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

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.