Indian director Madhur Bhandarkar who recently visited Pakistan on a two-day trip has shared his ‘amazing experience’.
The Bollywood filmmaker was present in the country to attend this year’s Rafi Peer International Film Festival (RPIFF) in Lahore on December 17.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the Fashion director praised the hospitality of Pakistanis saying, ”It was an amazing experience. Once we were on the other side of the border, their hospitality took over.”
“The people, the food and the culture were all so warm and welcoming. I had a memorable time for two days. They love Bollywood films so much in Pakistan,” he added.
Madhur, who was accompanied by Indian veteran actor Om Puri, further said that he his close ones ‘advised’ him not to cross the border. ”I was advised by everyone close to me not to go. But I was adamant. Main kyon nahin jaaon? Art and cinema have no borders. Look at Bajrangi Bhaijaan it is so popular in Pakistan.”
The filmmaker was presented with the top honour Rafi Peer Memorial Award at RPIFF by Pakistani actress Zeba.
Sharing his sentiments for receiving the award by the veteran actress, Madhur said, ”She is like the Waheeda Rehmanji of Pakistan. If you remember Zebaji and her husband Mohammad Ali had acted in Manoj Kumar’s Clerk. I kept reminding her of scenes from that film.”
