In a first, a Bollywood unit has been given permission to shoot at Ground Zeroin New York, the site of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Centre attacks. USauthorities were skeptical about allowing shooting near the site. It tookPuneet Issar, who directed I Am Singh, a year to convince them.
“Yes, we are allowed to shoot there now”, confirms Issar, whose film is basedon the issue of mistaken identity of Sikhs in America. They are still perceivedas Arabs, even after so many years since 9/11, he says, adding, Its been twoyears now and about 20% of the film is still left, which is to be shot on thesite where the twin towers stood
Puneet says, “It’s an achievement as they were adamant on not givingpermission. Eighty per cent of the film is shot in America. We kept putting upour case to the concerned department. Finally, the authorities gave their nod”
A source from the unit said convincing American authorities wasn’t easy, asthey thought the film would portray a negative image of the country. Even theAmerican crew hired for the project was apprehensive. They needed clarificationas to what we were making, Puneet tells us, I’m hoping for things to pass offpeacefully. National sentiments on the subject are still strong. Besides NewYork, shooting will also take place in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Talking about the story, Puneet says, It’s based on real life incidents, on howthe life of Sikhs changed post 9/11. It’s very painful to hear that many ofthem had to change their identities. The turban is a symbol of pride, butbecause of mistaken identity, Sikhs are facing the dilemma of converting tobeing clean shaven. My movie has a strong message that humanity is aboveeverything. It says that Sikhs shouldn’t be mistaken for Arabs.
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