With the new Marvel movie Eternals, it’s evident that representation and diversity are not mere stray conversations in the movie business. It’s showing on the screens and behind the camera. That’s the thought with which we start our early morning chat with Kumail Nanjiani and Lauren Ridloff, who play superheroes alongside Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden and Gemma Chan in Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao’s film. This might be a heavy-duty conversation for a 5 am chat, but both are only happy to indulge, having fought the good fight.

“We haven’t seen superheroes who look like us, sound like us, or have names like ours. I am thrilled to be part of a change that ideally should have happened a long time ago,” says Nanjiani of The Big Sick (2017) fame.

Ridloff echoes his sentiments as she says, “There are so many firsts in Eternals. I see the importance of that even before the film has been released. The representation will directly impact so many different communities worldwide.”

The Pakistani-American actor made a statement about his South Asian identity as he wore a purple-and-gold sherwani, made by a Karachi-based designer, at the film’s premiere. “I just wanted to show how beautiful Pakistani clothes can be. When I got the movie, I knew what I would be wearing at the première. I called my mom to get the name of a designer in Karachi. We contacted them, and they were kind to hand-make it, keeping in mind my specifications and the colours I wanted,” says Nanjiani.

For Ridloff, the victory is beyond that of cultural identity. It’s about giving screen presence to the deaf community that is often not allowed equal opportunities. Speaking to us in American Sign Language, as her translator communicates to us, she says, “This story shows what we refer to as ‘deaf gain’ in the deaf community. It means deafness is specifically beneficial to you. For instance, imagine you are in a plane and a baby is crying next to you. I can sleep in peace; that’s no problem. In this movie, we show several instances on what deaf gain is for the community at large.”

(Clockwise) Bucha, Bano, Gilani and Rizvi

Pakistani leading ladies of Churails hail move as Zee5 launches its first show from across the border since they were pulled down from Indian television in 2016.
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 8, 2020)

After telling the story of a dysfunctional family with the delightful Cake, director Asim Abbasi (right) has tried his hand at long-format storytelling with the upcoming Zee5 web series, Churails. Headlined by Sarwat Gillani, Mehar Bano, Nimra Bucha, and Yasra Rizvi, the show revolves around the four women who run a detective agency that exposes the cheating husbands in Karachi. 

Keen to collaborate with Abbasi, Bano says she gave her nod before she laid her hands on the script. "Asim doesn't propagate the set ideas of morality, but depicts reality to the tee. Women are asked to forgo opportunities in life because the patriarchal society deems them unfit; Churails questions that notion."

In telling the story of four distinct yet spirited women, the series tackles patriarchy, child abuse and gender discrimination. Gillani believes it has a universal appeal as women around the globe battle gender inequality in different forms. "This show isn't gender specific and tackles the larger issue with nuance and deftness. This is the kind of show that should be shown to a global audience because the story of the woman is the same. This show pushes the envelope because it simply tackles a universal story. I am a motivational speaker who meets so many women from diverse fields. Their common narrative is that men working below them in the corporate hierarchy aren't comfortable with them. The phenomena cuts through class, cultures. Patriarchy is a norm which defeats the idea of equal society," she observes.

Of course, facing its share of brickbats that every trailblazing piece of work must be subjected to, Gillani says, "The good thing about the virtual world is that everyone has an opinion. In history, things done for greater good have faced their fair share of problems. This is a show which is bound to shake up comfort zones."

As the first Pakistani show to release in India since the cine bodies had announced a collective ban on actors and content from across the border post the 2016 Uri attacks, Churails may well spark a debate. But the fact that show will spark debate is inevitable. Being the first show to release in India since the ban on Pakistani actors and content in 2016, Bano says she sees this as the start of a digital revolution. "It will only get bigger here and open doors for us. This might spark outrage but it will ensue a dialogue paving way for more cultural exchange."

Gillani echoes the idea saying that art and music are boundless. "Art is a force of nature. Jahan rokenge, waha dusra rasta nikal jata hai. Artistes are free spirited and we can't be stopped."

They collectively believe that the connection between the two nations has taken too long to resume. Bucha adds, "It's happy to know we haven't been out of minds of the Indian audiences. I am glad Zindagi never gave up on the idea. Resuming these ties is for the longer haul and triumph of humanity."

