LAHORE, Dec 11: The last day of top Indian film actress Urmila Matondkar’s three-day stay in the city could not have been more chaotic. Between filming for a documentary series Moving Closer and the frenzied adulation of cinegoers, Ms Matondkar’s hosts, Serendip Productions, found time to organize a press conference in a local hotel to allow the media to access her directly.

The press conference turned out to be a media jamboree, as many were interested only in flashing cameras and catching a glimpse of Bollywood’s petite diva. The entire purpose of the press conference, which was to highlight the cooperation of India and Pakistan through media relations, was challenged by unruliness of the local press. The last time such a large number of photographers and reporters had assembled was at the Musharraf-Vajpayee summit in Agra in 2000.

“We’ve never even heard the names of some of the newspapers and magazines,” admitted Serendip Productions’ personnel.

Disorganized and poorly managed, the massive wave of photographers rushing to capture Ms Matondkar on camera was quite embarrassing. Not caring about the impression they might leave with the guest, representatives of the local press swooned at Urmila’s feet when India’s silver screen goddess entered the conference hall. She was quickly taken to the podium along with the rest of her guests that included her father, Srikant Matondkar, Prahlad Kakar, the director of the documentary series, Huma Beg, managing director of Serendip Productions and our very own talented Resham from Lollywood.

Seated next to them were Pakistan’s ad-director Saqib who had co-directed a short visualization of Fuzon’s song Deewaney, which formed part of Moving Closer. From the Pakistan side, Shamyl, a relatively young actor has been selected to star opposite Urmila. Fuzon’s Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and the rest of band’s members, spruced up by the skillful touch of Depilex, formed part of the Moving Closer experience.

“I believe we were making history by shooting this song with Urmila, Resham and Shamyl. The two countries need to work closely and respect each other’s performers,” said Shafqat Amanat Ali of Fuzon.

Despite the bad audio system and the non-serious ‘journalists’, Urmila looked confident, barely showing any signs of tiredness or irritation.

“Earlier, when she was shooting for the series, she had stomped off in disgust at the way the media was harassing her,” revealed a person working with the production unit. Huma Beg explained why Moving Closer was such an important project for peace between India and Pakistan. “This is just the beginning. We are trying to put together small but momentous moments to give peace a chance. This documentary is part of a much overdue peace process.”

Out of all the Saarc countries, Serendip Productions was selected by the UNDP to produce the documentary series. “I could not dream of refusing this project. Our generation does not comprehend the meaning of war trauma and partition. As part of the media, we should realise our responsibility to improve ties between India and Pakistan. War cannot solve anything neither can it resolve issues. We must let the governments know that,” stated Ms Matondkar.

“I have been all over the world, but I have never been honoured in this remarkable way. Believe me I was completely overcome by emotions when I crossed the Wagah border. At that moment I wished the entire population of India could see the love showered on me by you people. I can’t thank you enough for the love and respect you’ve shown me,” said Urmila.