Mohammad Amir: Off the pitch on the big screen

The banned left arm fast bowler is all set to make his film debut with Blind Love


Nabeel Hashmi August 21, 2014

KARACHI: A nation that looks up to its cricket heroes was heartbroken when Mohammad Amir, one of Pakistan’s most promising young fast bowlers, was banned from all forms of cricket as a result of spot fixing charges. Seems Amir now has a chance to win back the adoration of his fans, but in a different field. Very soon, Mohammad Amir will be coming to a theater near you.

The 22 year old is all set to pursue an acting career in an upcoming film called Blind Love. “In the last couple of years, I had nothing to do. So when the well known film maker Faisal Bukhari approached me to be a part of the film, I accepted,” says Amir while talking to The Express Tribune.

Syed Faisal Bukhari is a film producer and director. Both of his two recent films, namely Bhai Log (2011) and Sultanat (2014), failed at the box office. While Bhai Log did fairly better than the Pakistani film Love Mae Ghum that it was competing against at the time of the showings, but failed to compete with the Bollywood blockbuster Bodyguard. The more recent Sultanat also could not survive the competition it faced at the hands of Salman Khan’s Kick (2014).

Amir, who is still practicing for cricket, took the decision after taking consent from his family members. Because the project is still in the making, Amir did not seem willing to disclose any details, but is visibly excited about the film.

“This is a new challenge for me and I am eager to see how everything I discussed with the filmmaker translates onto the big screen,” says Amir. “The shooting will start soon and I am totally geared up for this one”.

Amir, while seeing the dark side of fame a little too early in his career makes one wonder if the film in which he is acting has anything to do with his personal story. “The film has nothing to do with my personal life,” clarifies Amir.

Earlier this year, Amir’s partner in crime, Mohammad Asif, also announced his acting debut with the cross border romantic comedy India Mein Lahore.

“At the initial stage, everyone has to struggle. This is a second choice as a career for me, but to get the opportunity to star as a hero is every one’s dream. I know I will have to struggle in the beginning. And my priority in life is still cricket,” Asif had told The Express Tribune in an earlier interview.

It seems many cricketers end up tilting towards showbiz in one way or another. On the other hand Shoaib Akhtar, another former cricketer, will be lending his vocals to Pakistani film Saya E Khuda E Zuljalal, which is being co-produced and written by his former doctor Tauseef Razzaque.

COMMENTS (12)

Zaki | 9 years ago | Reply

What is the problem if he is acting? As he already said he has nothing to do so why he shouldn't make money? Everyone has the right to earn legal money and being an actor is hiss decision.

We, as a Pakistani, just know one thing i.e. criticizing.

He made mistake, did wrong, and duly punished. What is gone is gone! move forward and let him do whatever he thinks is good for him.

Be realistic and not a criticism master!

BruteForce | 9 years ago | Reply

Will other criminals, who are not as talented, will also get this kind of support in Pakistan?

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