“Veer-Zaara is the beginning”
Ali Peter John
Posted online: Friday, March 18, 2005 at 0000 hours IST
Pakistani filmmaker Shehzad Rafique has directed well-known films like Ghoonghat, Rukhsati, Nikaah and lately Salaakhein. In India recently to work out a script with writer Javed Siddiqi, the producer-director talks about their films and our films
Pakistani filmmaker Shehzad Rafique has directed well-known films like Ghoonghat, Rukhsati, Nikaah and lately Salaakhein. In India recently to work out a script with writer Javed Siddiqi, the producer-director talks about their films and our films
What brings you to India?
I always dreamt of India and Pakistan coming together one day but I never realised that it would happen so soon. I have been greatly inspired by the likes of Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani. In fact it’s their films that made me decide to make a career in films.
How would you compare them to directors in Pakistan?
We don’t have the technology or facilities there. India has. Still mention must be made of names like Sayeed Noor, Hassan Aksari and Javed Faazil who are trying to change the vision of Pak films. It can happen faster if the relationship between India and Pakisan improves further.
How does the younger generation of audience react to the new relationship?
The youngsters of Pakistan are eager that the two countries forget their past and build bridges. Veer-Zaara is the beginning. Hopefully, other films made on the subject will be as responsible.