The Indian and Pakistani film industries having begun working together, in a move that echoes the growing political dialogue between rival countries.

Pakistan-based film and TV star Rashid Khawaja and Punjabi film producer Iqbal Dhillon have announced a co-production, Village Girl (Pind Dee Kuri), between the two countries. The film is to star actors from both countries.

Indian film director Shashi Ranjan has signed popular Pakistani actor Moamar Rana for his debut feature film Dobara. The actor will perform in the film with Indian stars Jackie Shroff, Raveena Tandon and Mahima Chaudhary.

Maomar Rana is the first Pakistani actor to star in a Hindi film in the past decade. Rana arrived in Mumbai to begin his shoot on April 7.

Hindi film Director Satish Kaushik is also considering signing a Pakistani actor as well as a Pakistani actress for his forthcoming film, which stars Ajay Devgan and Aditya Panscholi in pivotal roles.