Indian stage adaptation of Humsafar underway to ‘promote Indo-Pak peace’

An Indian stage production of the hit Pakistani drama Humsafar is apparently underway as “part of an initiative to promote Indo-Pak peace” following recent decisions by Indian courts, theatre and film actor Imran Zahid confirmed to Indian media.

Last year, in a landmark decision, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking a ban on Indian citizens, companies, and associations from engaging Pakistani artists. According to Dawn, a division bench firmly stated that the petition represents a “retrograde step in promoting cultural harmony, unity, and peace, and has no merit in it.”

After the high court’s dismissal, the petitioner approached the Indian Supreme Court which also rejected the plea and advised the petitioner against being narrow-minded on the issue, Scroll reported.

The high court’s move, and the announcement of Humsafar’s stage production, are especially significant because the All Indian Cine Workers Association announced in 2019 a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists in India following the Pulwama attacks. Prior to this, in 2016, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association “banned” Pakistani actors, singers and technicians from working in India due to friction between the two countries.

Talking about the adaptation, Zahid said, “We’ve approached Pakistan’s HUM TV regarding the stage adaptation rights for the Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan starrer Humsafar serial. We are currently in discussions with Momina Duraid, the creative head of HUM TV and CEO of MD Productions, who also happens to be the creator of Humsafar.”

Indian publication Times Now reported that both sides have agreed in principle to proceed with the project.

Times Now also reported that Zahid said the performance will be free of charge with no monetary gain “as part of an initiative to promote Indo-Pak peace following recent decisions by the Indian high court and Supreme Court”. The actor said a final announcement is expected in a few days.

“Additionally, I should mention that Sultana Siddiqui, the founder and president of HUM TV, and also Momina Duraid’s mother-in-law, is involved in the discussions. I wanted to share this news with you ahead of time.”

Zahid did not confirm where the play would be staged or who would act in it.

The news comes shortly after reports that Pakistani heartthrob — and Humsafar lead — Fawad Khan was set to return to Bollywood in a film alongside Vaani Kapoor and an appearance in Kartik Aaryan’s comedy horror film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

Humsafar, arguably one of Pakistan’s most iconic dramas, aired in 2011 and won hearts locally and globally. The show shot both Mahira and Fawad to stardom, amassing a cult following for Pakistan’s most famous Khans and the show itself. It was uploaded to HUM TV’s official YouTube channel in 2022 and has since garnered millions of views.