As she attempted to soak herself in every shade of savage Batool, Bucha says she was too consumed by the part to care about how one would respond to her character. "Authenticity in depicting her was key for us. I think there's a certain notion that women wouldn't fare well at espionage but this show will change that idea. We are curious by nature and this show depicts reality. Women are taking over traditionally male dominated workplaces and this show only tries to catch up with the real world. Conventionally, docility is a virtue but with more conversation around feminism, Churails is a timely series that highlights the history of injustices faced by the women folk. In India and in Pakistan, we've allowed a lot of public space to conservative elements. We talk about change but yet allow hardliners to occupy the space of dialogue. Art is for discussion and criticism is welcome but I think there will also be greater support for the project which outweighs any conservative responses."

For Rizvi, who says it took only the Pilot episode to say yes, there were no second thoughts. "I went in for the writing alone. Right at the start, I knew this show could not be superficial. This show is nothing like anything else that has come from Pakistan before. The Indian audience should be prepared to be intrigued," labelling the show as an interesting and imaginative watch.

Even as they gear up to rattle up the world with some cataclysmic ideas at the heart of their show, Rizvi offers the most hopeful and effective last word. "We have been consuming Indian cinema and music for a long time and I don't think people in India knew of our dramas till Zindagi. Our stories and our work got introduced to a wide range of people. This affinity, warmth and association will help people of both nations understand each other better."

Mika Singh, who was banned from working in India by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) after he performed in Pakistan recently, tendered an apology. Post that, the ban was withdrawn
Ismat Tahseen (BOMBAY TIMES; August 23, 2019)

On Wednesday evening the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) along with singer Mika Singh, held a press conference in Mumbai, where he publicly apologised for his recent live performance at an event in Karachi, Pakistan.

Addressing the media, the singer said, “It was by coincidence that I went there on August 3 and then the abrogation of Article 370 happened on August 5. I contacted the FWICE; maine B N Tiwari sir (FWICE President) se baat ki and explained that this happened by mistake. Aisa nahi hai ke maine deshvasiyon, fans ko, ya federation ke logon ko hurt karna chaha. Agar mujhse koi galti hui hai, main kshama maangata hoon federation se, fans se, aur poore India sey.”

Speaking to Bombay Times, FWICE President B N Tiwari, who was present at the press conference, said, “Mika ne poore desh se maafi maangi hai aur usne humse kaha ki, ‘Mera intention galat nahi tha’. The committee has decided that being a member of our association, Mika ko ek chance diya jaaye. Mika also told us, ‘Main Attari border sey ho kar gaya tha, humein visa issue kiya tha’. Woh kissi doosre route se nahi gaya tha. This should also send out a message that we are firm on our stand that the artistes from India should not perform in Pakistan or collaborate with any Pakistani artiste. Also, we won’t allow any of their artistes to perform in India. We have sent letters to music companies, producers and channels to not encourage them, and strict action will be taken against those.

MUMBAI MIRROR (August 19, 2019)

Mika Singh on Sunday said he will continue to do good for India despite the Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ (FWICE) decision to ban him from playback singing, giving public performances and acting in the country, following his gig in Pakistan.

The FWICE, the mother body of all the 24 crafts of filmmaking, issued a statement last week, saying that it was anguished by the performance of Mika at the wedding of the daughter of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s cousin in Karachi, amid tension and broken relations between India and Pakistan.

Mika is to meet FWICE officials on Tuesday, after which the Federation will take a final call on its decision to ban him. On Sunday, Mika tweeted a video of FWICE President B N Tiwari in which he mentioned receiving a letter from the singer. Mika has also urged the FWICE not to impose any restriction on him without hearing him out.

THE TIMES OF INDIA (August 15, 2019)

Mumbai: Film trade unions based in Mumbai have announced a boycott of pop singer Mika after reports emerged of his performance last week at the wedding of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s cousin’s daughter in Karachi.

Mika, whose real name is Amrik Singh, sang at the wedding venue on August 8. Soon after, on August 11, an article published in the Pakistani newspaper ‘The News,’ referring to an unnamed source, said the groom was keen on having Mika perform on the occasion.

It wasn’t an easy wish to fulfill given the current tensions over Jammu & Kashmir, the Pulwama-Balakot backdrop and considering that Indian films, dramas and songs are currently banned in Pakistan. Yet Singh and his 14-member team got a visa “within 24 hours, courtesy Musharraf’s cousin’s links in the right quarters.” The pop singer was paid 1,50,000 US dollars and provided first-class tickets, the report added. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a leading union, on Wednesday called the singer “anti-national” and blamed him for his “unbridled greed for money over nation.” It appealed to production houses, recording companies, music directors, event managers, and All India Radio and FM stations to tune him out of their repertoire. It stated that anyone who dealt with Mika would also be boycotted.

