Renowned Pakistani filmmaker Nadeem Baig has made waves in the film industry with his latest casting choices for political biopics centered around key figures in Pakistan’s political history. In an enlightening interview with esteemed actress and host Iffat Omar, Nadeem Baig shared his ambitious plans to bring these political biopics to life, shedding light on the significant roles that prominent actresses Mehwish Hayat and Hania Aamir will play.
A New Era for Political Biopics
During the interview, Nadeem Baig disclosed that Mehwish Hayat has been cast to portray the iconic Benazir Bhutto, the late Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). This role not only honors Bhutto’s legacy but also showcases Hayat’s impressive acting prowess.
For the character of Maryam Nawaz, the filmmaker named both Hania Aamir and Ayeza Khan as potential candidates but expressed a strong preference for Hania Aamir, declaring her “the perfect fit” for this pivotal role in the political biopics genre.
Iconic Figures and Their Stories
In addition to his casting choices for female leads, Nadeem Baig revealed Hamza Ali Abbasi as a possible choice for a biopic based on the former Prime Minister and PTI leader Imran Khan. Interestingly, when it comes to casting the founder of the PPP, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Nadeem Baig nostalgically mentioned the late Mohammad Ali, highlighting the impact of these historical figures on Pakistan’s political landscape.
Behind the Scenes
In a candid chat with Ahmad Ali Butt on his podcast, Nadeem Baig shared surprising insights from his filmmaking journey. He recounted how, during the making of his acclaimed drama Pyare Afzal, another actor was initially considered for the lead role. However, Nadeem Baig ultimately chose Hamza Ali Abbasi, believing he was the better fit for the character.
Nadeem Baig emphasized that these casting decisions are not mere compromises; they represent challenges that allow new talent to shine, often taking on roles they were not originally considered for.
Reflecting on his early career, Nadeem Baig shared how his love for cinema was ignited during his college years when he would encourage friends to skip chemistry classes to watch movies. This passion for storytelling paved the way for his successful career in film and television, leading to a fortuitous encounter that would change his life forever.
Nadeem Baig also fondly recalled inviting his first boss to the premiere of one of his films, acknowledging the significant role early mentors played in shaping his career.
When discussing the importance of music in cinema, Nadeem Baig asserted that it is vital, especially in films featuring romantic or dramatic themes. He praised Pakistani filmmakers for their ability to create compelling tragic and romantic songs that resonate with audiences.
Optimism for the Future of Pakistani Cinema
Addressing concerns regarding the future of the Pakistani film industry, Nadeem Baig expressed unwavering optimism, stating that the industry has shown resilience since the 1980s. He firmly believes that it will continue to thrive in the coming years, particularly with the emergence of political biopics that capture the essence of the nation’s history.
Nadeem Baig on Humayun Saeed vs. Bollywood Khans
In a bold statement that stirred discussions, Nadeem Baig declared that Humayun Saeed is a superior actor compared to Bollywood’s top stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. According to Nadeem Baig, Humayun Saeed ‘s fitness, personality, and acting skills put him a step ahead of his Bollywood counterparts.
When asked about the potential for casting Humayun Saeed in an action film, Nadeem Baig confirmed his interest, indicating that fans can expect to see Humayun Saeed in a dynamic action hero role soon. Humayun Saeed elaborated on how the Bollywood Khans started as romantic heroes, yet the era of romance has largely faded. While Salman and Shah Rukh have transitioned into action films successfully, Nadeem Baig feels that Aamir Khan has not fared as well in this genre.
Nadeem Baig firmly believes that with a budget similar to that of Bollywood blockbusters, he could create an action film starring Humayun Saeed that surpasses the successes of films featuring Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir Khan. He commended Salman Khan’s achievements in action films, attributing them to his impressive physique, yet maintained that Humayun Saeed ‘s combination of acting talent and physical fitness makes him the ideal choice for leading roles in the Pakistani film industry.
