Piyasi tells the story of a family whose sole breadwinner is striving to make ends meet outside the country. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE: Acting legend Habib-ur-Rehman’s last film project before his demise is set to hit screens across the country on August 5. He passed away in February this year at the age of 85. Commonly known as film star Habib, the Lollywood icon played the role of a judge in Piyasi and actively participated in the project throughout the shooting schedule, before he breathed his last.
Piyasi tells the story of a family whose sole breadwinner is striving to make ends meet outside the country. Directed by Nasim Haider Shah, who has around 30 Punjabi and Urdu films to his credit, the film has a mix of both seasoned and upcoming actors. Shah’s claim to fame is his collaboration with comedian Munawar Zareef. Together they made numerous hits such as Bandy da Puttar, Kil Kil Mera Naam and Thug Badshah. With Piyasi, Shah has deviated from his regular style and made a more serious and thought-provoking film.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Shah said he is fortunate to have directed Habib’s last cinematic venture. “He had quit films long time ago but had agreed to do this project on my insistence,” he said. According to Shah, the role played by Habib is very important to the story and he had long been on the lookout for an actor who could play the role. “We chose him after a series of discussions. He was perfect for it. He needed some persuasion but that was all.”
Shah is confident Habib’s fans will turn up in big numbers to see this heartthrob of the past grace theatres posthumously. “The film ends on Habib sahab’s monologue as he announces his judgment of the case,” Shah revealed.
The director said throughout his career he never saw another educated and gentlemanly figure who could match the charisma of Habib. “We will miss him terribly. He has left a void that no one can fill,” Shah added.
He said the film will be exhibited across major cities in Pakistan and the team is also working on putting together a ceremony to pay tribute to the contribution of the deceased actor.
Written by Iqbal Rizvi, Piyasi was filmed at various locations of Lahore. Moeen Bobby has composed the film’s music and singers such as Anwer Rafi, Aman Ali and Saima Mumtaz have lent their voices for the soundtrack. Pashto films actors Chambaili and Kainaat are also part of the film.
Almost five years ago, Habib had undergone brain surgery but he was never able to fully recover. It was his commitment towards his trade that he continued working, despite old age and deteriorating health. A recent brain haemorrhage forced him to return to the hospital, where he passed away.
He was an actor who was on the forefront of a class of suave, urbanised youth who had begun taking up film as a profession. Some of his most famous films include Dil Da Jani, Rustam Tey Khan, Gernail Singh and Taxi Driver. He even produced Pardes and Haar Gaya Insan.
Upon his death, film veteran Mustafa Qureshi had said Habib was a performer of the highest stature. “He was so friendly with everyone … I vividly remember his punctuality on the film sets. Everyone wanted to be like him.”
Actor Nisho Begum had said, “He was an icon to say the least. What we call Lollywood’s golden age was golden because of people like him.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2016.
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