Muzaffar Ali, whose upcoming film Jaanisar features newcomers Imran Abbas and Pernia Qureshi, says one of the reasons for choosing Abbas as the protagonist was because he seemed a reincarnation of actor Farooque Shaikh.
“The story is about a king and a courtesan. I found the required aspects on her [Qureshi’s] face as well on his (Abbas’] face. The kind of sensitivity that should be there on such a person, Imran has that. A nice vulnerable face. For me, he is Farooque Shaikh’s reincarnation. And I couldn’t think of any other actor for this character,” said Ali at the music launch of the film.
Shaikh was known for his simple and understated performances in relationship-based films, which connected with the audiences.
In a previous interview, Ali had said about Abbas that “there’s no boy as good-looking as him in India or Pakistan”.
The actor made his mark in Pakistan with roles on numerous soaps. When those soaps started being telecast on Indian channels, Indians too got acquainted with his acting prowess. Thus, he got noticed by filmmakers and eventually made his debut in Vikram Bhatt’s Creature opposite Bipasha Basu.
The film, set two decades after the 1857 revolt, also marks the debut of fashion designer Qureshi.
