Treading foreign territory

They are crossing the border with temerity. But for once, neither country is complaining. Welcome to the world of cross border television, the latest trend to sweep the small screen in India and its neighbour. Aman Varma has crossed the LoC to act in a Pakistani serial, as has the latest Indian femme fatale of the telly, Aamna Shariff. Mandira Bedi is seriously considering lending her presence to another Pak show and Nausheen, known thus far only as Kkusum, has also signed on the dotted line. Not to be outdone, Sakshi Tanwar has jumped onto the bandwagon. Several Pakistani singers and bands are already vying for a presence in India via concerts and feature films. Does this mark a fusion of the art scene in the subcontinent? "It all began when I was in Mumbai for some work and realised that Indian TV actors are interested in working with their Pakistani counterparts," says actor-producer Humayyun who is putting finishing touches to the first Indo-Pakistani TV project- Ana (The Ego)- featuring Nausheen Kkusum Ali Sardar and Aamna Kashish Shariff. Bahu dons purdah? Sakshi Parvati Tanwar has just returned from Dubai after shooting two episodes for Pakistani serial Kuchh Rishte Kachhe Dhaagon Ke "Some of my portions will be shot in Karachi. This time instead of sarees, I will be wearing churidar-kameez to go with my character. Plus I am looking forward to shopping and sightseeing." Tanwar plays a Muslim girl, Ayesha, romantically paired opposite another Indian actor Shahbaaz Khan (last seen as Tipu Sultan). Aman Varma stars in the same show directed by Kamal Monga. Spaghetti strap specialist Mandira Bedi says she has an offer to act in a TV serial in Pakistan and hints that she would give it a thought after September. Refusing to divulge any details, all she says is, "I have the standing offer for a long time from a Pakistani actor, when I was in Lahore for the Indo-Pak cricket series." Sangeeta 'Pammi' Ghosh too has been lapped up by a Pakistani serial. As you read this, she is busy shooting in Dubai. The show (untitled as yet) produced by Mushroom Productions, co-stars Vikas Bhalla and Himani Shivpuri. Sangeeta plays Safina, a happily married girl who coaxes her husband to remarry when she is diagnosed as suffering from a terminal illness. Feelings of jealousy creep in when she sees her hubby with the second wife and after she learns that the doctor had made a faux pas in the diagnosis. Can we see some Pak beauties here? The shows are different enough to warrant our actors heading across the border, but production houses too seem to want to get some Pakistani lovelies in their serials. Says BAG Films- Mumbai head Rajesh Chaddha, "Lately, we had several rounds of auditions for some of our forthcoming shows. But we could not get one single face who was good in looks or talent, leave aside both. It would be a refreshing change if we could take some of the Pakistani actors into our fold. BAG films is thinking of doing such a project. But logistically I don't know if it would work out if those shows are not going to be aired in India." A quick survey indicates that the shows in question may see the light of day in India very soon. "Talks are on to telecast Ana (The Ego) on Indian channels. I am talking to Sahara and Sony. I will opt for one who would market my show more aggressively," asserts Humayyun. According to industry sources, Kuchh Rishte Kachhe Dhaagon Ke is likely to go on air on Channel Geo in Pakistan. Says Triptii Sharma, Sahara's programming VP, "Some production houses have approached us with the concept of having Indian and Pakistani actors together, but at the end of the day, it should not be done for just the heck of it. Sahara is considering these proposals by adding its own inputs, but it's early days to make a statement actually." Crossing the border How do the actors manage their schedules? Nausheen did it post Kkusum when she was free, and Aamna managed to take a 12-day break from Kahiin To Hoga. None of these actors feel that they would become less popular in India since they work in Pakistani serials. "We won't go out of sight so we won't go out of mind as well," quips Aman Varma. "In fact, my portions are going to be shot in Mumbai from 12 August. So I guess it won't be difficult to adjust." Indian TV actors seem to be enjoying their stints in Pakistan, as it takes them beyond the usual kitchen politics and extra-marital affairs endemic to Indian soaps. Kucch Rishtey Kachche Dhaagon Ke is about a man who has two wives, an Indian Muslim and a Pakistani Muslim. The story is not about how he is sandwiched between the two, but about the children from these two wives who detest each other. On the other hand, Ana (The Ego) is about a son whose father is an egoist who makes his children feel insecure all the time. "I don't know whether these projects will foster good relations between India and Pakistan, but as an actor, I am relieved to be doing something different. Doing one show for a long time kills one's creativity pursuits," insists Varma. Nausheen who will soon be seen in Star Plus' Kaalchakra in a triple role endorses the view, "Working with a Pakistani crew was a good proposition, primarily because of the change in set-up and the fact that it was a fresh subject. But I wish they would pay more. I realised very late that we Indian actresses were given lesser amounts compared to what Pakistani actors get on their home soil." But Aamna says, "I was paid very handsomely. I have set a certain market value for myself and I don't compromise below that. Else I wouldn't have done it." Wider exposure, more adulation, more of the moolah. How many more Indian TV stars will join the bandwagon?