Ishqnama: Jai Randhhawa says he's 'not 40 yet' to wait like Nimma
Synopsis
Jai Randhhawa jokes his own love story would be titled 'Risk Nama' — because unlike 72-year-old Nirmal Nimma, he hasn't crossed a border or waited 40 years for anyone. His film Ishqnama, releasing 24 July, brings that real devotion to the screen with Shehnaaz Gill and music by B Praak.
Key Takeaways
Jai Randhhawa says his personal love story would be called 'Risk Nama' , not Ishqnama.
Ishqnama is based on the true story of Nimma and Nasima , adapted from the book Hind Pak Bordernama .
The film is set between 1981 and 1988 along the India-Pakistan border and explores love across forced separation.
Real-life Nirmal Nimma is 72 years old and waited 40 years for his love — the central inspiration for the film.
The film stars Shehnaaz Gill and Saurabh Sachdeva , with music by B Praak and lyrics by Jaani .
Ishqnama releases worldwide across India, Canada, and the UK on 24 July .
Punjabi actor Jai Randhhawa has laughed off the idea of writing his own love story, saying his life offers no parallel to the extraordinary devotion at the heart of his upcoming film Ishqnama. Speaking ahead of the film's release, the actor quipped that his personal romance would be titled 'Risk Nama' — not Ishqnama.
What Jai Said About His Own Love Story
'This love story is based on Nirmal Nimma's life incident. So nothing like this happened in my life. I haven't crossed the border for anyone. I haven't waited for anyone for 40 years because I am not 40 yet. He himself is 72-years-old, and he has waited for 40 years. And Ishqnama name suits his story,' the actor said. He added: 'I feel I won't be able to give such a name on my own story. It's difficult.'
The Real Story Behind Ishqnama
Ishqnama is a period romantic drama set between 1981 and 1988 along the India-Pakistan border. It chronicles the true-life journey of real soulmates Nimma and Nasima, adapted from the book Hind Pak Bordernama. The film explores love, sacrifice, and the psychological toll of forced separation — and what the human spirit endures when sustained by devotion across decades.
Director Arvvindr S. Khaira on Capturing the Story
Director Arvvindr S. Khaira described the project as a rare encounter with a reality that surpasses fiction. 'As a filmmaker, you rarely come across a reality that overpowers fiction. The true story behind Ishqnama is exactly that — depicting a devotion so pure that it feels mythical. This isn't a romance born from imagination; it is the blueprint of Nimma and Nasima's life,' he said.
Khaira added: 'Capturing a love that survived impossible odds was such an incredible experience. I think it is a privilege that I got to honour the beautiful reality of what Nimma and Nasima endured across their lifetime.'
Cast, Crew, and Release Details
The film stars Jai Randhhawa, Shehnaaz Gill, and Saurabh Sachdeva, alongside an ensemble cast. It is produced by Sourabh Rana and Ravneet Kaur Chahal, with music composed by B Praak and lyrics by Jaani. Ishqnama is slated for a worldwide release across India, Canada, and the UK on 24 July.
On the weight of portraying a real-life incident, Jai reflected: 'When you work with honesty, the responsibility decreases. You feel the responsibility when you are not honest. So I feel all the people who worked in this film were very honest.'
Point of View
But the real test is whether the film's restrained, humanist framing of the India-Pakistan divide can cut through in a polarised content environment. Director Khaira's framing of 'reality overpowering fiction' is a bold bet — one that will either earn the film awards-season traction or leave it stranded between art-house and mainstream.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the film Ishqnama about?
Ishqnama is a period romantic drama set between 1981 and 1988 along the India-Pakistan border, based on the true story of Nimma and Nasima. It explores their love, forced separation, and decades-long devotion, adapted from the book Hind Pak Bordernama.
When does Ishqnama release?
Ishqnama is scheduled for a worldwide release on 24 July, across India, Canada, and the UK.
Who stars in Ishqnama?
The film stars Jai Randhhawa and Shehnaaz Gill in lead roles, alongside Saurabh Sachdeva and an ensemble cast. Music is composed by B Praak, with lyrics by Jaani.
Who is the real-life inspiration behind Ishqnama?
The film is inspired by Nirmal Nimma, a 72-year-old man who reportedly waited 40 years for his love, Nasima. Their story is the basis of the book Hind Pak Bordernama, from which the film is adapted.
What did Jai Randhhawa say about his own love story?
Jai Randhhawa quipped that his personal love story would be called 'Risk Nama', saying he has neither crossed a border for love nor waited 40 years for anyone — unlike the film's real-life protagonist Nirmal Nimma.
