Yash Chopra's films brought India, Pak closer: Pak filmmaker

Mumbai, Oct 29: Death of legendary Indian filmmaker Yash Chopra is a huge loss for neighbouring country

. Pakistani director Iram Parveen Bilal said that Yash Chopra was instrumental in bringing neighbouring countries -

and Pakistan - together. Film critics say that Chopra's films like Veer-Zaara helped in creating better ties between citizens of the fighting neighbours. For last six decades, India and Pakistan share strain political relationship over the issue of Kashmir.

Parveen Bilal says late Bollywood veteran Yash Chopra had a "soft corner for Pakistan". Bilal came to India to participate at the 14th Mumbai Film Festival. Her debut film 'Josh' was screened at the festival recently. A film critic added that Chopra's movies were about love and helped film buffs of both the countries come closer. Most of Chopra's film like 'Kabhi Kabhie' and 'Chandni' were a major hit in Pakistan too.

Bilal expressed her happiness to be in India, but was sad that she won't get to meet her idol Yash Chopra. Bollywood director-producer Yash Chopra passed away at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on Oct 21. The 80-year-old chief of Yash Raj Films (YRF) was suspected to have died of dengue.

Talking about her association with the veteran filmmaker, she said: "I have a long love history with Mumbai. I came here for the first time in 2004... Every time I came here, I met Yashji. No matter how busy he was, he would take out 5-10 minutes for me. He used to give me his pearls of wisdom. But the fact that he is no more and I won't be able to meet him is heartbreaking," she said.

"He (Chopra) was born in Lahore so he always had a soft corner for Pakistan. I was here when 'Veer-Zaara' released and it was a friend of a friend who introduced me to him. He welcomed me with open arms. He was a humble man who wanted to inspire people. I took advice from him and he always said in Raj Kapoor's style, 'The show must go on'."

"I don't know anyone in his family but I will go and pay my respects to him," Bilal said.

OneIndia News