Inspired by the ongoing thaw in bilateral ties between the neighbouring countries, Indian producers Anu and Shashi Ranjan have cast Pakistani star Moammar Rana in their film "Dobara".

Says Anu Ranjan: "We embarked upon this pioneering step because of our ardent desire to create a movement of mutual cooperation in the genre of cinema and TV between India and Pakistan as the two countries are, on all counts, nothing but cultural twins.

"Casting Moammar Rana in 'Dobara' also gave us an impetus to hold its premiere in Pakistan."

Anu visited Pakistan to explore the possibility, and the reaction and welcome extended to her there was simply electric, she says. She was received most cordially by Pakistan's top strata, whether in the government or in cinema and TV.

She met Prime Minister Shujaat Hussain and Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed among others.

She said all of them agreed that it was high time the borders of arts, particularly cinema and TV, opened between the two nations.

The premiere of "Dobara" is expected to be held in Pakistan shortly along with a charity dinner.