Cross-border project Jeewan Hathi hopes to 'spread positivity' amidst Pak-India tensions

Hina Dilpazeer argues that the 'war' created is only among politicians, not the common man

Updated 07 Oct, 2016

Jeewan Hathi has caught the attention of many, not only because it's being directed by the makers of Zinda Bhaag but also because it stars two powerhouse performers, Hina Dilpazeer and Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah.

Written by Fasih Bari Khan and directed by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, the film is part of a Pak-India collaboration initiated by Zee Zindagi called Zeal for Unity, which unites 12 prolific filmmakers from both sides of the border to come together to make empowering videos to showcase their zeal for unity. The films are then screened at various film festivals.

The Meenu and Farjad directorial is a black comedy, which highlights the ludicrous business and subsequent rat race surrounding TV ratings. It stars Bulbulay-famed actor Hina Dilpazeer, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, theatre star Fawad Khan, Samiya Mumtaz, Kiran Tabeer and Adnan Jaffer.

However, what's surprising is that this cross-border project will not be screened in Indian cinemas as of now, state the producers. (However, it has been screened at film festivals in India).

"All us artists, who are related to creative works, our job isn't to change anybody, our job is to ignite light in the darkness, in hopes that it may create light... we are just doing that," Hina tells Images when asked whether Jeewan Hathi may impact relations amidst Pak-India tensions.

She adds, "We ignite the light of our names, of our films and hope that it is enough to pave a path. We're not here to change anything. We're just here to spread love."

Reasoning that production houses around the globe should work together in joint ventures across borders, Hina argues that the 'war' created is only among politicians, not the common man.

"I've lived a long time in Dubai and we had a lot of neighbours who were Indians, but they used to welcome us with a lot of love, and we'd call them over with a lot of love. This [Pak-India friction] is not the common man's war, this hatred is not the work of the common man, this is the politicians' work and nothing else. Why would one God-fearing human hate another God-fearing human? There's no reason."

Jeewan Hathi is set to hit screens in Pakistan on Nov 4th.

Comments

Erum Oct 07, 2016 03:54pm

Cross border wars are between countries not just between politicians. Actors or non actors all are a part of it. Infact the population on the whole is a part of it. One cannot excuse oneself from being oblivious to war by saying that we are actors and no matter what happens to my country I will work for the country who is raging war against mine. I don't think this excuse of earning money at the cost of patriotism is acceptable.

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TQ Oct 07, 2016 07:49pm

Life as usual should continue, war or no war. There is no negative rather all are positives in this collaboration

Desi cultures Oct 07, 2016 08:22pm

The artists,singers,actors ,slowly at snail speed,brick by brick,step by step,build a friendship castle,than abruptly some Devils push the bricks,and castle down to earth. The Hawks on both sides are ever ready to cash the situation to their vested interests. Only people suffer. The friendship is not far, just open the visa regime,and trade,there you are on path of fast development . Look at Germany & Japan,they hate war,love trade ,and they got blessings in economy and now donors to the whole world.

Star power Oct 07, 2016 09:34pm

This is absurd. Most Indians just hate Pakistanis because we feel they are not nice people. Let me tell you that I am not a hate monger but I still cannot make myself like Pakistanis.