Furious and helpless: Iffat Omar condemns violent scenes in 'Aye Musht-e-Khaak'

Actor shared while she is a part of the show, she is embarrassed by some scenes in Feroze Khan and Sana Javed-starrer

"I hated it when I read the script because its language is not what you speak in real life,” actor Iffat Omar said of her recent drama serial, the Feroze Khan and Sana Javed-starrer, Aye Musht-e-Khaak, which has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The drama depicts violence and aggressive behaviour by its protagonist, which has been the talk of the town since its release. Khan’s take on Mustajab aka Bobby has been criticised by many on social media. Omar plays Bobby’s mother, Shakeela, in the Ahsen Talish directorial. The actor, in a recent interview with BBC Urdu, shared how she didn’t like the script of her latest offering but that didn’t mean that the public wouldn’t like it.

Omar condones the violence in ‘Aye Musht-e-Khaak’

“I met director Ahsen Talish, who had a clear idea of how my character was meant to be essayed. The scripts that are being offered today; you have to pick your battles. Aye Musht-e-Khaak was just that,” she said, adding, “If I don't like the script, it doesn't mean that the public wouldn’t like it either. I don't like many things that are getting popularity, and people really like it."

Speaking about her role in Aye Musht-e-Khaak, Omar commented she only took the project since it was the role of a mother, who had a say in the show. “The reason I agreed to sign this project is because Shakeela has some substance in the show. At this age, you have a responsibility to make sure you agree with what you are doing. The violence is shown in the Aye Musht-E-Khaak, how aggressive the portrayal of a child is; I condemn such dramas. We should not show these things."

Shedding light on the violence depicted in the show – that too, without a trigger warning – Omar laments, "Even if you have to show these things, give a warning that it is going wrong. I'm part of the project, but I'm against violence, and I am also ashamed of it."

In one of the episodes of the drama, the main character Mustajab strangles his ex-girlfriend Shiza (Nimrah Khan) and grabs her by the throat while dragging her through the room. This particular scene was called out by many on Twitter. "There was a scene of slapping at one place during the shooting, so I demanded that no one slap anyone," said Omar. “I think our young actors should also take responsibility for making a statement with our acting, story, and fame." She went on to add, "I do not agree with anyone who asks me to do anything violent.”

Omar added why she decided to work on fewer projects in television. "I find most of the scripts annoying. There are rarely any stories written for women of my age. We aren’t shown onscreen. We are also part of some of the stories that are helping, but we no longer get the main character's stories. In India, many actors our age are working on projects designed to cater to their age group. In Pakistan, however, we are yet to see such stories."

He then goes on to sing praises of her Aye Musht-e-Khaak costar, Khan. The actor opined how Khan has been stereotyped as a spoiled rich brat on television. "Although, I am sure Feroze must have the ability to play any role, he has been getting similar roles since his last ten dramas of the similar characters garnered rave reviews. It has become easier now because actors are making money. Those who are earning have more responsibility,” she commented.

‘If I heart wills, I shall wear a bold lip or a skimpy dress’

Omar also retorted how it has become a common trend on social media to troll and criticise Pakistani actors, including her. The actor added how she has been criticised several times over her dressing or style. But Omar relayed she doesn't take social media seriously at all.

"My time is gone. I'm just enjoying watching others now. I look at them, and I am happy that it gives them fame and financial benefit. I'm one of those older people who adapt to the times. I think that's what keeps me going so far, but it's not that I don't get angry at some of the comments,” she said, adding, “When I get livid, I respond on social media. I was called out for putting on red lipstick, dressing however I like. I am turning 50 for the first time. I thought I would sit in a corner, but I don't think so. I will stay the same. I am not taking anything from anyone. I am just living my life."

She says bluntly, "If my heart desires, I apply red lipstick. If my heart desires, I wear short clothes. No one is taking anything; this is my life, and no one has the right to disappoint or criticise me. Yeh mera jism hai, yeh meri marzi hai [it’s my body, it’s my right]."

She added how there is a growing trend of trolling on social media posts of celebrities, "It's not just about my age, it's about girls younger than me. In our country, it is believed that a woman grows old, she should live the life of the dead. Honestly, when you are fifty years old, you will know that your heart is still young and the age does not matter. Live and let live. What I am wearing and doing for myself, this is not for anyone’s concern."

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