By Rubia Moghees
Rubia Mughees
Fawad Afzal Khan’s popularity in Pakistani television shows like Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar has transcended borders with these shows being broadcast in India. And now, Bollywood is beckoning this good-looking, award-winning actor, who recently performed the lead role in his Disney debut Khoobsurat, being launched this September.
The actor dismisses criticism from those who say he should not work in India. There is so much to learn from working in Bollywood, he points out.
“Pakistani films are certainly on the rise but in India, movies are already a huge, money-churning business,” he said in this interview for Aman ki Asha. “The entire debate that Pakistani actors shouldn’t work elsewhere is senseless. By working in other countries, we’re able to move out of our comfort zones, learn more and bring that back to our own industry.”
Another eye-opener for him was the extensive pre-release promotions that are routine for actors starring in commercial Bollywood movies.”Talk shows and interviews prior to a major release are part of working in Indian cinema,” he notes.
This year, Shaan created a needless controversy at the ARY film awards by saying he was proud to have never worked in an Indian movie. Subsequently, Ali Zafar gracefully and intelligently defended his own decision to work in India. What does Fawad Khan think of this issue?
‘It’s useless to criticise anyone for working in India; Ali has carved a niche for himself. I was his fan much before he went to Bollywood. He has got all the elements working for him. I am a huge supporter of his work. There are a few people in Pakistan who don’t like my work in India and continuously criticise me for it. That’s their opinion and I don’t want to say anything to them. If an Indian actor works in the Pakistani industry there will be some in India who will criticize him. But I think there is no limit or border for talent and art.”
Rubia Moghees is a freelance journalist with a Masters in Mass Communication from Kinnaird College. She lives in Lahore with her husband and three children.
