#KnowYourNeighbor: In Talks With Ashutosh Deshmukh

Ashutosh Deshmukh is a banker turned seasoned producer, having worked with major corporate film production houses like UTV, Disney India, Walkwater, NFDC and NDTV India on various projects. In a candid interview with LHP, Ashutosh talks about his experiences in Pakistan, working with Pakistani filmmaker Nasir Khan and how social media can help bridge the divide between both nations.

1. Do tell us something about yourself for the benefit of our audience

I had worked as a banker for nearly 18 years and thereafter, I moved to entertainment and media industry wherein I tried my hands on varied subjects i.e. television shows, films, documentaries and ports commentaries. Though, I used to have desk job earlier but my real interest always lied in the field of Arts and literature. Pakistan remained a subject which always fascinated and intrigued me personally and professionally.

2. Tell us about your connections with Pakistan and what took you there?

I had few contacts and friends across the border, but the real connection happened around 2010-11 in Mumbai at a film festival wherein I got an opportunity to witness the work of a young filmmaker from Lahore named Nasir Khan. He has directed a film named ‘Made in Pakistan’ which was a documentary and was a reflection of a political campaigning in Pakistan during the elections. When I saw the film, it was an eye opening moment as similar to what majority of Indians thought, I too had a perception and stereotype attached to Pakistan and Democracy being an oxymoron. Post the screening of film, Nasir and I decided to meet for coffee and it was there that we decided to do a film together But, later Nasir lost his interest in documentary and ventured into making of feature films. I had worked with media houses like UTV, Viacom in India and therefore, agreed to help Nasir with his production especially with respect to technical details. However, this idea lost in between and after some years Nasir called me up and informed about his production in Bangkok to which I suggested why not Mauritius. I suggested Mauritius because I had few contacts and also, the country has soft tax laws. And, it was then we both teamed together to make this film and it was a first experience for me in my professional capacity to work with Pakistani counterparts. The team consisted of members from not only from India and Pakistan but from Mauritius and thus, it was a tri-nation project.Both of our teams met in Mauritius on 14th August which was coincidentally Pakistan’s Independence Day and celebrated the same together. I was also accompanied by my daughter, Apurva (Line Producer) who held casting for the film.

It was interesting to observe that other Indians and Pakistanis who were part of the crew had never met any person from across the border and it was the first time where they got an opportunity to sit across and interact.After the first day of the shoot, during the dinner, Nasir and I saw both of our teams sitting separately and having food and it was then we both decided not to push them to interact and let them by their own will get along with each other. This plan of ours bore fruits as by the 16TH evening, they got along each other and now there were groups but where two Pakistani team members sat across 3 Indians and so on. When the shoot was about to come to an end, both teams became close to each other and were discussing when they will meet next. The camera team had to be sent back to India for technical work and for the same, whole Pakistani Team decided to see off our team at airport. It was heartwarming to see the team mates hugging and crying. Post production of the film happened in Lahore and sound mixing took place in India. The Premier was decided to be held in Pakistan and for the same Apurva and I got an invitation. My elder daughter who worked then as product manager with Book My Show also showed her interest to come along. But, the tension regarding getting hold of visa loomed on us.

3. What are some of your fondest memories or any specific event that you recall often while you were traveling across the border? Have you ever been worried about the travel?

We got our visas for Lahore and for the same we crossed through Wagah, where we had attended three years ago the ceremonial function which takes place at the border. For me, it was aggressive and I was sceptical and realised that I was stepping in another country. I didn’t have any fear or any prejudice. Infact, I was looking forward to a good experience because he has been in talks with so many friends since a long time. It was soon after we crossed Wagah that I realised how easy it is to cross over and visit another nation but sadly we have so many regulations and restrictions. It is just few people who are lucky to visit other country.

Once, the film premiere was over, Nasir and team had to leave for Karachi and thereafter, Dubai but our visa was only till Lahore and thus had to stay back alone without our host. But, we had best experience. We travelled in Autos and had fantastic and warming reaction of people. We had to visit Nawaiwaqt the very next day but had no vehicle but instead of taking a cab, my daughter asked to experiment and take a ride in an auto. Later, when we got one, I asked him on how much will he charge and he said, 250 rs and we agreed. Soon, we started conversation and he asked you don’t look like Lahoris and asked where we belonged. I quipped and asked him to tell from where we are and he said, Karachi. Hearing this, I was elated and told him that we are coming from Mumbai, India. He was elated to hear and giving a ride to Indians. The autowallah became friend and guide for us and gave his telephone number when he dropped us. I was moved by one gesture of his wherein he returned 100 Rs. Back to me and said, I just asked for more but, you are our own.

I also remember, how we went to have a bus ride at Lahore which would cover all tourist locations much like what we have in India. On reaching the spot, we got to know that the said bus was full and couldn’t take in any more passengers. When, I went to enquire about the same, the manager (who happened to be a mountaineer) on hearing about us being Indians, arranged seats in the bus but, it was done on one condition, which was to have dinner with him. Later, one day we met him and had ice-cream together and thereafter, he showed us the nightlife of Lahore. I would definitely without a doubt would say that Lahore’s night life is better than any Indian city. We talked about Mountains (Northern Part of Pakistan) while having Paan at 4:00 AM.

4. What are the commonalities that you have observed between both the nations?

He was much similar to our autowallah. Hardworking and aware of political and India-Pakistan relations. But, what I observed there was that even auto drivers had deep knowledge about India and its politics unlike Indians who will at maximum be able to name three political parties of Pakistan.

5. In this day of modern technology, do you think social media has played an important role in bridging the gap?

Social media is best tool available to bridge the gap between the people of two countries. I should tell you that I got hold of my visa without any problem with the help of a friend whom I met through Aman Ki Asha’s Facebook Group.

6. What are your thoughts on the existing talks between the two countries? How do you suggest we ease the existing tensions between the two nations?

The solution lies in more people to people contact which both of our government doesn’t allow. But, we should endeavor in having talks and contacts across border through social media and otherwise.