A Pakistani director, Omar Sharif, is to take charge of a Bollywood film for the first time, in a move seen as a sign of improving cultural relations between the two countries.
Sharif, a former stand-up comedian and namesake of veteran Egyptian actor of Lawrence of Arabia fame, will begin shooting Tum Mere Ho (You Are Mine) from March 26 in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, before moving location to Chicago.
The romantic comedy stars an entirely Indian cast including 1970s heart-throb Rajesh Khanna alongside newcomers Ashmit Patel and Aarti Chhabria.
"I chose Omar to direct it because I have watched his films and they are great," said producer Masood Ali, who is based in the US and making his own debut on the production.
"We are looking to release the 120 million rupee ($2.7 million) film around October or November before the (Hindu festival) Diwali."
Indian films have been banned in Pakistan for more than 40 years but are nevertheless hugely popular, with a vibrant bootleg DVD market.
The two countries have fought three major wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947 and are still locked in dispute over the Kashmir region, claimed by both countries. However the film industry in India has welcomed the arrival of Sharif.
"More such cultural exchanges are required. Bollywood has always been very receptive to Pakistani artists," said Taran Adarsh, a leading trade analyst.
Last month, Pakistan allowed a special screening of Mughal-e-Azam, an Indian period drama about the Mughal emperors, in a further sign that hostilities are thawing.
