Lollywood veteran Shaan Shahid who has repeatedly denied working in India, is making his directorial return with Arth 2, which is a remake of Bollywood’s 1982 classic Arth by Mahesh Bhatt starring Shabana Azmi, Kulbushan Kharbanda, and Smita Patil in leading roles. The film hit the floors in December 2015 and is currently in post production. It stars Humaima Malik, Mohib Mirza, and Shaan Shahid himself in leading roles.
Read: Bollywood boosted business in Pakistan, claims Mahesh Bhatt
Shaan Shahid is said to be playing the role of musician in the movie and it is being reported that the rockstar Ali Azmat will be making a cameo in the movie. Initially, Shahid had announced Humayun Saeed as the second male lead but now, Mahib Mirza has replaced Saeed.
The music of the movie is being produced by Sahir Ali Bagga and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has lend his vocals for the title track. It will also mark the debut of musical band Fuzion’s front man Emu.
In an earlier interview, the director of Arth 2 thanked Bollywood’s Mahesh Bhatt for his support. “A good human and true visionary as his encouragement for the first Indo-Pak collaboration is clearly visible,” said Shahid.
It is also being reported that Bhatt had denied to take any money for the rights of his movie and just requested for the credits. “If you’ve felt the pain I felt, go ahead with it. Just give me credit and make it a symbol of Indo-Pak friendship,” Express Tribune quoted Bhatt.
It is to recall that in 1985, two Pakistani movies, Qurabani and Meherbaani, were remade in Bollywood. This is the first time that a Bollywood movie is being recreated in Pakistan.
Arth 2 is produced by AAA Motion Pictures, HKC Entertainment and 5th Element. Despite of being the remake of a Bollywood movie, it is very unlikely that the movie will release in India now. Film release date is yet to be announced.
