Bollywood in Pakistan

Since the 1947 bloody partition of India and Pakistan, the two countries had a rough road relationship with each other. Though living as neighbors for so many years, constant conflicts between religion, culture and beliefs still exist. It’s so hard to imagine how these states would start opening doors for each. Will a phenomenon be able to bring these two age-old enemies together?

According to the Times of India, some experts say Pakistan is now one of Bollywood’s top five overseas markets and could soon rival the business done in Australia. Film executives told beyondbrics that Pakistan is making up more and more of their overseas revenue, while offering an extra market that has the added benefit of shared history and culture.

 “As of now the top markets are North America, UK, the Middle East, Australia and then it’s Pakistan,” said Mahesh Ramanatha, COO of international distribution at Reliance Entertainment, which has released three of Bollywood’s most successful movies in Pakistan: 3 Idiots, Bodyguard and Don 2.

Pakistan becoming one of Bollywood’s fastest growing markets outside of India seems hardly a surprise. Who would have thought that the two could agree on some things? 

The spread of Bollywood movies in Pakistan doesn’t mean that the two countries are now open for finishing their long-term dispute. But although both countries share countless cultural differences, the fact that some Pakistanis are now having fun watching Indian films is a sign of things to come.