Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 24, 2016)


At A time when Indian television was all about saas bahu sagas, Shailja Kejriwal, creative head of Zee, introduced Pakistani artistes Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and Imran Abbas to the small screen audience with a string of popular soaps from across the border. Soon after, the trio broke into Bollywood's big league.

Three days ago, when an anti-Fawad blogpost went viral on social media, hitlist caught up with Shailja, who strives to bring the two countries closer culturally while the political air remains tense. She had said, "I don't think people look at art as Indian or Pakistani. There is no politics involved in appreciating stories that touch you on a personal level."

She says Fawad became an instant sensation and Karan Johar's mother, Hiroo Johar, was hooked to his shows. "I am sure she likes him as much as Ranbir Kapoor. I don't think anyone thinks about them as Pakistani or Indian. Today, it is gratifying to see both artistes in the same film (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil). This is the mainstream acceptance I sought.

In the hit Indian film Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Salman risks his life to take a little girl home to Pakistan. I am elated that Karan, Shah Rukh Khan (co-producer of Raees) and Salman are fearlessly taking on actors and subjects like these. They are leading the way. People on both sides of the border are applauding this. We should put our brains to good use and stop bloodshed."