Sangeeta reveals why Naeema Butt was dropped from her film

Industry veteran cites latter's attitude, interference as reasons for decision

KARACHI:

Veteran Pakistani actress, filmmaker, and director Sangeeta has made surprising revelations about actress Naeema Butt, saying she was initially cast in her upcoming Punjabi film but was later removed due to her attitude and interference in the casting process.

Speaking in a recent interview, Sangeeta revealed that Naeema Butt was originally selected for an important role in her upcoming film Mukho. However, things changed when the actress began suggesting which male actors should be cast opposite her. Sangeeta said she does not tolerate unnecessary demands or unprofessional behavior from actors. According to the veteran director, creative decisions, especially casting are the responsibility of the director, and she was not willing to compromise on that.

"It's true that I initially cast Naeema Butt, but I'm a director who doesn't tolerate unnecessary tantrums from actors," Sangeeta said.

She further explained that after Naeema started giving suggestions about casting heroes, she politely apologized, asked for the advance payment back, and Naeema returned the amount.

Sangeeta added that while Naeema Butt is a talented actress and is doing well in television dramas, she is still relatively new to the industry.

"I have been working in this field for nearly 50 years. How can someone who has just entered the industry tell me how to cast my film?" she remarked.

The veteran actress also said that the role Naeema lost was a strong and promising character, but she decided to withdraw the offer because of the actress's behavior. Reflecting on the past, Sangeeta noted that artists of her generation never displayed such attitudes or created unnecessary issues on set.

Sangeeta is currently directing her new Punjabi feature film Mukho, a Punjab Government-backed project. The film stars Saima Noor, Moammar Rana, Meera, Hassan Murad, Fajar, and several other actors, many of whom will be seen in fresh and different roles.

She revealed that the film was completed within a short period after intensive day-and-night shooting schedules. Expressing hope for the revival of Pakistani cinema, Sangeeta said she wants Mukho to play a role in bringing audiences back to theaters.

The film is scheduled to hit cinemas on December 25, 2026.