Big screen, bigger prospects

Omer Shahzad reveals he’ll play the villain in cinematic debut alongside Sajid Hassan and Shamoon Abbasi

KARACHI:

Rarely do we come across a new entrant in the world of fashion who has a perspective of things and knows exactly where they’re headed with their career. 27-year-old Omer Shahzad is one such individual. Having made his modelling debut in 2011 with Pantene Bridal Couture Week, it wasn’t long before he owned the ramp and decided to move on to newer territories.

“I was offered a role in a TV drama two years ago. I haven’t looked back since,” he told The Express Tribune. Shahzad soon latched on to the art of acting and this adaptability paved the way for opportunities that came by one after the other. “About two months ago, I was offered a role in a film that will be directed by Iqbal Kashmiri. Kashmiri sahib has come up with the story himself, and it will be a romantic and action-thriller film,” he said, adding that he put pen to paper for the contract only a few days ago. “I will be playing the villain in the film.”



The untitled film, for which shooting has already begun, will be filmed at locations in Karachi, Lahore and Bangkok. Shahzad reluctantly gave out names from the cast, sharing, “veteran actor Sajid Hassan and Shamoon Abbasi are also a part of the film.” On why he took his time before opting for the silver screen, he stated, “I was offered three movies before this one, the remake of Aina, Halla Gulla and a Yash Raj film, which is currently being shot in London. I turned down the offers because I wasn’t sure about the scripts and some of the sequences.”

But the model-turned-actor accepted Kashmiri’s offer in a heartbeat because he found the film’s script “quite entertaining.” Only a few meetings and he was on board for the project.



Shahzad, who feels acting is a mere extension of his modelling endeavours, said, “I might go for less modelling assignments if I find my true calling with films.” He also admitted that plans of ‘settling down’ are also on the cards. “Not too soon but yes, in the future.”



With so much happening in the Pakistani film circuit, the Karachi-based actor said, “These changes have rekindled the public’s interest in our films. People are now willing to turn up at cinemas. I would love to be a part of this change.” Shahzad has no preferences when it comes to collaborators but he was quick to mention that he wishes to work with director Bilal Lashari in the future.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2015.

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