All about Sadaf Kanwal’s film debut

Model Sadaf Kanwal ventures into acting with Haissam Hussain’s film ‘Balu Mahi’

LAHORE:

“I dream of working with a good script and most importantly, a great character,” said model Sadaf Kanwal in an interview with The Express Tribune, last year. Until then, she had not signed up for a film as yet and acting was still a dream of hers, albeit a longstanding one. Having recently taken up a role in director Haissam Hussain’s upcoming film, Balu Mahi, alongside Osman Khalid Butt and Ainy Jaffri, Kanwal is today beaming with confidence.

Divulging details about her character in the film, Kanwal shares, “I took this role because the character I’m playing is very similar to the real me. I don’t personally like those ronay dhonay walay dramas. It’s a comedy film with jokes and dancing and that’s what I’m all about.” While Jaffri plays the protagonist, Kanwal plays her best friend and a happy-go-lucky girl. Kanwal reveals that the film starts with her dance number. On whether it will be an item song, she says, “It’s an elaborate shaadi dance number that establishes the mood for the film.” While filming for the movie is well under way in Lahore, Kanwal will join the cast and crew next month.





“My ultimate goal was always acting but I didn’t know how to act so I became a model,” adds Kanwal.  Modelling may have been an accidental career choice for her but she had little trouble settling in well. “When I became a model, people insisted I give acting a shot and that’s how I ended up here.” With several established models, including the likes of Iman Ali and Amna Ilyas, venturing into acting from modelling, its apparent that modelling has been more of a stepping stone for most of them.



Kanwal states that while growing up, she was always inspired by her paternal grandmother Salma Mumtaz and aunt Nida Mumtaz, both of whom were actors. “It was in the family so I always wanted to get into acting. Now, with Balu Mahi I think I could have a future, and if people like my acting I’ll definitely continue with a few projects every year.” Kanwal was quick to name Nauman Ijaz while talking about whom she is eager to work with in the future. “I’m a big fan of his work,” she gushes. “A chance to work with Shoaib Mansoor would be great too.”

Balu Mahi was the first audition Kanwal ever gave and yet she instantly bagged the role. “I love modelling but it has an expiry date. Acting goes on all your life so I think I should delve into that.” She holds, “I’ve shown people I can walk the ramp and pose but now I want to show them there’s more to me. I can also talk.”

Kanwal will also be attending actor Nadia Jamil’s voice modulation classes, scheduled especially for the cast of Balu Mahi, in hopes of polishing her acting chops before appearing on the silver screen.

The model who is fondly called Pakistan’s Cara Delivenge, is looking forward to begin shooting next month. “I’m telling you, this will be a great film!”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th,  2016.

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