Pakistani prison film set for peace-boosting release in India

ISLAMABAD (AFP) — As tensions mount between India and Pakistan, the release in both countries of a Pakistani film about a young boy held in an Indian jail is being hailed as a welcome boost for cultural ties.

The movie, "Ramchand Pakistani," which opened in Pakistan on August 1 and in India on August 22, could also help revive Pakistan's flagging film industry after years in the shadow of India's hugely successful Bollywood.

Based on a true story, it follows the lives of Ramchand, an eight-year-old Pakistani boy, and his father after they accidentally stray across the frontier in 2002 and are imprisoned by India.

"I see the film as being a humble yet significant contribution to the ongoing peace process," Pakistani producer Javed Jabbar told AFP, referring to the peace process launched by the South Asian neighbours in 2004 after more than 60 years of tension and three wars.

The film's release comes with relations between Islamabad and New Delhi at a new low, following a recent series of clashes between their troops on the ceasefire line in the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir.

Indian officials also accused Pakistan of masterminding the deadly bombing of the Indian consulate in Afghanistan on July 7, which left around 60 people dead, including India's defence attache.

"The values that the film promotes are of compassion, respect for each other, peace and friendship. And I think that kind of message will convey a great deal to people in India and Pakistan," said Jabbar, who was the information minister in slain former premier Benazir Bhutto's first government and again from 1999-2000.

Directed by Jabbar's daughter Mehreen, "Ramchand Pakistani" touches on an important topic in Indo-Pakistani relations -- the fate of hundreds of prisoners held on either side of the border.

Hundreds have been freed by both countries since the peace process began but many remain in prison.

Ramchand, the film's eponymous young hero, comes from Pakistan's minority Hindu community and lives in the remote desert region of Rajasthan.

He strays over the border when tensions between India and Pakistan almost brought the two countries to war six years ago.

Indian troops arrest him and his father, who comes to search for him, and the film then follows them as they spend years in an Indian jail.It also tells the tale of his mother, played by Bollywood actress Nandita Das, as she searches for them.

"Ramchand Pakistani" will show on around 100 screens in India and 15 in Pakistan, the distributors say.

Cultural links, especially movies, are one of the key "confidence building measures" included in the slow-moving peace Indo-Pakistani peace process.

Pakistan banned Indian films in 1965 after the second of its three wars with India since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, but authorities have recently relaxed the rules.

The film follows on the success of another Pakistani movie, called 'In the Name of God", about the dilemma faced by moderate Muslims in a world obsessed with Islamic militancy.

Pakistan's film industry has tried, and failed, for years to emulate Bollywood, but now people in Pakistan are seeing this new trend of high-brow movie-making as possible salvation for home-made movies.

"Our film industry is only going to work if we change our focus towards thought, not only towards glamour and Bollywood style," said Ahsan Khan, a Pakistani film star. "That's when it's really going to work."

"Ramchand Pakistani" and "In the Name of God" were both largely foreign funded, and filmmakers in Pakistan say until the government and private investors contribute it will be difficult to follow in their footsteps.

Much of Pakistan's Lahore-based movie industry -- nicknamed "Lollywood" -- still uses equipment from almost half a century ago.

"Those who manufactured our cameras would be surprised to know that we are still working with their equipment, which deserve to be in museums," said Sangeeta, a director and former film star at a studio in Lahore.

But excitement is already building in Pakistan that cooperation with India in the world of cinema could, despite the current competition, reap benefits.

"In the long run it will bring money, skills and technology which we can use and reinvest to make our films stronger," said Hasan Zaidi, a director who also organises the annual Kara International Film Festival in Karachi.

Snoop Dogg tour bus pulled over; 2 arrested

DALLAS (AP) -- A tour bus carrying hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg was pulled over and two people were arrested on marijuana possession charges Thursday a few hours before a concert in Dallas, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

DPS spokesman Charlie Morgan said members of a commercial vehicle inspection team pulled the bus over on Interstate 45 in Corsicana because the vehicle had an expired registration sticker. Troopers searched the bus for drugs after they said they smelled marijuana and found two ounces of the drug, he said.

Ethan Calhoun, 27, and Kevin Barkey, 26, were arrested on drug charges after admitting the drugs belonged to them, Morgan told The Associated Press. Both men were taken to the Navarro County Jail and face fines of up to $2,000 and six months in jail if convicted, Morgan said. Bond was set at $1,500 each.

