God willing, I will work in Bollywood again: Saba Qamar

Popular Pakistani star Saba Qamar has always been the one to take risks. Be it her noteworthy performance in Baaghi, where she played slain internet sensation Qandeel Baloch, or Cheekh, where she fought for her best friend, Saba is always up for a challenge. Her latest project is nothing if not a testament to the same. 

Saba will star with famous veteran Naumaan Ijaz for an unconventional Zee5 series, Mrs and Mr Shamim. In an interview with PTI, the Ghabrana Nahi Hai star spoke about her latest show and the never-ending possibilities of working across the border. 

On her brush with Bollywood

Saba worked with renowned late Bollywood star, Irrfan Khan, in the 2017 film, Hindi Medium. While she garnered praise for her work in Pakistan and India, she wasn't able to return for its 2020 sequel, Angrezi Medium due to torn political ties between the neighbouring countries. 

However, she is very grateful for the love she had received across the border. “I didn’t get the chance to thank all of them. I am touched, overwhelmed," Saba told PTI in a telephonic conversation. "I am glad I was nominated in Filmfare’s best actress category alongside Vidya Balan, Kangana Ranaut, Sridevi and Alia Bhatt. I feel lucky to have got the opportunity to work with Mr Irrfan Khan."

She then added, “I am hoping for the best, I am a positive person and God willing, I will work in Bollywood."

The actor went on to add how the Pakistani drama industry is trying to move on from repetitive tropes. “Like (in India), you are giving life to these characters, you are showing people, educating them. And it is important to do so. We have played enough hero-heroine characters, there is a lot more than just being a good daughter, a good couple in real life, there are challenges that we face and we need to talk about it, discuss it,” she added.

“We have also come beyond good stuff and daughter-in-law stories, like you all (in Bollywood). For instance, on TV, we have some restrictions. We don’t show bold scenes, we do not cross the line but yet talk about issues. We are talking about issues and people are learning about it," Saba asserted. 

On working with Irrfan Khan

Saba also spoke about working with Irrfan. While she recalls her wholesome experience of working with the seasoned actor, there's only one regret she holds - not staying in touch with him. Speaking to Pinkvilla, the star remarked, "I have that regret. After the film when his health deteriorated, I kept thinking that I will call him but I was busy shooting and travelling so I couldn’t."

She then added, "Then one day I heard about him and I was devastated and shattered. That day I realised that one should avail the time they have because that time never comes back. If you want to apologise to someone or express your love then just do it, as that moment won’t come back. So I have that regret that I wish I had called him, spoken to him, and would have been in contact."

Saba did recall some fond memories of working with the celebrated actor. "He was such a fine actor, a gem of a person, maza aa gaya unke saath kaam karke (I had great fun working with him). I have learned a lot from him," she said.