The husband trap

LAHORE: On a visit to Dubai, Noor’s estranged husband welcomed her with murder threats and physical violence

They didn’t live happily ever after and filing for divorce was not even close to her blissful ending.

Actor-turned-TV host Noor’s estranged husband Vikram allegedly tried to kidnap her in Dubai. However, the actor escaped much trouble when she made a noise and the TV host Nadia Khan came to her rescue, foiling the abduction attempt, Noor’s father Sheraz Bukhari told The Express Tribune.

According to him, Noor had gone to Dubai to be interviewed by Nadia Khan. It was at the programme’s studio that Vikram tried to kidnap her with the help of his friends when she was going towards her vehicle.

“Noor made a noise and resisted. Nadia Khan listened  to her shouting and reached the spot. She abused the abductors who fled afterwards,” said Bukhari.

Following the altercation, Vikram allegedly threatened the actor of grave consequences.

Bukhari said that Noor has contacted the police in Dubai to lodge a complaint against Vikram. Noor told Daily Express, “The director Farooque Mengal and I were invited to Dubai to appear on a television show. When I reached the studio, Vikram was there. He dragged me, grabbing my hand and started questioning why I was in Dubai. When I did not respond, he threatened to kill me.”

Noor further explained the reasons for seeking divorce from Vikram, “He wanted me  to convert to Hinduism, which I refused to do. That created many differences between us.”

The actor is now set to bring Vikram before the court of law. “Now I find him dangerous. I want to take legal action against him, regarding which I have already started consulting my lawyer,” she said.

Supporting his daughter’s statements, Bukhari said, “Noor had filed for separation before the incident happened. The two were not even in contact. But Vikram has threatened and physically abused my daughter, and we will definitely take legal action against him.”

Noor had married Vikram against her parents’ wish. The marriage did not last very long. She had settled down with Vikram in Dubai only to return to Pakistan after a few years. She later filed for divorce considering the couple’s incessant disputes.

Bukhari has assured that Noor, who is still in Dubai, is safe. The actor will be returning to Pakistan in the next few days, he said.

Published in The  Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2010.