Even Airtel works in Kabul

I am already a fan of Vinod Sharma’s articles in the HT. He now describes his journey to Kabul. The Indian influence on the society is apparent. There have been reports that suggest that people are already addicted to the ‘Saas-Bahu’ Indian soaps so much so that streets are empty during the time of their broadcast, marriages are stopped and thiefs make merry stealing things from the overwhelmed Ekta Kapoor fans. All the accessories of a car was stolen in Kabul and ‘thank you

kyun ki saas bhi kabhi bahu thi‘ was written on it. (kyun ki saas bhi kabhi bahu thi is a famous Indian soap which moves like a snail’s pace. Basically its an hyperbolic display of emotions which is not even remotely pragmatic. Everyone exploits an emotional fool and that’s what Ekta Kapoor specializes in).

Bollywood stars are famous in Kabul with pictures of stars easily available on the streets. I wonder why India always fails to exploit these associations and always chooses to play safe. This Indian influence can easily foster stronger ties between the two countries. Pakistan is seen as evil because of it’s support to the Taliban.

Got this picture from an orkut community ‘I hate Ekta Kapoor‘

My journalist friend from Islamabad, Nusrat Javed, was surprised that my roaming Airtel mobile worked. His did not. The sole teashop owner at the airport accepted Indian currency but refused Pakistani notes. At Kabul Intercontinental where I spent three nights, the front office manager insisted on an advance deposit. But, he said: “We have no problems with Indians. Pay as much as you wish.� Urdu is the spoken language of most Afghans who had spent time in India and Pakistan during the war. Others have learnt it from Bollywood films and TV serials on local stations. Wedding halls in Kabul arrange for TV sets to enable guests to watch Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. In the power-starved countryside, villagers save money to buy generators to watch soaps.

Kabul Intercontinental’s staff-members proudly introduce themselves as Munnabhai fans: “Hum Sanjay Dutt ki filmein dekhtey hain.� One could watch Doordarshan but not PTV in the $70 per night room. In fact, Nusrat and I phoned in to participate in a Doordarshan discussion on the Samjhauta Express bombing. Our pitch: India and Pakistan should jointly combat terrorism and reconstruct Afghanistan. Shining in contrast THAT India is a friend in need, that Massoud fell to forces sheltered across the Durand Line and hell-bent on destroying Kabul’s tenuous peace, give our country an image that has come cheap for our $650 million assistance. In comparison, incidents like the one at Bagram — where the Americans have an Indian caterer — deepen suspicions about Pakistan.