Indian actor Kanwaljit Singh open to more Pakistani projects after 'JPNA2'

Indian actor played Nawab saab in 'Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2'

The ban on Pakistani artists working in India did not stop some singing sensations such as Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from working across the border. Similarly, Bollywood artists have repeatedly spoken about wanting to work in Pakistan, with some even going on to signing local projects. One such example is Indian actor Kanwaljit Singh, known for films such as Satte Pe Satta and Virsa.

The star took a leap of faith when he joined the cast of  the recently released Nadeem Beyg-helmed Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (JPNA2), reported Mumbai Mirror.

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Featuring Humayun Saeed, Fahad Mustafa, Mawra Hocane and Kubra Khan amongst many others, JPNA2 is one of the highest grossing films of Pakistan. The film recently had a private screening in Dubai when Singh, who was last seen in Raazi, said that his experience of working with Pakistanis was amazing. He also mentioned that he is open to more Pakistani projects.

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Singh revealed, "The writer of JPNA2 Vasay Chaudhry, got in touch with film-maker Ravi Rai, who makes TV shows in India. He told Ravi that he wanted an Indian actor to play the heroine’s father, Nawab saab, since the character is Indian. I found the role interesting because the father hates Pakistanis but has a change of heart towards the end of the film."

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The veteran Bollywood actor added that he filmed with the cast in Dubai for 20 days after the rest of them had finished shooting in Turkey. Singh continued, "The team treated me wonderfully. I’ve been a part of an Indo-Pak collaboration before, Virsa, which was made in Punjabi in 2010. Arya Babbar played the lead."

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Apart from being a part of JPNA2, Singh has also worked with Ali Zafar in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan which was released in 2011. Speaking of his experience, he added, "Cross border interactions are important. We should end meaningless fights between India and Pakistan. Of course, I don’t want anyone entering my country and engaging in nefarious activities but cultural exchange is important. It has been happening for years already."

PHOTO: FILE

Singh was not the only Indian actor cast in JPNA2. Kunika Sadanand known for her roles in Hum Saath Saath Hain and Andaaz, and Shehzad Khan from Andaz Apna Apna were also a part of the film.

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