The Corsicana Daily Sun reported the men appeared before a justice of the peace and were released after posting bond.

Snoop Dogg, whose birth name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr., was not arrested. His agent had no comment, a secretary said. Calls to public relations representatives for the rapper were not immediately returned Thursday evening.

He was arrested last year at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, Calif., on suspicion of transporting marijuana.

Police later charged him with gun possession after finding a firearm in his home. He pleaded no contest in April 2007 to felony gun and marijuana charges and agreed to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service.

He was scheduled to appear at a concert near the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. He is on tour with alternative rock group 311.

Corsicana is 52 miles south-southeast of Dallas.

Watch New Music Video: Azal - Hum Tum - Directed by Jalal

Latest Interview: Ehtesham Khan of 'Azal' at music video 'Hum Tum' launch

After the success of their debut single 'Aisi Taisi', Azal unveil their first album Road To Infinity

Maheen Sabeeh

Karachi

There is something extraordinary about 'Aisi Taisi'. It's extremely catchy and pertinent to our times. Aggressive in nature but melodic at the same time, it remains one of the few songs to come out in recent times that makes such a bold statement about the state of Pakistan where the system is stacked against the common man.

The people of Pakistan lapped it up. No romance, no frivolity but just the plain and simple truth. And that song remains Azal's trump card. It penetrated into the hearts and minds of people who have become accustomed to bubble-gum pop and heartbroken rock. The men in the video are also unique. Long haired, dark glasses, powerful vocals and an attitude that matches the single, the words that form 'Aisi Taisi'.

And now, after the super-success of their debut single, the men are back with their first album. And they are an interesting bunch. There are ET and Shabbi, who work behind the scenes in media and are well known to those in the media world. Then there is Sameer Ahmed who is a renowned bass player on the scene, also having played with the excellent band Awaz. And finally, the surprise packed in Azal is Rajab Ali Khan who is Ustad Zafar Ali Khan's son. Classically trained vocalist and in a rock band is a phenomenon that hasn't happened before. There was Fuzon, but they drew more from the classical and pop traditions than they did from rock music. For that reason amongst many others, it will be interesting to see where Azal go.

It's also interesting that two members of Azal, ET and Sameer are also working for Geo and Aag respectively. And while their album was initially slated to be released by another record company, they are now with Fire Records.

Present at the launch was Geo Television Network President Imran Aslam, CEO Fire Records Akbar Yazdani, Ustad Zafar Ali Khan, film actor Saud as well as three men from Azal, Rajab Ali Khan, Ehtesham Khan (ET) and Sameer Ahmed. The fourth, Shahbaz Ali Khan (Shabbi) was missing. He works at a media house in Dubai. They are basically four likeminded people who found each other and discovered a new sound to make together. 'Aisi Taisi' is the essence of this sound.

At the press conference, Azal launched their new video, 'Hum Tum' - a song that is a 360-degree turn for the band. Directed by Jalal and Amir (the duo behind 'Aisi Taisi' video), 'Hum Tum' is a light, soft yet extremely melodic ballad, a far cry from the in your face aggression of 'Aisi Taisi'. The video works as a great showcase for the band with its tones of blue, black and white and it has to be said that 'Hum Tum' is a beautiful song.

"Our album has flavours of the soil. You will not fight bhangra here or patriotism but you will find ballads. It is pop in genre but flavours that range from rock to club can be found," explained ET at the press conference.

One question that remained a concern with the creation of Azal was that barring Rajab, all three members have separate jobs. Sameer Ahmed, in fact, is a session player and while he is no longer with Karavan, his playing with other bands might make things difficult for the band. This is one of the reasons why Gumby and Noori could never work. Gumby was playing with other acts and according to Ali Noor, it affected the band.

"I don't think it'll be a problem. We've talked about it," said Sameer Ahmed at the press conference.

"Most of us do stuff besides Azal because as you all know concerts in Pakistan, in the last year and a half have become rare. Atta, ghee, petrol are the things that are on people's minds. Concerts are the only medium through which artists earn revenue. So other jobs are important to keep sustain us."

Instep Today caught up with ET to find out more on the band that is Azal and here's what he said…

Instep Today: Who does what in Azal?

