Pakistani actress to debut in Bollywood

One of Pakistan’s popular actresses, Meera, is set to make her Bollywood debut in a film to be co-produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Pakistan-born British producer Sevy Ali.

‘‘There has been a lot of Opposition in India and Pakistan, but no one can stop us because we are doing this for peace,’’ Meera said. ‘‘This is my first step and I hope other actresses follow.’’ The star will play the lead in the still-to-be-named Hindi thriller about a blind woman.

‘‘The leaders of the two countries have set the tone and we must take it forward. I’m going to speed up interaction between our film industries and access more talent across the border,’’ Bhatt said.

Meera said she was offered two roles by Bollywood directors last year, but had to turn them down because of tension between the neighbours and fears she would not be welcome back home if she travelled to India.