Fahad Mustafa can compete with any Bollywood actor: Om Puri

Acting veteran Om Puri waxes lyrical about ‘Actor in Law’ co-stars, says Pakistani films have market in India

LAHORE: Film-maker Nabeel Qureshi’s latest cinematic offering, a comedy by the name of Actor in Law, will soon be seeing the light of the day. With the release date set for September 13, the cast and crew has been busy promoting the film across the country. In this connection, a media conference was held in Lahore recently, which saw legendary Bollywood actor Om Puri — who plays a controlling father to the protagonist Fahad Mustafa — heap praises on the Pakistani film industry.

“I believe Pakistan is enriched with every kind of talent there could be,” he said. “Actor in Law is my first Pakistani film and I have worked hard for it. While working here, I noticed that Lollywood has some of the best actors, directors and technicians. This has been an excellent experience and I would love to do more local films, even if my role in them is short.”

Puri claimed that he had become aware of Qureshi’s directing skills after seeing the 2014 hit Na Maloom Afraad. “Also, in recent years, Lollywood has delivered films like Bol and Khuda Kay Liye which show that it is growing as an industry,” he added. “I am very impressed by Fahad too. He is the diamond of Pakistan and could compete with any Bollywood actor in terms of talent.”

The star went on to say that he feels Actor in Law will become one of the best movies of his lengthy career. “It’s got everything from entertainment and drama to some wonderful music,” shared Puri. “The story is interesting, which is why I decided to do it. It is my humble request to the Pakistani public that they come and watch this film!”



According to Puri, majority of the people in both India and Pakistan want peace between the neighbouring countries. “I’d say about 95% of them want peace. Only 5% want trouble. I hope, someday, we can get over our differences and release Pakistani films in India too. We’ve got a huge market for Lollywood there.” he claimed.

The media conference marked Puri’s sixth visit to Pakistan. He is currently travelling from city to city as part of promotional activities and receiving a warm welcome everywhere. Puri is, of course, accompanied by Qureshi and Mustafa themselves, as well as producer Fizza Ali Meerza and Mehwish Hayat, the female lead of the film.

Both Mustafa and Hayat also urged their fans to come forth and support the film. “We have worked very hard during the shoot and are still putting in great efforts to promote it,” said Mustafa.

Hayat, on the other hand, shed light on her role in the film and her overall experience of being on the sets, once again. “My role is good and this time, I have not performed any item numbers,” she shared. “I have been accompanying my team and visiting both big and small cities across Pakistan. It is great to see people show us their commitment to watching Actor in Law,” added the starlet.

Qureshi also took the opportunity to share his feelings about the upcoming project, urging the public to appreciate his efforts. “People should support local cinema as we work very hard,” he said. “Earlier, we struggled and made Na Maloom Afraad. Fortunately, it received a great response and I am expecting the same from Actor in Law.”

Meerza, on the other hand, revealed that the upcoming comedy will be released in many other countries, perhaps even in India. “Releasing a film in India requires a huge investment,” she said. “Nonetheless, we are planning to take Actor in Law there, once it has released in Pakistan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2016.

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