Ishqnama movie: Is Shehnaaz Gill and Jayy Randhawa's movie based on real love story? Here's the truth

Jayy Randhawa and Shehnaaz Gill's Ishqnama hit theatres on July 24, and the film has been winning hearts ever since. Fans have been praising the sizzling on-screen chemistry between Jayy Randhawa and Shehnaaz Gill, with many calling it one of the movie's biggest highlights.

The film has also received positive reviews for its engaging storyline, soulful background score, and heartfelt performances. Audiences have especially appreciated the natural chemistry between the lead pair, which has added to the emotional depth of Ishqnama and made it a memorable cinematic experience.

But, did you know that the film is inspired by a real-life romance that began near the India-Pakistan border in the early 1980s. Ishqnama takes inspiration from Nirmal Singh Nimma Langah's autobiography-cum-novel Hind-Pak Bordernama, which tells the emotional story of his love for a Pakistani woman, Nasima Beghum. Their journey of love, sacrifice, and separation is what makes the film even more special.

Real Story That Inspired Ishqnama

What sets Ishqnama apart is its connection to a true story. The film draws inspiration from Hind-Pak Bordernama, an autobiography-cum-novel written by Nirmal Singh Nimma Langah. Hailing from Langah village in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, close to the India-Pakistan border, Nimma documented his extraordinary love story with a Pakistani woman named Nasima Beghum.

As shared by Nimma, their relationship began in 1981 and soon turned into a tale of courage and devotion. He claimed that he crossed the international border several times just to meet Nasima. He also revealed that she once travelled through the same route into East Punjab and Delhi, making their love story one that defied borders and fear. Their bond continued for nearly two and a half years before Pakistani security agencies arrested Nimma, bringing a painful pause to their meetings.

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Bond That Survived Every Challenge

The couple's journey was filled with hardships. Nimma stated that he was eventually arrested by Pakistani security officials after secretly crossing the border for nearly two and a half years. Even during those difficult times, Nasima continued to support him. According to his account, she fought for his freedom and arranged Rs 4 lakh to help secure his release.

Nimma later visited Pakistan in 1986 to meet her for what became their final meeting. Their love story came to an end after border fencing was installed in 1988, making it impossible for them to see each other again.

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Why everyone was waiting for Ishqnama?

Ishqnama was one of the most anticipated Punjabi films of the year for several reasons. Fans were excited to see Shehnaaz Gill return to Punjabi cinema in a lead role and pair up with Jayy Randhawa for the first time. The film's trailer and songs created a strong buzz, with audiences praising the duo's chemistry and emotional performances. Inspired by true events, Ishqnama also stood out for its heartfelt cross-border love story, making it different from a typical romantic drama. The combination of a fresh pairing, soulful music, and an emotional storyline kept fans eagerly waiting for its theatrical release.

- PTC PUNJABI