Khalilur Rehman Qamar ends boycott, announces plans to work in India
Renowned Pakistani playwright and screenwriter Khalilur Rehman Qamar has expressed his willingness to work in India, ending years of personal reluctance, while also alleging that a popular Bollywood film was copied from one of his dramas.
Speaking on a Podcast, Qamar said he is now open to working across the border, stating: "I had a principle for years that I would not work in India. I rejected many offers. But not anymore."
The writer, known for his strong patriotic stance, said his change of heart stems from personal grievances, including his recent experience in a "honey trap" case, in which he was allegedly kidnapped and tortured. He expressed satisfaction that the accused in the case had been convicted.
"I have done a lot for my country, but I was wronged. My sense of patriotism has weakened now," he said.
Qamar, whose popular drama Boota from Toba Tek Singh aired on Pakistan Television (PTV) in 1999, claimed that Bollywood's 2000 film Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai, starring Govinda, was inspired by his work.
According to Qamar, Indian filmmakers had requested the CD of his drama through legendary Pakistani musician Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, and later released a film with a strikingly similar lead character.
"The film's entire story wasn't a copy, but the lead role of 'Ganga' was clearly based on Faisal Qureshi's character 'Boota'," he stated.
Qamar also criticized the unequal treatment of Pakistani artists in India, noting that while Indian actors receive enthusiastic media attention in Pakistan, Pakistani stars must introduce themselves when visiting India.
"When Indian actors come here, our media chases them like crazy. But in India, Pakistani actors have to intorduce who they are," he said.
Despite his criticism of India's entertainment industry and its lack of access to Pakistani television, Qamar said his recent trauma has changed his perspective and made him reconsider earlier decisions.
"They tried to abduct and kill me. After what I've faced, I will now work in India too," he concluded.
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