By IANS,
Islamabad : The well known Indian film industry couple of Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar arrived in Pakistan through Wagah border checkpost Friday to participate in the subcontinent’s eminent poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz’s 100th birth anniversary celebrations.
Speaking to media after crossing-over, noted Indian poet, lyricist and script writer Javed Akhtar said he felt “strange after landing in a different country just by crossing a line while walking”.
“This feeling is beyond words,” he added.
Akhtar’s wife and daughter of eminent poet Kaifi Azmi, Shabana said that her father shared a great friendship with Faiz.
“Although I have no blood relation with Faiz, but I have always thought of him as my uncle,” she told Dunya TV.
Javed and Shabana were received with garlands upon arrival at the Wagah border. The couple hailed the warm reception accorded to them. Salima Hashmi and Muneeza Hashmi – daughters of Faiz – received their Indian guests at the border checkpost.
Earlier, a 17-member delegation of Indian artistes, led by singer Ila Arun, arrived in Pakistan through the Wagah border checkpost Thursday. Arun spent a busy day in Lahore Friday while sight-seeing and shopping amidst tight security.
“We are feeling at home in Lahore and have been overwhelmed by the warmth and love showered by our hosts and the general public,” said Arun talking to The News.
Writer and actor Attul Tiwari said, “All apprehensions before coming to Pakistan have been put to rest as soon as we crossed over”.
The Indian delegates will spend a busy week in Lahore that marks various activities marking birth anniversary celebrations of Faiz, who is revered equally in both India and Pakistan.