irrespective of where they come from”.

That said, few artistes from Pakistan have made it in Bollywood. Singers such as Abida Parveen, Hasan and Atif Aslam have gained popularity, however among the actors, only Ali Zafar has tasted success. But this isn’t discouraging actors from the neighbouring country. “Bollywood has been competitive for everyone, not us alone. Even many star kids have failed here. It’s performance and talent that matters, and with that, a bit of luck too,” says Naqvi.

dipti.nagpaul@expressindia.com