Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: “For a long time, my husband and I have been saying that we need more co-productions between Pakistan and India. If you look at the cricket, it divides you; it does not put you together! It is an art that unites while politics divides. Art is an instrument that can bring about social change, and we should do it through cinema,” said Shabana Azmi.
The tensions between both nations remain high and engagement low; Shabana Azmi said about the importance of projects that bring together talent from both countries, much like the British Asian rom-com; what does love have to do with it? Produced by Indian movie maker Shekhar Kapur and written by British filmmaker Jemima Khan, production features talent from the United Kingdom, India, and Pakistan. Azmi and other cast members are in the UK to do media engagements and promotions ahead of the film’s UK release on February 24. The cast was seen together on the red carpet for the movie premier at the Odeon Luxe and Leicester Square earlier in the week. The movie is scheduled for release in Pakistan on March 3.
Azmi said that “When you have many talents in Pakistan, particularly in writing, Pakistan and India can come together and make really good cinema,”.
Shabana Azmi about Sajal Aly
Azmi was praised for her co-star, beloved Pakistani actor Sajal Aly who stars in the cross-cultural film. “Sajal Aly is good in the movie. Sajal and I have struck a deep relationship and bond despite age difference. Ji karta hai usse pakar ke rakhoon, jaane nahin doo [I wish I could keep her with me, not let her go],” Azmi said that as she raised her arms in an imaginary hug.
The movie shows the worlds of the documentary maker and dating app addict Zoe and childhood friend and neighbour Kaz (Shazad Latif), who hope to follow his parents’ example and opt for the arranged marriage to a Pakistani girl Maymouna (Aly).
