Mubasher Lucman, a filmmaker who comprises the Pakistani delegation participating in FICCI's Frames 2004, raised a very pertinent issue. Lucman wonders why should he be charged for copying Bollywood films. He claims that 'Chalte Chalte' was a direct lift of 'Aaina' (Pakistani film) though it was a recreation of 'Aandhi'. In fact, he added that the film industries in both countries copy each other. There is a slight difference inasmuch as Indian re-productions are more glossy, he adds.
Lollywood (Pakistani film industry at Lahore) has witnessed a huge decline in revenues in the last three years as has happened in Mumbai. The number of releases has come down to 35 a year from 60 in 1985-86, as in Bollywood. Families in Pakistan too miss theatres to watch films. They prefer pirated versions of Bollywood films or soaps on cable TV, according to Shahbaz Ali, producer of 'Choodiyan'.
The delegation urged the film industry in India to help Pakistan curb the pirated films reaching there from India and also explore the possibilities of collaboration in producing films. Thus both countries would benefit. The Pak delegation met several stars who have been producing films in cooperation with Lollywood. These included Dharmendra, his son-Sunny, Yash Chopra and Mahesh Bhatt. Both the countries have nothing to lose, but gain only, the Pak team believed.
