Nandita Das says she's in Pakistan to break barriers with India
March 30, 2018
Indian actor and director Nandita Das is visiting Pakistan after nine years.
The actor-cum-director is in Karachi to attend the first Pakistan International Film Festival being held in the metropolis from March 29 to April 1.
Dismissing a ban on Pakistani talent in India, Das said, “There should be no restrictions on borders.”
“I am in Pakistan to break these barriers,” she asserted while speaking to Geo News.
She added, “We are neighbours, friends and share similar food, language and culture so it’s bizarre that restrictions are placed on us visiting the other country or viewing their works.”
The filmmaker who visited Pakistan last during the Kara Film Festival and is currently directing a film on author Manto, said that Manto is both Pakistani and Indian and a “true South Asian”.
“I’d love to bring Manto to Pakistan because he is also from here,” she said.
Das further said she’s fan of Pakistani music. “I’ve been listening to Pakistani singers for years now and I think it’s very precious.”
The PIFF is an initiative of the Karachi Film Society and is screening features, short films and documentaries from Pakistan and around the world.
PIFF management has also invited overseas delegates of filmmakers, artists and professionals.
Earlier, Indian film director and screenwriter SS Rajamouli said he is travelling to Karachi to attend the PIFF for the screening of his film Baahubali.
The director took to Twitter to announce the news. “Baahubali has given me opportunities to travel to a number of countries… The most exciting of them all is now, Pakistan. Thank you Pakistan International Film Festival, Karachi for the invite,” he said.
