There was no scarcity of talent in Pakistan's film industry, but a need to explore the hidden talent through development of infrastructure. A leading Indian film director Mahesh Bhatt expressed these views while addressing 'Meet the Press' programme at Lahore Press Club here on Tuesday. Pakistani Actress Meera, who performed in the Indo-Pak co-production film 'Nazar', accompanied him on the occasion.
Mahesh Bhatt maintained Pakistan 'does not have the talent to support talent'. "In music, Pakistan has immense talent that India lacks, hence I turn to Pakistan for my films' music and recently Pakistani music artists have made my films a hit," he added.
Mahesh Bhatt was of the view the Pakistani films lacked technical finish and if that obstacle was overcome; quality of Pakistani films would improve tremendously. He advised while meeting the minimum standard of a film, the Pakistani film producers should retain the flavour of Pakistan in their films. On co-production, he said Pakistani film industry should safeguard its interests in joint ventures.
According to him, 'Nazar', directed by his wife Sony Razdaan, would be released in January, and if permitted it would be shown in Pakistan. Meera's work in the film had been very good and she would sign for another film. 'Nazar' was a female oriented film in which Meera justified the role and had no political connotation. This film had cost over Rs 40 million.
Mahesh viewed President Musharraf as a progressive man in South Asia and added Indian leaders had assured him the Indo-Pak peace process would not be derailed. He was of the view that South Asia was a union and it should resolve its own problems and they should shun their hatreds that had brewed since the partition.