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Pakistanis pamper me and everyone wants to take a selfie: Om Puri on filming in Pakistan

Pakistanis pamper me and everyone wants to take a selfie: Om Puri on filming in Pakistan

On his 67th birth anniversary, we recall the time he visited Pakistan as the surprise star of Actor In Law
Updated 18 Oct, 2017

This article was originally published in January 2016.


Nabeel Qureshi and Fiza Ali Meerza, the team behind one of Pakistani cinema's greatest hits Na Maloom Afraad, are set to tickle our funny bone once again.

But they won't tell us how.

At the launch of their second film titled Actor In Law, both director Nabeel and producer Fiza kept mum about the subject matter of their next film, but luckily their cast members let slip a few hints.

Lead actor Mehwish Hayat called Actor In Law "a social comedy" and said, "it has emotions, love and plenty of surprises." And Bollywood veteran Om Puri pointed out that the film's title is a give-away: the film explores the idea that actors have some things in common with lawyers.

The cast is stoked to be a part of the film.

Fahad Mustafa, who plays the lead with Mehwish Hayat, said, "Na Maloom Afraad was the icebreaker and now this movie is going to be a hit again in Pakistani cinema. It’s a very important film for my career."

When Mehwish was asked if she would emerge as a sherni (lioness) after having played the billi (cat) in Na Maloom Afraad, she said, "All I can say is that I'm playing a very challenging role, different from all the characters I have previously played. I'm very grateful to the team for casting me in such a unique role."

One of the main attractions of the film is that Om Puri, who is making his debut in Pakistani cinema with Actor In Law.

Om Puri was full of funny witticisms at the Actor In Law launch – Photo courtesy Actor In Law's Facebook page
Om Puri was full of funny witticisms at the Actor In Law launch – Photo courtesy Actor In Law's Facebook page

Here are six things to know about his participation:

1) Casting Om Puri took some doing

Casting Om Puri took some determination on producer Fiza's part. When she first reached out to him, her manager had bad news: Om Puri had damaged his spine and wasn't open to acting offers. He was also away on vacation, and "nobody could convince him" for a role at the time. She was told to "take this thought [of casting him] back."

But Fiza was undeterred. She got hold of his personal number and had the script hand-delivered to his home. The extra effort worked. "I didn't need to call Puri Sahib after that," Fiza shared, "He called me to accept the offer to act in our film."

2) Om Puri isn't the only cast surprise

Fiza Ali Meerza disclosed that the film has an ensemble cast, which also includes Rehan Sheikh, Saifee and Rashid Khawaja. She said that many more actors will feature in the film for "just one scene or just one dialogue" and that she was very grateful that they agreed to these brief appearances.

"This shows that people now have faith in film. They understand that one scene can give an actor a lot of push."

3) Will Om Puri do an item number?! Okay, no, that was a joke.

The Shani Arshad duo is making a four-song soundtrack for Actor In Law, and one of those songs is an item number!

Nabeel Qureshi with Shani Arshad (centre) and title track singer Junaid Younus – Photo courtesy Nabeel Qureshi
Nabeel Qureshi with Shani Arshad (centre) and title track singer Junaid Younus – Photo courtesy Nabeel Qureshi

But Nabeel Qureshi insisted on keeping its details a surprise. He did joke, however, that it's Om Puri who's performing the item song.

"That's what he liked about the script!" quipped Nabeel ."We called him over from India just for that. He hasn't had the opportunity to perform an item song in his 22 years in Bollywood."

4) He's not concerned about a backlash about working in Pakistan

Saying that he's previously staged a play in Lahore, Om Puri added, "I'm an apolitical person. I say what I feel like. No one has responded 'Why are you in Pakistan?' If they do, I will give them a befitting reply."

Om Puri isn't concerned about what people make of his decision to act in a Pakistan film – Photo courtesy Actor In Law's Facebook page
Om Puri isn't concerned about what people make of his decision to act in a Pakistan film – Photo courtesy Actor In Law's Facebook page

5) Om Puri thinks Nabeel's a tough boss

"Nabeel troubles me a lot, but does great work," he shared. "He tries to get the maximum out of everything, which is a great quality. He neither eats nor lets others do so. That's my only complaint."

