Is Mahesh Bhatt making a film in Pakistan?

LAHORE: Indian film director and producer Mahesh Bhatt says that during his stay in Pakistan, he will explore the possibilities of making a Punjabi film, jointly produced in India and Pakistan with the help of a Pakistani production house.

He told a press conference at a hotel on The Mall on Friday the movie -- Dushman -- would be a real co-production in terms of artistes, technicians, music and other segments.

Mr Bhatt is in Lahore on the invitation of actor Humayun Saeed to attend the premiere of ‘Jawani Phir Nahi Ani’ in Lahore on Saturday (today).

Indian film screenwriter Shagufta Rafique and Indian Punjab film producer Vinay Bhardwaj were also present.

He said he wondered if Indian films could be shot in Sri Lanka, then why not in Karachi and Lahore as well. He said the Zindagi channel in India had created a market for Pakistani TV artistes in India.

He said film actress Meera called and asked him for any role in any of his films, however he did not have any role to offer her right now. He said he would consider Meera’s request in the future.

About his Punjabi co-production, he would hold meetings with film and TV artistes in Lahore. Though he did not mention the names, he said he had contacted a few senior TV artistes to cast them in the film, however they were reluctant to act in a Punjabi movie.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2015

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