Shyam Benegal to produce film with Fawad Khan amid ban on Pakistani artistes working in India

Amid prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan and the ban on Pakistan artistes working in India, filmmaker Shyam Benegal is planning to produce a film based on Indo-Pak relation, apparently in an attempt to promote peace.

Titled Ye Raaste Hai Pyar Ke, the film will be based on two musicians who set out on a tour to both the countries. According to a Mumbai Mirror report, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan could be seen playing one of the musicians. In fact, Fawad is in talks with the makers regarding the film.

The film will be directed by Harsh Narayan, who told the daily: "At the moment, he (Fawad) is sceptical about reactions to him working in an Indo-Pak co-production. He has shown a keen interest and will respond as soon as the present situation cools down."

At the time when the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a resolution to temporarily ban Pakistani artistes from working in India following the Uri terror attack and Bollywood industry divided in opinions, Benegal's wish to make a film with Pakistani artiste may not go down well with many. However, Benegal and Narayan are unperturbed.

Meanwhile, Karan Johar's directorial venture Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has Pakistani actor Fawad in a key role and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has been protesting against the release of the film despite repeated requests from many people and associations to allow the smooth release of the movie.