Fatima Effendi rejects ‘bold’ Bollywood role

TV actor says she wouldn’t do anything that’d be a source of shame for Pakistan

LAHORE: With a growing number of Pakistani actors setting foot in Bollywood, Fatima Effendi’s decision to turn down an offer from across the border may come as a surprise to many. The television actor was recently approached to star in a film by Bollywood director Anees Bazmee of Singh is Kinng fame, but rejected the role as it required her to appear in a bold avatar, reported Roznama Express.

Fatima shared the filmmaker called her and narrated the movie’s story along with the outline of her character. After assessing the details, she refused the role, citing how she wouldn’t do anything that’d be a “source of shame for Pakistan and her family.”

She said, “Anees Bazmee called me and praised my drama serial and asked me to work in his film. I asked him about the story and the character I’d portray, but refused to sign the movie because it required me to play a bold character.” She added that, for her, maintaining her family’s respect is more important than working in a Bollywood film.

“I’ve never faced any restrictions from my family about working in Bollywood movies, but I’ve always known my limits. That’s why I never do anything that may be shameful for me or my family,” she further said. “I may be from the entertainment industry, but I’m always careful when selecting my wardrobe.”

Fatima revealed she has been receiving offers to appear in Bollywood and Pakistani movies, but feels working in film and television are two entirely different things. “Although I want to work in films, working in commercial ones isn’t my cup of tea. I’d prefer working in art films,” she noted.

The actor has previously starred in TV drama serials, such as Mano Salwa, Kash Mai Teri Beti Na Hoti and Shabe Gham, and telefilms, such as Yeh Kon Sa Dayar Hai and Tum Se Kaise Kahoon.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th,  2015.

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