Ehtesham Khan (ET): I am behind melodies, lyrics as well as vocals. Rajab Ali Khan comes from Gwalior family and is the grandson of Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan. He is the lead vocalist as well as writes melodies. Azal is the brainchild of Shahbaz Ali Khan. He is behing arrangements, sequencing and compositions. He is the producer of our album, Road to Infinity. Sameer Ahmed plays bass guitars, has played rhythm on the album and is the co-producer of our album. Azal is a unit and all of us are involved with the process of making this album.

Instep Today: Where did 'Aisi Taisi' stem from?

ET: Look at everything around us. We have the systems in place but they are not strong. It is about individuals, not systems. The poor are in bad shape and the rich don't care. The difference between them is money. When money comes in, suddenly the equation changes. The reason why 'Aisi Taisi' worked is primarily because of its honesty. The song was aimed at mass penetration and it managed to do so because people can relate to it.

Instep Today: When was Azal created?

ET: About five years ago. All of us come from the field of media, audio and visuals. I was working at a production house where Shahbaz was also working. For a project, we all worked together. It went well so we thought about a band. But we decided to live together for 2-3 years to see if the mental chemistry would work. What happens is that bands come out but they fade away because sooner or later, they stop communicating. This is not a band where one will play drums, one will sing etc. We are involved with everything together.

Instep Today: What does Azal mean?

ET: Azal is a Persian word that stands for "beginning".

Instep Today: As a new band, did you have to face problems?

ET: It's the same problem for everyone I think. The industry has no infrastructure. There is a huge communication gap between young and old musicians. We have talent but no avenue for its grooming.

Instep Today: Are there any plans of releasing the album in other markets such as India?

ET: Sangeet Records has released the album in US of A. Times India will release the album in India by mid-July. And from there we'll see.

We've got plans to hit England and India to promote the album in the pipeline.

Shoiab Mansoor's interview to the Holywood Reporter

Q & A with Shoaib Mansoor

Forget making waves in India, Khuda Kay Liye has generated enough international interest for the Hollywood Reporter to be interested

In July, Shoaib Mansoor hit Pakistan's moribund film industry with his directorial debut, Khuda Kay Liye (In the Name of God). Shot in the U.K., the U.S. and Pakistan, it follows two brothers who grow apart as they follow different paths in post-September 11 Islam. In a casting coup, acclaimed Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah joined veteran Pakistani actor Hameed Sheikh, top TV actor Shan and fashion model Iman Ali in her first film role. Khuda Kay Liye grossed over $1.1 million, giving Pakistan's industry a real shot in the arm. Last month, Khuda Kay Liye became the first Pakistani film ever to release commercially in India, prompting the notoriously media-shy Mansoor to cross the embattled border for its Mumbai premiere. The Hollywood Reporter's Nyay Bhushan interviewed Mansoor in New Delhi, where they conversed in the north Indian Punjabi language, a centuries-old cultural bond between India and Pakistan.


The Hollywood Reporter: Khuda Kay Liye got good reviews in India. What were your expectations?

Shoaib Mansoor: I was curious about how it would do in India given there are more Muslims here than in Pakistan. I have also had the pleasure of meeting some leading Indian film figures who have also liked the film. I hope the film helps in clearing some misconceptions people may have of Pakistan. It's been a great experience and as of now, there haven't been any protests!

THR: You're known for co-writing the 1980s TV comedy Fifty-Fifty, loosely based on Saturday Night Live. How did you decide to shift into the troubled film industry?

Mansoor: That was exactly the reason, to do something about an industry that was never taken seriously. While I was very successful with my TV projects, I wanted to share a strong story that could really work as a feature. Even while doing largely entertainment-oriented TV projects, I still managed to include social messages.

THR: How did you face the protests against a courtroom scene in which Muslim scripture is quoted?

Mansoor: Even while we were shooting the film, some groups were already protesting. The script was heavily guarded even during production so nobody really knew the actual nature of the film. Some Muslim clerics had already drawn their conclusions that the film would be blasphemous because it was the work of an artist like me, someone who was not really a scholar. The "fatwas" were already issued, including death threats. The scene where Naseeruddin Shah plays a liberal cleric who explains some of the issues in Islam around which the film revolves, was based on facts from the scriptures which couldn't be challenged, even by hardline mullahs. So that surprised a lot of people who were against the film. Not to say that the protests and death threats didn't continue, but the film's success is what counts.

THR: The film has crucial elements shot in the U.S. including a torture scene of the lead character (Shan, playing a music student), who is mistaken for a terrorist just after 9/11. Was it tough to get American actors to participate?

