Jemima Khan, the screenwriter behind the upcoming romantic-drama film What’s Love Got To Do With It? Recently sat down for an interview with the Gulf News to discuss her thoughts on the film, modern love, and arranged weddings.
She explained her feelings on the genre, saying, “I’m damaged by romantic comedies; I feel like they have devastated my whole life, and that includes the lives of all my friends too!”
Then, Jemima discussed the creative process that led to the script’s conception. In retrospect, I can trace its roots back to when I was thirty and had just returned from Pakistan to London. From where the seed for the concept had been planted. My ex-husband, the former prime minister of Pakistan, comes from a very traditional family, so I spent a lot of time thinking about marriage after witnessing many happy arranged marriages among his relatives. Ours was the only unplanned wedding that day. “The woman gave an explanation.
She elaborated further, saying, “Several of my acquaintances at the time were trying to start families but were having a hard time doing it.” The beginning can be said to have occurred at that point. If I were to approach one of these students, I might ask, “Alright, so who would your parents choose for you?” Let me arrange your wedding if it doesn’t work. At the same time, this made me wonder, “What if I hadn’t gone to Pakistan at the age of 21 and instead had an arranged wedding?” I don’t know how I could ever come to terms with this. “And how many frogs would I have to kiss before I could finally admit to my parents that I screwed up and it’s now their turn to shine?”
The host asked Jemima if the film celebrates “a backward institution,” and she explained why staged scenes are not counterrevolutionary. “The difference between a forced marriage and one that is assisted, in my opinion,” she said. In today’s world, the original one simply doesn’t belong. The term “assisted marriage” can be used to describe just about anything. It’s not just a theory; it’s a reality that surrounds us constantly, and it’s usually orchestrated by the people who care about us the most and know us20. the best. With a friend setting you up with someone or a dating app, it’s not that different. “It’s just a new spin on a traditional courtship that can help you find lasting love.”
“No spoilers here; you would have to watch the film,” Jemima stated as the interview came to a close.