It was my decision to drop out of Arth 2: Humayun Saeed

The actor calls Shaan's assertion that Humayun hadn't been his top choice for Arth 2 a mere "publicity stunt"

30 Dec, 2015

Shaan Shahid had some harsh words for Humayun Saeed at the Arth 2 press conference held in Lahore yesterday. Arth 2 will be Shaan's remake of the Mahesh Bhatt classic, Arth.

Also read: Shaan's Arth 2 finally hits the floors

He said Humayun was "only involved...because [the film's previous backer] ARY was pushing for him". Humayun's character in Arth 2 is now being played by Mohib Mirza, whom he had originally wanted for the role, Shaan added.

However, Humayun paints a slightly different picture of his departure from the film.

Referring to Shaan's now viral statement as "a publicity stunt", Humayun says that leaving the Arth 2 project was entirely his decision.

"They're unhappy with my decision to drop out of Arth 2. I'm working on several other projects which I couldn't abandon just because they suddenly decided to finally commence the Arth 2 shoot," he said to Images.

Arth 2's first look revealed in mid-2014 shows the original line-up: Uzma Hassan, Shaan Shahid, Humaima Malik and Humayun Saeed

"I'm flying to Romania today for a film's recce with Nadeem Baig and Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. And I'm also writing JPNA 2 and working on another untitled film. I have to produce and act in these projects, so taking out 2-3 months for Arth would mean that my own projects would suffer."

"I don't want to get involved in the situation," he added, referring to the mud-slinging at yesterday's presser.

"It doesn't suit me to give an ulta seedha answer. Shaan is like my older brother, so whatever he says must be right. And Mohib is like my younger brother, and I think the role suits him better. I wish them all the best."

Elaborating further about his future projects, he shared that he has also dropped out of the Mahesh Bhatt's Punjabi flick Dushman for the same reason. He said he is trying to get another Pakistani actor to act in the film instead and named Mikaal Zulfiqar as a possible replacement.

Comments

Another fan Dec 30, 2015 01:17pm

History seems to suggest otherwise. Shamoon's directorial project "Gidh" was postponed because Humayun wouldn't alot dates, because of commitments such as Bin Roye and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. and his other productions.

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Laree Dec 30, 2015 03:23pm

I haven't liked HS' recent work. So, apparently, Mohib's inclusion is a blessing in disguise for Arth.

Rashid Dec 30, 2015 04:05pm

Arth2 was announced way back in 2014 and it went to floor after a gap of almost one year. Arth2 is not the first film directed by Shaan. He earlier directed Guns N roses Ek Junoon, Mujhey Chand Chahiye, Moosa Khan and Daaku. Nearly all the artists who have worked in his films like Resham, Meera, Faisal Rehman, Noor, Nayyar Ejaz, Momi Rana and Reema have complaints with Shaan over various issues. The most common of which was their scenes were chopped out, and Shaan himself has more screen space and scenes in the final released film. Even Tanvir Fatima Rehman the producer of his first two films was also not happy with Shaan's attitude. Shaan is indeed a superstar of our country, but his attitude towards other artists is not examplry.

Another fan Dec 30, 2015 07:25pm

@Rashid: Having met Humayun and Shaan both (although both for selfies and brief conversation) -- I can safely say Shaan is more grounded and accessible to his fans. He was the only bankable star in the old Lahore industry, Momi or even Babar (the only other "stars") couldn't pull off a gujjar/ghunda only -- Shaan had that versatility, which is why he prevailed.