Lollywood Lights - March 29, 2006

Hard work pays

Saima plays the lead in Sarmad Khoosat's television series Piya Naam Ka Diya. The series, embellished with a script by Bano Qudsia, sees the actress playing a woman who fights against all odds in a male-dominated society and emerges triumphant in the end. Saima won the role after her part in Khalilur Rehman Qamar's socio-political television series Soolee received rave reviews.

Finally acting

Iman Ali is finally shooting for a film instead of just talking about it. Shoaib Mansoor's Khuda Ke Liyay will see her in the lead with Shaan. Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah will play a religious scholar. Ali, a model, had announced that she was interested in film as early as 2001.

Making a comeback

Reema and Khalilur Rehman Qamar are the hot new film making team. Reema won a lot of applause for her debut directorial work, Koi Tujh Sa Kahan and this has encouraged her to start on her next film immediately. Qamar, who gave her a brilliant story in the first film, is writing the script for her new project as well. Shooting is scheduled to start in a couple of months.

Meanwhile, Reema is looking for a young and emotive face for her new movie. She says that if the Pakistan government did not have anything against Indian actresses being cast in Pakistani films, she would try to get an Indian actress for the role. 

Offers on a platter

Laila is happy to be the heroine of choice for many directors these days. Top heroines like Nirma, Reema and Meera have fallen out of favour with directors of Punjabi films for a variety of reasons, which leaves only Laila capable of drawing viewers to the theatres. The actress plays the lead opposite Shaan in Sangeetha's Kangan and with Arbaz Khan in Yaar Badmash. Laila also has quite a few big banner television soaps in her kitty. 

Paired for success

Rufi Sanam and Shamyl Khan could be the hot new pair. The actors played the lead in Rasheed Dogar's Jism and Murder and their roles were appreciated by viewers and the media. Although Sanam is a Dogar find, she has won projects with other directors, too. Meanwhile, Khan - just out of a relationship with Nirma - confirmed that the rumours linking him with Sanam are false.   

Against the storm

Sohni's linking to a private businessman in Karachi is causing the actress some heartburn. Sohni refutes the rumour and adds that it's spoiling her career prospects. She warns that those indulging in rumour-mongering should stop it before she's forced to take action.