Pakistani fan documented his emotional encounter with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and music composer AR Rahman at the Wagah Border in Punjab. The event, titled Jai Ho – A Musical Salute to the Bravehearts, featured Rahman’s first-ever live performance at the border during the Beating Retreat Ceremony.
The Pakistani fan, who lives 20km from the border, rushed to the event and managed to get access to zero point, where Indians and Pakistanis can meet, talk, and greet but not touch. He screamed Imtiaz's name when he saw him and started a monologue telling him how much he loved him. Imtiaz kept smiling and saying thank you, thanks so much.
The fan told Imtiaz how much he's celebrated on this side of the border and how his music, cinema, and storytelling have shaped a generation of filmmakers. Imtiaz said he will come one day inshallah. The fan then told him 'Mai Vaapis Aunga', which made the entire Indian side cheer, smile, and clap, and for a brief second, the gates had abolished, the borders were friendly, and art had won.
Main Vaapas Aaunga, the upcoming film by Imtiaz Ali, is set during the 1947 Partition era and explores themes of love, longing, and belonging. The film stars Vedang Raina, Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, and Naseeruddin Shah in lead roles and is slated to hit theatres on June 12.
