Thaindian News

By Ruchika Kher
New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) After playing a mother in “Lahore”, a film that she feels will improve relations between India and Pakistan, social activist and actress Nafisa Ali will be seen as Hrithik’s mother in “Guzaarish”.

“I am doing ‘Guzaarish’ where I play Hrithik’s mother. It’s a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film and to work with him is a magical experience because it is a totally different world of sets and lighting and attention to detail, which is truly magnificent,” Nafisa told IANS in an interview here.

Nafisa, who has acted in several Bollywood films like “Junoon” with Shashi Kapoor, “Major Saab” with Amitabh Bachchan and “Life In A… Metro” with Dharmendra, is sharing screen space with versatile Farooque Shaikh in “Lahore”.

Talking about her role in “Lahore”, she said: “In the film, I play a mother whose both sons are Indian sportsmen and successful at the international level. As a mother what role I play in shaping their lives is my character.”

The 53-year-old reveals that it was the message in the film that compelled her to do it.

“What I really liked about this film is the message and the sentiment behind this story. It aims at pacifying relations between India and Pakistan through the medium of a sport,” she said.

Made by first time director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, “Lahore” looks at India-Pakistan relations through kick boxing. Also starring Sushant Singh, Saurabh Shukla and Nirmal Pandey, the film is slated to hit screens March 19 and will be distributed by Hollywood studio Warner Bros Pictures.

Nafisa feels the film will be instrumental in popularising kick boxing among youth.

“When youngsters will see this film, I’m sure they will get interested in the sport and will plan to take it up. This will give a boost to the sport,” she said.

The actress, who was a national swimming champion from 1972-1974 and also won the Miss India title in 1976, says cinema is her passion and not profession.

“It’s just that I love cinema a lot. It’s not my profession, but it is my creative joy and therefore I am very humbled. It makes me feel very grateful that the world of cinema which tends to forget people so quickly has always found a role for me even after 32 years in the industry,” said Nafisa.

(Ruchika Kher can be contacted at ruchika.k@ians.in)