Dubai-based movie that charts Indo-Pak relations releases today

With both countries gearing up to celebrate their Independence Days, Lashtam Pashtam is a friendly reminder.

India and Pakistan was separated by partition 71 years ago, yet the tale of friendship between these two countries never gets old when retold. The film Lashtam Pashtam (reportedly based on true events), talks about the two childhood friends Sid and Fahd, of different origins who grew up in Dubai and how the decades old political tensions between the countries transcends into their relationship with each other. The film also marks the final performance of veteran actor Om Puri on the big screen, before his demise in January last year.
Lashtam Pashtam has several meanings but to the movie's director, Manav Bhalla, it simply means going the extra mile to do something for a loved one. The film marks the debut of actors Samar Virmani and Vibhav Roy in leading roles. The movie also features actresses Tisca Chopra and Ishita Dutta and will hit theatres in UAE this weekend. With both India and Pakistan gearing up to celebrate their Independence Days, Lashtam Pashtam is perhaps a timely reminder that stereotypical prejudices that people from both nations harbour towards each other should be cast aside. Excerpts from our interview with the lead actors and director: 
What drew you both to your respective roles in  Lashtam Pashtam?
Samar Virmani: I am playing the Indian guy, he (Vibhav Roy) is playing the Pakistani guy. We are childhood friends, who grew up in a neutral city - Dubai. When we are young, we happen to be good friends but as we grew, because of some misconceptions and our past history there is an issue. But friendship is something you choose from your heart, not something which is given to you by birth. Sid will go to any extent for his friend, for his brother. He is even willing to cross the border for his friend. The content of this film is so strong and relevant to modern times, that I am glad I got this opportunity in my first film. 
Vibhav Roy: The film is about universal brotherhood, and how friendship transcends political borders. He is Indian and I am Pakistani and we are friends, our friendship can't be curtailed or curbed by geographical limitations or by communal differences, so that's the message. Coming back to my character, Fahd, he is very reserved, like the director says he talks with his eyes. These (traits) make him look very attractive in this narrative, that's what drew me to this character.
The reason I came on board was that when Manav Sir narrated the script to me, we were on the same page. He took a break from his corporate career to make a film and I was an accountant and gave that up to become an actor. I would relate it to the philosophy from the film 3 Idiots, 'excellence ke peeche bhaago, kamiyabi jhak maarke tumhare peeche aayega' which means 'if you run behind excellence, success will follow you'.
How was it filming in Dubai?
Samar: It was great. Dubai is a beautiful city, it is a city of stars, with all the high-rise buildings around. We have shot at the Burj Al Arab beach (Kite Beach), also very close to Burj Khalifa, so these are some of the iconic landmarks in Dubai.
Vibhav: We had a lot of fun shooting in Dubai, the landscape that Dubai gives us on film is so beautiful, it makes our film look grand. I see Dubai as a land of immigrants, that's what our film stands for. It is for brotherhood and friendship. I don't think we could have shot this in a better place than Dubai. 
What is your take on the recent issue of banning artists from India and Pakistan from working in the other country?
Samar: I honestly feel that art has no borders, you can't control them within the political borders. It should be widespread, whatever the differences we have.having said that, if we are able to work on them.that always promotes friendship, peace and harmony. That is the only way we can survive together.
Vibhav: My view on that, as an Indian, my country comes first and foremost, the relevant authorities will take the necessary action. As an artist I feel otherwise, but if they (government) will always think in the interest of my country and the interest of my nation then that's paramount.
According to you what is the biggest misconception an average Indian/Pakistani have about each other?
Samar: I think the only misconception that exists is the thought that we hate each other.
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