'I rushed to the border': Pakistani man realises dream of meeting Imtiaz Ali at Attari-Wagah border, his post has the internet emotional

While the borders may divide the countries physically, mentally most Indians and Pakistanis share a love for each other that comes as much from talent as from the historical ties.

While Indians often rave about Pakistani music, Pakistanis are in love with Indian cinema.Amidst this, a post by a Pakistani man named Saad Sheikh has stolen many hearts on the internet. The man took to Instagram to share how he rushed to the Attari-Wagah border to meet Indian director Imitiaz Ali, whom he is a big fan of.Residing in Lahore, he shared how most Lahoris live about 20 km from India. However, on Sundays, when the borders open up, those 20 km become 20 minutes. He shared how he saw an online reel of Imtiaz Ali saying he would be at the border along with AR Rahman and the team.

"Those 20 mins were long enough to remind you how these two artists have shaped your art for all these years," he wrote.And thus, a man who hadn't been to the border since 2004 had now decided that he would be visiting. "Even as a young man I hated every part of that border because borders are only nice when they are friendly and open. This time, my sentiments were the same. Still don't love over the top patriotism, shouting for the love of your land forgetting that on the other side too, it's Punjab," he wrote.

Meeting Imitiaz Ali

Sheikh shared that he rushed to the border and a friend of his got him access to zero point, where Indians and Pakistanis can meet, talk and greet each other. "As I got there I saw curly white hair, without wasting a second I screamed. IMTIAZZ, IMTIAAZZZZ. I think he turned around in panic."The man wrote that he began his monologue to the director with how much he loved him and how much he is celebrated on the other side of the border, how his music, cinema and storytelling have shaped an entire generation of filmmakers.

"He kept smiling and saying thank you, thanks so much. The finale I told him 'Mai Vaapis Aunga' that's when the entire Indian side cheered, smiled and clapped and for a brief second the gated had abolished, the borders were friendly and art had won," he shared."Same Sun, Same Birds, Same Fields, Same Punjab. May the war end and lovers meet," he added.In the caption of the post, Sheikh wrote his wish: "In an alternate universe Punjab is Sanjha!"

Social media reactions

Social media users from both sides of the border appreciated his post, congratulating him and inviting him to India."Such a beautiful post! Love you hai bhai! I hope ek na ek din aana ho. Sending love" wrote a user in India."Beautiful post. Only punjabis know the sadness of partition, to have one half of your heart denied access to the other. For Sikhs its a double sadness, separation from half our heart and separation from the birthplace of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji" added another."Saw the movie yesterday in Toronto. The theatre was full of Pakistanis and Indians, and EVERYONE was crying. There was no hatred —only love, empathy, and shared emotions. I don’t understand. If we can coexist in Western countries, where almost every Pakistani has at least one close Indian friend, and Indians have atleast one roommate that’s Pakistani, why can’t we coexist peacefully in our own countries?" asked one."This made me moist-eyed. So easy to love but still humans choose the path of conflict and hatred. May the power of love rise above all the hate one day," wrote a user.