In a recent interview director Nadeem Baig addressed the much-discussed casting of Sajal Aly alongside Asif Raza Mir in his upcoming drama Main Manto Nahin Hoon.
Reflecting on the decision, Baig shared how it unfolded:
“Asif Raza Mir was the one in my mind for the role of Sajal’s father. I called him and told him about the role. Asif took a few minutes and said yes. I asked him again if he’d be uncomfortable working with Sajal, but he said ‘we are all professionals and there is no issue.’”
Baig then approached Sajal, who also accepted without hesitation, reinforcing the professionalism both stars brought to the table.
He praised their attitude, stating:
“They met; they hugged each other and we started working.” he further added “these two actors are setting an example in this country for many people,who have very big egos over small issues; preventing then for working with each other”.
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Highlighting his confidence in Sajal, Baig explained that she was always his first choice:
“Sajal Aly was always my first choice for the role. She is playing a student and I had not worked with her in Kuch Ankahi and Sinf e Aahan. As soon as we started working on Main Manto Nahin Hoon, Sajal came on board.”
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Baig also put forward his views on the prevalent bias and ageism faced by senior actors in the Pakistani entertainment industry. Responding to criticism regarding about casting Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed as romantic leads in Love Guru, Baig clarified the intent behind his creative choices “That role could only be played by people of that age. They weren’t trying to look like a boy and girl; it was a man and a woman.”
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Baig pointed out the inconsistency in audience perceptions, highlighting how age is often overlooked when it comes to international stars but scrutinised in local productions. “Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, we watch them without questioning their age,” he said. “Even in Bollywood, if we can watch Deepika and Shahrukh, who are probably older, then why not watch Mahira and Humayun?”
Drawing a direct comparison between leading ladies in South Asia, Baig added “Deepika and Mahira are probably the same age. If she (Deepika) can still shine as a heroine, then why can’t Mahira?” His comments shed light on the double standards faced by actors, particularly women, in the Pakistani industry, where youth is often equated with relevance.
Watch the complete interview below
