The ministry repealed clause 5, a legislative order stopping filmmakers from shooting with Indian actors and technicians or working on joint Indo-Pak ventures.
LAHORE/MUMBAI: The border between India and Pakistan has ceased to exist, at least where films are concerned. On Tuesday, Islamabad amended its film censorship rules, allowing Pakistani filmmakers to hire Indian stars. As if on cue, Emraan Hashmi and Neha Dhupia are set to become the first Indians to star in Pakistani films.
Pakistan’s culture ministry introduced four amendments to the Censorship of Film Rules 1980 through a June 5 notification, Film Censor Board chairman Zia-ud-Din told DNA on Tuesday.
The ministry repealed clause 5, a legislative order stopping filmmakers from shooting with Indian actors and technicians or working on joint Indo-Pak ventures.
That order was passed by the martial law regime of General Zia-ul-Haq. At the time, the Pakistani film industry had petitioned Zia for protection from Indian competition. But today, both film industries favour the change.
Over the years, several Pakistani actors have worked in Indian cinema, but Bollywood actors never got the chance despite the popularity of Indian films in Pakistan.
“It is great news for both film industries, which will now be able to share expertise and resources,” said filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
Shashi Ranjan, another filmmaker, said, “Pakistan is a huge market. This development could lead to better trade opportunities.” Ranjan’s next film, Mungilal Rrocks is an Indo-Pak collaboration.
Dhupia had signed Pakistani filmmaker Javed Raza’s Kabhi Pyar Na Karna last year. Parts of the film have already been shot in Mumbai. Now, the rest of it will be canned in Pakistan.
“I am quite excited about being part of the process,” Dhupia said. “Hopefully, this initiative will strengthen cultural and trade ties between the countries.”
Hashmi will be seen in the Pakistani venture Lal Haveli based on the true story of a Hindu lawyer and a Muslim courtesan.
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