He complimented the cinematographer on his expertise and efficiency and said that the art directors have blown him away.

"We've been shooting in a court and church and when I arrived, I amazed to discover that the location was, in fact, a constructed set.

6) He's loving it here in Pakistan

"I really like working in Pakistan, because I'm pampered a lot here. I keep responding to people's salaams from morning to night. So many people want to throw me a dinner party at their house. And everyone wants a selfie."

He also said that he's not surprised by the hospitality he has received:

"I've known Pakistanis abroad for about 20 years. I have always received love from them, so much so that it's hard to believe that there are conflicts between our two countries. I pray that we find our way to peace and both countries work towards progress, friendship and trade."

Actor In Law is being shot entirely in Pakistan. The film has wrapped up its first spell of shooting and will release on Eid-ul-Adha.

Comments

faryal Jan 11, 2016 04:18pm
I pray that we find our way to peace and both countries work towards progress, friendship and trade.
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Gary Jan 11, 2016 05:22pm
@faryal Ameen!
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Muhammad Jan 11, 2016 05:28pm
We have hated eachother for too long. It's about time to let love prevail. Cinema and Cricket can gel us together.
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Awais Ali Jan 11, 2016 05:41pm
Oom Puri loving Pakistan.
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Aryaan Jan 11, 2016 05:43pm
i read this ten times. Good one. politicians should learn something
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Syed Irfan Ali Jan 11, 2016 05:44pm
Om Puri you are our lovely guest.....but no you are not guest. Pakistan actually is your second home. Wish you a very safe and pleasant stay in our country.
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GA Jan 11, 2016 06:13pm
Please give him an honorary citizenship.
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truth Jan 11, 2016 06:17pm
good man..
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MUHAMMAD KHAN Jan 11, 2016 06:51pm
India, Pakistan , Bangladesh, must unite again.
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Jawad Jan 11, 2016 07:18pm
Om puri sab we equally love indians.
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SRIDHAR RAGHUNATHA RAO Jan 11, 2016 07:29pm
Om Puri is a very talented actor. He will fill life to whichever role that is assigned to him. I am very happy that Indian and Pakistani actors are involved in joint projects like this. It will pave way for better appreciation of each other.
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Imran Ahmed Jan 11, 2016 08:33pm
I have been watching this great actor for several decades, I have always admired his talent and now I respect him as a man. Pakistan and India have everything to lose and nothing to gain by feeding enmity yet some short sighted or criminal elements in both countries keep sabotaging peace and friendship.
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Syed Moinuddin, Canada Jan 11, 2016 09:36pm
Om Puri is one of my favorite actors. He always has kind and good words for Pakistanis. He is respected and admired so much in Pakistan. I am not surprised the way he is treated and respected whenever he visits Pakistan. These are the personalities who bring hope that India and Pakistan can have the best possible relations, just like US and Canada.
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k k tiwari Jan 11, 2016 09:52pm
Yes, there is no grudge or ill will against Pakistani People. Fact is they are very cordial , I experienced in London & Europe . Wish to make a trip to Pakistan. Inshaalllah
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mukut Jan 11, 2016 10:15pm
Om puri is one of the finest artist. Naseruddeed shah and Om puri are classical artist. Their classic cult was jane bhee yaro.
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Prateek Saxena Jan 11, 2016 11:38pm
@Syed Irfan Ali There is so much love for Indians in Pakistan, and vice versa, despite sowing of seeds of hatred over such a long time. One can't even tell who is Indian or who is Pakistani in the pictures. The false divide of the nation has broken hearts on both sides. Hope this love can be preserved, despite what the hate mongers are doing.
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Haider Jan 11, 2016 11:58pm
THis is the Pakistani hospitality, art and performing artist have no borders. Are Pakistani artists treated the same way in India? Rahat was denied entry in Hyderabad, than RSS is after every Pakistani ex-player, actor, comedian.
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Gurpreet Singh Sabharwal (USA) Jan 12, 2016 12:02am