The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA), a small-time association based in Powai, also announced a “ban” on the singer, though it does not have a known following among actors, film-makers or technicians and thus its scope is limited. Its founder Suresh Gupta, who himself does not belong to the film industry, said, “I have neither spoken to Mika nor issued a show-cause notice. By banning Mika, whom we consider anti-national, we want to send a message to the likes of Karan Johar, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan to desist from using Pakistani artistes.”

The Pakistani daily ‘The News’ too was unhappy. “People are raising questions on social media whether the (Pakistani) government is befooling them as it, on one hand, has announced halting trade and downgrading relations with India but on the other it is giving special protocol to the Indian singers,” its report said.

Mika’s business manager Kanwaljeet Singh declined comment.
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MUMBAI MIRROR (August 15, 2019)

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the mother body of all the 24 crafts of filmmaking, has banned singer Mika Singh from performing, recording, playback singing and acting in India “irrevocably forever”.

The step was taken after Mika performed at an event in Pakistan amid spiralling diplomatic uncertainty between the neighbours since New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. A 30-second video clip tweeted by a Pakistani journalist showed Mika performing at an event after India’s August 5 decision and New Delhi severing all artistic and social ties with Islamabad.

FWICE issued a statement on Wednesday, saying they are “deeply pained and anguished by the performance of singer, Mika Singh alias Amrik Singh at the wedding of former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf’s cousin’s daughter in Karachi…“Since the cultural bridge between India and Pakistan is under siege, his performance sent shivers down the spine of every Indian. Mika Singh’s unbridled greed for money over the nation indicates a total non-application of mind and smacks of roguish, mala fide and traumatic intentions,” the statement added.

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also banned the singer from the Indian film industry.

One of the most audacious attacks by the Indian navy, on the Pakistani harbour during the 1971 war, is the subject of a new film which will roll next year
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 20, 2019)

Today, war dramas are vying for attention with biopics and sequels but so far, the efforts have largely been focused on the Army and the Air Force. Now, a mainstream Bollywood film is being planned around Operation Trident, one of the most audacious naval attacks the world has ever witnessed. Conducted on the night of December 4 and 5, during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, it targeted the Karachi Harbour. As a tribute to its success, December 4 is celebrated every year as Navy Day. The film is provisionally titled Navy Day and expected to go on the floors by mid-2020.

Bhushan Kumar who is producing the lavishly-mounted film with Tanuj Garg, Atul Kasbekar and Swati Iyer Chawla, points out that this was one of the most successful operations in modern naval history after World War II. “Our Navy suffered no losses and caused heavy casualties on the enemy side. It’s an extraordinary tale of strategy, thrill and bravery,” he avers.

Operation Trident was planned under the leadership of Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda and masterminded by then Fleet Operations Officer of the Navy, Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani. For the first time, anti-ship missiles in combat were used in this region. The Karachi Harbour was the headquarters of Pakistan’s Navy and almost its entire fleet was based there in 1971. According to reports, a minesweeper, a destroyer, a cargo vessel carrying ammunition, and fuel storage tanks were eliminated, along with another destroyer that was badly damaged and had to be eventually scrapped. It was followed by Operation Python on December 8 and 9, which was another success.

And while the attacks will undoubtedly be the film’s USP, Navy Day will also focus on how a bunch of people came together, their inter-personal dynamics and the high-level strategising in utmost secrecy, that resulted in a milestone achievement in the country’s military history. According to a source, the script should be locked by August-September with extensive research and interviews with those who were a part of the operation, after which casting will start, followed by three-four months of exhaustive prep. It will be directed by ad filmmaker Razneesh Ghai.

“After Ram Madhvani (Neerja) and Suresh Triveni (Tumhari Sulu), we are launching another leading figure from Indian advertising. He’s an Army kid who shot the campaign to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Indian Air Force and motivate youngsters to reach for the skies. With the panache of his story-telling, I’m sure Razneesh will bring a new approach to the genre,” asserts Tanuj, adding that the film will be shot in Mumbai and Delhi with the action scenes picturised at an international location. Navy Day is looking at a late 2020 or early 2021 unveiling.

MUMBAI MIRROR (February 16, 2019)

In the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi have decided not to attend an event in Pakistan. Akhtar shared on Twitter, “Karachi Art Council had invited Shabana and me for a two-day literature conference about Kaifi Azmi and his poetry. We’ve cancelled that.”

