Afghan tadka in B’wood

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While novels set in Afghanistan have proved to be huge hits, when it comes to films, the country hasn’t really been explored much. Indian films shot in the locale are extremely few in number — only Dharmatma, Khuda Gawah and Kabul Express, besides the recent Ek Tha Tiger that was partly shot there.

But this may change soon, as Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on a recent trip to India invited Indian filmmakers to shoot films in his country. He has promised safety and logistical support.
Filmmaker Rajkumar Gupta would not hesitate in going to the country if his film requires that. “The country has a history that very few places have and thus it fascinates me a lot. It’s gone through a lot and that raises concerns, but still I’d not mind exploring it,” he says.
Rahul Mittra, producer of Saheb Biwi aur Gangster and upcoming film Bullet Raja, would also like to explore the beauty of the country. “Especially after assurance from the government on security and production help,” he said.
While some are still contemplating, filmmaker Piyush Jha has already thought of a story. It was before President Karzai’s invitation when Jha met a diplomat from Afghanistan who told him about their fascination for Indian culture. “They love Indian films,” says Jha, adding that if he shoots there, he would not be making a film on serious issues but a love story. Fredrick Forsyth’s The Afghan intrigues him. “But it is about Al Qaeda and I want to do something that brings to fore other aspects of the country, like its culture,” he says.
Then there are those who don’t quite consider it a safe proposal especially after the scary reports during the filming of Ek Tha Tiger. Apparently, Salman, along with 40 crew members, came under the radar of the NATO forces during a firing sequence.
Filmmaker Satish Kaushik thinks that it’s quite difficult to shoot at a place that is always facing the scare of terrorist attacks. “We, as filmmakers, might be interested in a particular place. But then we have to think of the crews’ security,” he says.
Kaushik’s Tere Naam was a huge hit in Afghanistan and he is aware of the potential market that the place has. He loved Feroze Khan’s Dharmatma that tapped the scenic beauty of the place, but even then he would not really consider it unless there’s a 100 per cent security assurance.
However, Jha adds that people from troubled lands are more helpful. “I shot Sikandar in Kashmir and was amazed to see the hospitality of the local people in the area. I’m sure even in Afghanistan it would be the same,” he concludes.