Bollywood is a yes if it's SRK, a big no if Emraan Hashmi: Saba Qamar

Published November 10, 2014
Saba Qamar and Adnan Siddiqui on 'Tonight With HSY'. – Photo Courtesy: Tonight With HSY Facebook Page
Saba Qamar and Adnan Siddiqui on 'Tonight With HSY'. – Photo Courtesy: Tonight With HSY Facebook Page

While the very handsome Adnan Siddiqui is all for our actors crossing borders to work in Bollywood, the absolutely stunning Saba Qamar, known for being more straightforward, has slightly different views.

In a candid interview on this week’s Tonite With HSY, the two stars shared stories and also threw in impressions of Meera and former president Pervez Musharraf.

When HSY asked about local actors working in Bollywood, Adnan said there was nothing wrong with working in India.

“Art which is all about creative expressions has no boundaries. You don’t go as an Indian, and what matters is where you come from. It will help in expanding Pakistan’s name on that horizon,” said Adnan.

Saba, however, said that she would agree to work in India if she gets the same respect as given by the Pakistani fraternity and fans.

“I would work if the role is alongside A-class actors – the Khan party – not with B and C [class actors],” stated Saba.

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Sharing his thoughts on these actors, Adnan said: “I have been in the industry for the past 22 years and fortunately or unfortunately, I come in the age bracket where Khans or Akhshay Kumar are already there so of course they have a huge market and if I talk about A-plus then chances are not that bright."

He added: "However, if I get a role of a main villain or a role like that of an actor Irfan Khan, I’d gladly say yes.”

Saba on the other hand didn’t agree whole-heartedly and took the opportunity to show her aversion towards Humaima Malick’s step to film Raja Natwarlal alongside Emraan Hashmi.

“I think our focus should first be on our own film industry. If they give (a role) alongside Ranbir Kapoor or Shahrukh Khan, it makes sense, but if it is Randip Hoodha or Emraan Hashmi...but yes, I’d love to do a film with Irfan Khan, he is a brilliant actor," said Saba.

Commenting on rejecting a film, Saba said she gets many offers: “I get a call every other day, but unlike other actors who flaunt, I keep it to myself.”

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Talking about her career, Saba shared that her family was not supportive in the beginning.

“No one was happy about me entering the entertainment industry because I belong to a Syed family,” shared Saba.“But I believe no profession is a bad profession, rather it’s all about the mindset.”

Later, however, she was able to change their views.

Talking about the controversy over her role in the drama, Bunty I love you, Saba said: “Many people said that I shouldn’t have worked alongside Noman Habib as it made me look much older.”

She, however, dismissed such thoughts stating that a character has nothing to do with an actor’s age.

Recently, there were speculations about Saba and Waar famed Hamza Ali Abbassi “getting together”.

Saba cleared all speculations stating that they’re “just good friends”.

On further probing from HSY, Saba shared the story.

She explained how one day Hamza posted “I love you, Hamza” from Saba’s Facebook page on to his own Facebook page, while they were sitting together and her Facebook was logged in from her iPad.

The next day, her inbox was full of messages with people comparing her with Veena Malik and Meera. When Saba called Hamza to inquire, he casually said there was no harm if that happened because they were good friends.

“If I ever fall in love, I wouldn’t hide in corners, rather would tell the world openly about it,” declared the actor.

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Coming to the idea of love, Saba said she has been through heartbreaks, and though it has been difficult, over time she has learned to let it go.

Much to our surprise, it was also revealed that Adnan Siddiqui had been offered a role in Bilal Lashari’s blockbuster Waar. Adnan, however, declined the offer stating that the role wasn’t an important one.

“I haven’t done a single film in Pakistan and all creditable roles are gone. I felt that – it is solely my judgment and I won’t blame anyone – it wasn’t right. If I want to come in the Pakistani film industry I want to come with a 'bang' and if that element is not there I shouldn’t go for it,” Adnan said, adding that he has no regrets for letting go of the opportunity.

Speaking about her and Adnan’s on-set chemistry, Saba recounted how she had left the set of Maat after a little scuffle with the director and it was Adnan who convinced her to work again.

Talking to Adnan on being cast in Hollywood film A Mighty Heart alongside Angelina Jolie, HSY inquired if Adnan felt let down by the media, since the local coverage was disappointing.

Adnan agreed and said while his fans really praised him, the media did let him down.

During the 'Love/Don’t Love' segment, Adnan Siddiqui said “love” for all the pictures shown except for current Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and actor Javeria Abbasi, which would make many wonder why he’d say that for an actor with whom he hasn’t worked in a long time.

Saba Qamar also said “love” for almost all except talk-show host Mubashir Lucman and actor Veena Malik.

The show ended with Saba's final words: "I'm not in love and neither am I getting married."

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