Two-time winner of
the Lux Style Award for Best Model, dusky beauty Rabia Butt is now gearing up
for the big screen. After stints in commercials and music videos, Rabia is set
to star in Farooq Mengal’s debut film Hijrat.
“Good things come
to those who wait for the right time and opportunity,” says the model. “I
accept a project when it seems right to me. I did have an idea that this might
happen at some point, but I was not hunting for a role in a big film.”
Hijrat, which marks
Mengal’s directorial debut in Lollywood, is said to be a romantic drama that is
placed in the backdrop of the Afghan War, where millions were rendered
homeless. Rabia plays an Indian doctor named Jia, who works for rehabilitation
centres set up for IDPs. She is happy that she’s debuting in the industry with
a lead role. “The passion is fiery and we [the team of Hijrat] are determined
to captivate the audience. No stones are being left unturned; now the success
of the film depends on fate,” says the model-turned-actor. “Things solidified
once I was ready to switch from the fashion industry to the mesmerising silver
screen and the director was convinced that I would dazzle the audience,” she
adds.
Rabia admits that
Hijrat is one of the most demanding projects she has been a part of. “All this
hard work is a demand of my role, but I am sure it will pay off. I am really
excited about all the upcoming projects in the industry and foresee a sparkling
revival of Lollywood.”
She is optimistic
about the Pakistani film industry’s future. “You know Lollywood is no more. I
don’t know what I should call this rebirth [of cinema] yet, but it seems good
things are in the making,” she says.
Mengal, a
well-known name in the Pakistani television industry, has gone all out to make
his film debut with a perfect mix of fresh faces and seasoned actors. Apart
from Rabia, the film stars model Asad Zaman and actors Noman Ejaz, Ayub Khoso
and Wiam Dahmani.
“The first spell
has been shot — what an enlightening experience it has been!” exclaims Rabia.
“The silver screen is hungry for blood and sweat — it demands serious hard
work, which means there was no slacking at all on our part.”
When asked if she
will take up offers from India, she says, “I will not bend over backwards to
earn a role in Bollywood. I am staying true to my ideology and my craft. If
things are meant to be in my favour, I will be handed whatever I deserve on a
silver platter.”
When asked why he
chose Rabia, Mengal says that the unusual love story will show her in a
different light. “I felt Rabia was perfect for the role and after auditioning
her, it was clear in my mind that she suits the character well,” he adds.
The director also
expressed that he was committed to promoting new talent and that Zaman, who
plays the lead role opposite Butt, was also making his debut. “We [film-makers]
have to promote new talent in the industry. I think the two [Rabia and Zaman]
will have strong on-screen chemistry and give powerful performances in the
film.”
The film, which is
touted as a big-budget project, is expected to release between October and
November, adding to the array of Pakistani films slated for this year. The
teaser will be out this Eid.
Published in The
Express Tribune, July 19th, 2013.
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