Mansoor: It was very tough and frankly, I'd given up hope of finding American actors because many people refused to do the film after they read the script. But my casting director was persistent and managed to find actors even if they were newcomers with little experience (such as Austin Marie-Sayre who plays Shan's love interest) and they all did a commendable job. It was very demanding on everybody to shoot the torture scenes but that was important to the story.

THR: Shan's character says "All Muslims are not terrorists," to which an American interrogator replies, "But all terrorists are Muslims." What is your take on terrorism?

Mansoor: Terrorism is really a creation of politics. When you see the state of the world today, especially related to Muslim persecution, there are instances across the globe, from Palestine to the Middle East. Even after six decades of partition, the Kashmir issue remains unsolved between India and Pakistan. So there is just too much oppression around and this is what Shan's character also says when he points to atrocities faced by Muslims in many countries.

THR: How did you manage to cast Naseeruddin Shah when no major Indian actor has featured in a Pakistani film?

Mansoor: Since our film industry has never really progressed given we haven't produced any noteworthy films, to send a request to an Indian actor as a Pakistani film director was an uphill task. I didn't know Naseeruddin Shah but managed to contact him and send him my script for Khuda Kay Liye. He read it and called me to say he was definitely going to do the film. That gave me a lot of confidence and then we went about going through the formalities of getting him to Pakistan to shoot.

THR: How was it to get government support in Pakistan for the film?

Mansoor: A lot of the credit for the film seeing the light of day goes to President Pervez Musharraf. Even before I submitted Khuda Kay Liye to the censor board, I requested him to see the film, which he did in a special screening, after which he said that this film should be released. It was only because of his support that I could face all the protests.

THR: What do you have to say about the Indian film industry?

Mansoor: The Indian film industry has always been vibrant and its films are hugely popular in Pakistan. But I still have more complaints about the Indian industry than against Pakistani films. In Pakistan it's a known fact that things are in bad shape, with a lack of funds and innovation. By contrast, the Indian industry has more resources, a bigger market, big returns, yet, they keep making the same formula films, the same song-and-dance routine. There have been exceptions but honestly, there is need for something new. My definition of entertainment is about offering people a justification to spend a couple of hours in a cinema. A good film should not only raise questions but also offer solid answers as well.

THR: Would you consider a project in India?

Mansoor: I have had some positive discussions here so you never know, something concrete could emerge. I just hope that film ties between both countries can grow further because that is the need of the hour.

link: http://thenews.jang.com.pk/instep_today.asp

Exclusive Video : Koi Aanay Wala Hai By Strings

Lahore calling for Pritam

Pak singer Atif Aslam can’t travel to India. So composer Pritam will fly to Lahore to record track with him

Composer Pritam Chakraborty is in a dilemma. He needs to urgently record a track with Pakistani singer Atif Aslam for Aziz Mirza’s Kismet Connection, starring Shahid Kapoor and Vidya Balan. Faced with passport issues, the crooner can’t travel to India now.

Atif, who has rendered popular B-Town tracks like Pehli Nazar Mein (Race), Tere Bin (Bas Ek Pal) and Aadat (Kalyug) apart from his album Doorie, would frequently visit India.

“Atif is having an issue aboutcoming to Mumbai,” points out Pritam. What does the composer plan to do? “I will be flying down to Lahore to record the song with him!” he declares.

Taken aback

Mahesh Bhatt, who led Bollywood’s music towards Pakistani singers is shocked about the development on Atif’s front.

Says Bhatt, “If singers from across the border are finding it difficult to come here, let me state that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had assured me that entertainment industry folk were free to move back and forth. Neither side would be allowed to obstruct us. If there’s a slowing-down in the process of thawing the ice between the two countries, I’ll personally go to the Prime Minister and address the issue.”

Bhatt, who started the movement of musicians and actors from across the border to Bollywood, says “In those days, looking towards Pakistan was looked upon as an act of treason.

I was told what I was doing was suicidal. During the last four years, we’ve done more to improve Indo-Pak relations than our predecessors have done in 56 years. We’re even premiering Jannat in Pakistan on May 14.”

Apart from recording with Atif, Pritam may also record with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. “There’s a special promotional number which I’ve just composed for Mani Shankar’s Mukhbir. It requires Rahat’s voice. I just might record that song too while I’m in Lahore or I may go for an Indian voice.”