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Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan starrer Pakistani series 'Humsafar' is all set to be staged in India soon.
This is the initiative of filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. For this, he talked to Momina Duraid, creative head and CEO of Hum TV of Pakistan and took her consent.
This stage adaptation will be done under India-Pakistan collaboration which aims to promote art and culture.
Pakistani TV show 'Humsafar' was telecasted on Hum TV in 2011. Actors like (left to right) Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan and Naveen Waqar were seen in lead roles in it.
Talking to Dainik Bhaskar about this, theatre and film actor Imran Zahid gave more information. Zahid is also the presenter and creative head of this play.
Both parties agree on the project
Imran said, 'We had approached Pakistan's Hum TV to acquire the stage adaptation rights of 'Humsafar'. We are currently talking to Momina Duraid about this. She was also the creator of this show. Both parties have agreed to take this project forward.'
After the High Court's decision, Bhatt sahab took the decision
Imran further said, 'We keep doing plays with Bhatt sahab. Earlier also we had tried to do a play named 'Milne Do' but at that time the circumstances were not such that it could be done. Some time back the High Court had given its verdict that we should not ban any kind of art and culture. So then on Bhatt sahab's suggestion we decided to go with Hum TV.'
Actor Imran Zahid with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
We spoke to the founder of Hum TV
We spoke to Hum TV's president and founder Sultana Siddiqui. Then we told her our concept that we want to do this as a signature play and not as a commercial activity. Bhatt Sahab's aim is to promote cultural activities between the two countries.
It is an initiative of Momina Duraid and Bhatt Sahab: Imran
Then we talked to their team in great detail about how this play could be done. How their involvement would be creative.
Finally, we spoke to the creative director of this show, Momina Duraid. So, overall, this effort is of Momina Duraid and Bhatt sahab.
Principally we are ready for this but some official formalities will take time. As soon as they are completed, we will make an official announcement. We will perform this play at 5 places in the country.
Momina Duraid, creator of 'Humsafar' and CEO of Hum TV.
Hope this sends a positive message
We hope that this play will send a positive message because Bhatt sahab says that he is always ready for any cultural activity that binds the two countries. This play will also be presented by Mahesh Bhatt.
Last year the High Court had lifted the ban
In a landmark judgement last year, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition seeking a ban on Indian citizens, companies and organisations from working with Pakistani artistes. According to Dawn, a division bench said the petition had no merit and would be an impediment in promoting cultural harmony, unity and peace.
After the High Court rejected the petition, the petitioner approached the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court also rejected the petition and advised the petitioner not to be narrow minded on this issue.
Many Pakistani actors including Atif Aslam, Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan and Ali Zafar have worked in many big Bollywood films.
In 2019, Pakistani artists were banned from working in India
The High Court's move assumes particular significance in the announcement of the stage production of 'Humsafar' as the All India Cine Workers Association had announced a complete ban on Pakistani actors and artistes from working in India after the Pulwama attacks in 2019.
Earlier, in 2016 too, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association had banned Pakistani actors, singers and technicians from working in India due to tension between the two countries.
