Bouquets and compliments have been pouring in for popular TV and film actress Saba Qamar, ever since she bagged a nominationfor Best Actor (Female) In A Leading Role, in Bollywood’s Filmfare Awards, for her performance in 2017’s sleeper hit, Hindi Medium.
What had made it all the more commendable was the fact that this was her debut in Hindi cinema and, perhaps, more importantly, because her nomination had happened at a time when the relations between India and its neighbour aren’t at their best and any producers that hire Pakistani talent are vehemently threatened.
Qamar has another reason to be proud of: she has been praised for her powerful performance in the drama serial Baaghi whose last episode airs on Thursday night. The serial is loosely based on the life of the controversial Qandeel Baloch who was killed in cold blood by her brother, allegedly because she had brought shame to her family’s honour.
Baloch’s death, in 2016, had led to a larger debate, among human rights advocates and feminists on the one end and an outraged moral police on the other. Although the serial doesn’t make any claims to staying faithful to the actual events, Qamar’s portrayal of the ill-fated young girl with ambition and stars in her eyes, is worthy of winning an award or two.
