LAHORE, Dec 1: Renowned Indian film, television and theatre actor Naseeruddin Shah has stressed the need to produce films highlighting the issues of common man in Pakistan.

The versatile actor said this while talking to the media persons at the Wagah border on Sunday.

Mr Shah has come to Lahore along with his theater team for a medley of English and Urdu plays to be staged at Alhamra Art Center, The Mall, from Dec 5 to 8. He is invited by the Faiz Foundation Trust.

About the Pakistan movie Vaar (Strike), Mr Shah said he could not watch the movie because it still hadn’t been screened in India, but he heard that the movie was technically very strong. “As a matter of fact, I am allergic to all war movies because these portray the other country as a villain.”

When asked what efforts could be made to defuse tensions between the two countries, Mr Shah said the journey to peace should be continued. “It is our duty to continue efforts no matter small or big,” he said.

He said he had brought his theatre to Lahore for the third time and would keep on coming every year since he had a commitment with the daughters of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Saleema Hashmi and Moneeza Hashmi, and the Faiz Foundation Trust.

He said he had not signed any new film project in Pakistan, but hoped that more films like Zinda Bhaag would be produced in Pakistan.

Mr Shah said in a lighter vein that if some crazy souls were interested in doing some meaningful theatre in Pakistan they must do though they won’t get any benefit.

The event is being organized to raise funds for the Faiz Ghar, the Faiz Museum and the Cultural Centre being run by the Faiz Foundation Trust.—Staff Reporter