New Delhi: Indian movies may not have received government sanction to enter Pakistani theatres but Pakistani passengers of the Samjhauta Express said Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, television serials and coconuts from India were great binders for the two countries.
"So what if our government does not permit the screening of Hindi films in theatres, we watch them on CD players. This time too we are taking back film CDs, most of them starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan," said Jamal Akhtar from Karachi.
"Big B is an all-time favourite among Pakistanis. He was simply amazing in Baaghban. The young and old, men and women, everyone could relate to his character in the film. I'm sure he'll reign over Bollywood for many more years," Akhtar said before boarding the first Samjhauta Express to leave Delhi after the train was bombed near Panipat last Sunday leaving 68 Pakistanis and Indians dead and over 50 injured.
Passengers also said though they are taking back a lot of gifts and sweets coconuts continued to be a big time favourite.
"Indian coconuts are sweeter and we are taking back over a dozen this time. Each time a relative visits India I ask him to bring back coconuts for me," said 65-year-old Rafiq Bano.
"Amitabh Bachchan, television serials and coconuts from India are a great reminder of our stay in India and unite the divided borders," said Bano who was in Delhi to spend time with her relatives in Bareily, Uttar Pradesh.
Bano said she also loved watching the Great Indian Laughter Challenge on STAR One, especially comedians like Raju Srivastava and Ahsan Quereshi.
Salman Ali Khan was equally enthusiastic about Hindi movies and television serials.
"My mother loves to watch saas-bahu serials. They are a must for many women and they enjoy discussing them later,” he said.
"And when it comes to movies we love those starring Big B, SRK, Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar. Comedies like Hera Pheri and Phir Hera Pheri are huge hits in our country," added Khan.
Explaining the bonding of Pakistanis with Hindi films and film stars, Irshad Ali, another passenger, said: "Language is a great leveller. If you want to lighten up your weekend a Bollywood movie is a great choice."
"On my earlier visit to Bombay I happened to meet a number of film stars. I even clicked photos with Anil Kapoor. So many of my friends have fond memories like mine. Your film stars are great," Ali, a Karachi-based businessman said.
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