At the Pakistan-India border in Lahore, performing artist Saad Sheikh reflected on shared cultural heritage after an unexpected encounter with composer AR Rahman and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, describing the moment as a powerful reminder of art’s ability to connect people across divides.

Sheikh took to Instagram to share a photo dump from his visit to the Wagah border, documenting what he described as a deeply personal experience shaped by his love for Punjab, cinema and music.

“As most Lahori live 20km from India, so do I. 20 mins were enough to ponder over an Instagram reel that you saw of Imtiaz Ali saying he will be at the border along with AR Rahman and team,” he wrote, recalling how he decided to attend the meeting on a whim after seeing the announcement online.

He further reflected on the cultural similarities across the border, emphasising a sense of shared identity. “Similar faces, similar language, similar everything,” he wrote, underscoring his belief in the unifying nature of art and culture.

Describing the moment he spotted his favourite filmmaker, Sheikh recalled an emotional reaction on arrival. “As I got there, I saw curly white hair. Without wasting a second, I screamed, ‘IMTIAAAZZZ!’” he wrote.

He went on to share details of their brief interaction, saying he expressed admiration for Ali’s body of work and its influence on a generation of filmmakers. “I started my monologue telling him how much I loved him. He kept smiling and saying, ‘Thank you, thanks so much,’” he added.

Sheikh also noted that it was Rahman’s first visit to Punjab, calling it a moment worth witnessing. “AR sir’s first time ever to Punjab had to be witnessed by the entire Punjab,” he wrote.

Rahman also shared photographs from the visit on Instagram, posting images with the caption: “With love, from Attari-Wagah Border.”