A suicide bomber on Thursday rammed his SUV packed with explosives into a CRPF bus in Pulwama. The death toll in the suicide bombing rose to 49 on Friday.

Shabana, who was in the hospital recovering from swine flu, said that she is “filled with pain and grief”. “I feel weakened in my belief that people to people contact can force the establishment to do the right thing. We will need to call halt to cultural exchange. There is no way we can carry on with cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan even as our martyrs are laying down their lives for us. I stand in solidarity with the grieving families.”

On the Karachi event, Shabana said, “I appreciate that our hosts have mutually agreed to cancel the event at the nth hour in wake of the attack.” Kangana Ranaut, who was planning a success party for her last release, Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi, called off the celebrations in the wake of the attack.

Shah Rukh Khan said, “Heartfelt condolences to the families of our valiant jawans. May the souls of our countrymen who laid their lives down for us rest in peace.” Salman Khan added, “My heart goes out for the jawans of our beloved country and their families who lost their lives as martyrs to save our families...” Aamir Khan shared, “I am heartbroken to read about the terrorist attack on our CRPF jawans in Pulwama. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the jawans who have lost their lives.”

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 6, 2018)

Juhi Chawla, who was in Pakistan last week on a five-day trip to meet members of her extended family, has come back with myriad stories. “I went to meet my aunt, cousins and their children in Karachi. On the last day of my trip, I went to my niece’s store to buy chikankari kurtis. I also met some showbiz people as my cousin, Satish Anand, is a film distributor and TV producer,” the actress informs.

Juhi’s biggest takeaway though was at a multiplex, when her cousins took her to watch the Pakistani film, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2. “Co-incidentally, the story was about a Pakistani boy falling in love with an Indian girl. I was amazed at how well they make their movies,” she says, adding that she especially enjoyed the Indian film references — in a sangeet scene, the hero dresses like a woman, imitating Madhuri Dixit’s purple sari from Hum Aapke Hai Koun’s “Didi Tera Devar Deewana,” and hat-tips Shah Rukh Khan’s “Ammi jaan Kehti Thi” punchline from Raees.

Juhi is tickled funny at the memory of seeing familiar faces during her trip. “It just didn’t feel like a different country. I would keep saying ‘Namaste’ to everyone and they would greet me back with ‘Salam Alaikum’,” she smiles, happy to report that Pakistan is keeping up with the times.

“Karachi is changing dramatically and mostly for the better. When I was there four years ago, people were wary of venturing out at night as the streets would be deserted because of the high crime rate and many would travel with security guards. Now, the place is buzzing with energy. My cousin even took me to Boat Club once.”

MID-DAY (October 31, 2016)

Despite the current India-Pakistan tension, Pooja Bhatt winged her way to Karachi to celebrate Diwali. The actress-turned-filmmaker is being hosted by singer Ali Azmat (of Junoon band fame). Pooja is known to give a break to talent from across the border, but this time it's a personal trip. She had premiered her directorial debut, Paap, at the Karachi Film Festival in 2003.

Omer Farooq Khan | Islamabad (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 2, 2016)

Pakistan has announced a ban on the broadcast of all Indian TV channels on Saturday for showing “illegal content“.

Pakistani theatres too began pulling down Bollywood films. The government move is being criticised for depriving masses of the little entertainment they have. Pakistan's electronic media regulator or PEMRA, reacting to the Indian cinema industry barring Pakistani singers and technicians until “normalcy“ returned, said, “Strict action would be taken after October 15 if TV channels and distribution networks fail to follow the directions of the regulatory body.“

PEMRA said it had received numerous complaints on “illegal Indian content“ on satellite TV channels and distribution networks as well as through illegal Indian DTH (direct-to-home) decoders. While no prominent Pakistani artiste was in India when the ban was imposed, concerts of Shafqat Amanat Ali and Atif Aslam in India were cancelled. In response, Pakistani theatres stopped screening Amitabh Bachchan's Pink and other releases. The management of Lahore's Super Cinema announced in a Facebook post that it will stop screening Indian films.

Karachi's Nueplex cinemas stated, “To express solidarity with the Armed forces of Pakistan, the management of Nueplex cinemas has decided to stop the screening of Indian films with immediate effect.“ Nadeem Mandviwalla, owner of Atrium in Karachi, told reporters that 70% of their business comes from Bollywood and Hollywood. “If ties worsen, it's going to affect everything,“ Mandviwalla told a news daily.

MUMBAI MIRROR (June 27, 2016)

Zinia Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; June 25, 2016)

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; April 29, 2016)