"I've known Pakistanis abroad for about 20 years. I have always received love from them, so much so that it's hard to believe that there are conflicts between our two countries." I've felt exactly the same way after meeting many Pakistanis & making many Pakistani friends in the US. Its hard to believe that there's animosity between the two countries!
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Jabbar Pasha (Canada) Jan 12, 2016 01:33am
@GA He has Indian Citizenship already, why he needs Pakistani one.
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usman777 Jan 12, 2016 04:10am
We are thankful and appreciative that such giants of creative talent accept work in our humble country. Let us continue to extend guests our culture of hospitality.
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Uday Kulkarni Jan 12, 2016 05:43am
Om Puri Saheb, you are doing a good job as an ambassador of India in Pakistan film industry. Wishing you all the success in bringing audiences together from both sides of the border. This is what we need as peace and brotherly relations between both Pakistan and India
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bharat Jan 12, 2016 09:34am
@MUHAMMAD KHAN No ,thanks. We just need good relations not any unification .
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Nomi Jan 12, 2016 09:47am
Love from Pakistan ....
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Nangyal Jan 12, 2016 11:17am
We love Om Puri and all Indians except the a few lunatics!
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Krish Chennai Jan 12, 2016 02:04pm
I remember seeing him in the role of a old man running a mosque and madrassah in rural Pakistan, with scores of young kids around him, in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, where he provides shelter to hero Salman Khan and the young Pakistani Kashmiri girl.
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Afzal Jan 12, 2016 02:30pm
@MUHAMMAD KHAN It is asking too much for India , Pakistan and Bangladesh getting United as one country. Federation of the three is a possibility or the best solution will be to go into a common market like Eufopean Union with no visa requirement and a free trading . Since more and more citizens from these countries are asking for closer relations I am sure the days are not far off when this will materialise into a reality.
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Afzal Jan 12, 2016 02:35pm
@Jabbar Pasha (Canada) I guess @ GA had meant it as a good gesture which Om Puri will appreciate. Of course he does not need duel citizenship.
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Jabbar Pasha (Canada) Jan 12, 2016 08:36pm
@Afzal Thanks for clarification. You said it correctly.
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syed wasim haider Jan 13, 2016 11:00am
These type of characters have no borders.Lovely to see him so happy in Pakistan. Expect more artists like him visit Pakistan.
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Jabbar Pasha (Canada) Jan 14, 2016 01:08am
Om Puri is a good man. I met him at Dr. Khan Baba Karimi's residence. Down to earth humble attitude. He is doing a great cause.
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MH Oct 18, 2017 02:54pm
We luv you Om Puri
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Anuj Oct 18, 2017 06:00pm
om puri is no more, RIP
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bharat Oct 18, 2017 07:27pm
Thanks to Pakistan for the hospitality and love bestowed on our treasure Mr Om Puri. Even though today he is not with us, we miss him immensely.
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Peace_Out Oct 18, 2017 09:12pm
@bharat : In a wired way you do make sense. But do keep in mind there is a very small amount of people who would like to see India and Pakistan united. For the longest ( during my teen years) I always thought that the partition was a mistake and should not have happened. But the way things are going in India, e.g.. expelling Pakistani Actors, Now talks to Taj Mahal being built by trator and what not. I think its safe to say if we were still united, us minorities in India would have no voice. All in all our founding father did make the right decision. alteast that how i feel when i see what is going on around the world.
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Uma Oct 18, 2017 11:09pm
He was the ambassador of peace. He always spoke highly about Pakistan and misconception separating both nations. RIP
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Habib Khan Oct 19, 2017 04:54am
Wish harmony prevails in both the countries and both flourish in a peaceful atmosphere.
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Alanore Oct 19, 2017 05:53pm
It was so nice to see late Om Puri in a Pakistani movie. More actors should be hired for India like Dulip Kumar, Amitab Bachan, Shabana Azmi, Reka, Zeenat Amaan etc.
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