Just a matter of time before Pak artists cross borders: Sabiha

Mumbai: Pakistani filmmaker Sabiha Sumar says it is only a matter of time before artists from Pakistan cross borders to work in the Indian film industry. The "Good Morning Karachi" director believes border between the two countries should not come in the way of showcasing talent.

"It is only a matter of time before actors, writers, directors, producers cross the border. It was waiting to happen as our cultures are very similar. Why should you only depend on Indian writers or actors or producers.

"You have the world open to you. You can look at Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka where you can get the best talent for your film," Sumar, who is one of the jury members of the "India Gold" section at the 17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, told PTI.

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan made his Bollywood debut with "Khoobsurat" and will now be seen in "Kapoor & Sons". Actress Mahira Khan from the neighbouring country will be making her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in "Raees".

Citing an example of her first feature film "Khamosh Pani", which starred Bollywood actress Kiron Kher, Sumar said filmmakers should have a vision to think beyond borders.

"When I was doing 'Khamosh Pani', I never let our border hinder me. I am Pakistani, but I looked at Kiron Kher to do that role for me. I think that was one of the first time an Indian actor worked in a Pakistani film. But that comes from a vision of not thinking within the borders," she said.

The filmmaker, however, says one should look at artists crossing borders to work in India or Pakistan as an "economic" benefit rather than making it a "political issue".

"When we go into the realm of politics, then we make the issue insoluble. One should look at it as what can benefit my economy, our economy. What works for us, what the public wants to see and go with that. If we start looking it as a political problem then its insoluble, what can we do about it," she said.