’Why does SRK need to be a Jacko?’

The Hugh Grant of Pakistan, as actor Shaan is called, has received critical acclaim for his stellar performance in Khuda Kay Liye. And yet, he had consciously given the Indian premiere a miss. In between attending to his daughter and a night-long shooting schedule, this 37-year-old actor spoke his mind
WHAT INITIALLY seemed like a bashing of Indians’ fetish for being copycats of the West, soon gave way to an understanding of the depths of pain in an actor, Shaan, who has high expectations from Indian cinema since he believes that with greater power, comes greater responsibilities.
The international media has reported a row over why you gave the Indian premiere of Khuda Kay Liye a miss?
It’s great that the Pakistan government has supported this film by Shoaib Mansoor. But when I go to an event, it has to be coordinated by the embassy. When Shatrughan Sinha came to Pakistan, he was the guest of the state. If the premiere was such a historic event, why couldn’t Pakistani actors too be given the same honour? I’m told the premiere was a small event. Moreover, I was also given a miss from the promos. If my work isn’t appreciated, my role ought to be snipped from the film then. Why did they promote Iman Ali and not me, when I’ve played the lead? Frankly speaking, I don’t even know much about her. Till last month, I knew she was a model. Iman, I hear, now has become an actor.
Considering that you’ve done over 350 films in Pakistan, have you ever considered doing an Indian film?
I’m already recognised for my work back home, I wouldn’t wish to do an Indian film just to cash in on my identity. Even a bacteria needs a certain temperature to breed in. Since we’re talking about creativity, I need a character and a conducive environment to thrive in.
What’s your view of contemporary Indian cinema?
I’m a huge fan of Indian cinema. Omkara was a superb adaptation of Othello. I’ve liked Parzania, Chak De! India and Taare Zameen Par. Even while studying in New York, I’ve always defended Indian films when they have been criticised for being rips-offs that suffer from continuity breaks.
It’s the duty of both Indians and Pakistanis to protect each other in front of the world. But how long can you be on the defensive when most of the films made let you down? Why does every Indian actor need to unbutton his shirt? Abs do not make an actor.
Shah Rukh Khan is the Asian heartthrob. But why does he need to be a Jacko? His beard reflects the kind of cinema he is doing. If he has a beard, it means he is trying to act. Otherwise, he is doing commercial cinema. Amitabh Bachchan need not keep a ponytail or dance at every show. You can’t remix Jimi Hendrix, can you? Then why remake Sholay?

But saving a lone KKL, Pakistan too hasn’t greatly contributed to the cause of good cinema.
You expect a branded burger chain and not your local burger shop to be hygiene friendly. It’s that kind of an expectation we have from Indian cinema. You have the finances, the stars and the audience. I too have done some sick films. Sixty per cent of my audience here is uneducated. But I have tried to strike a balance. If 350 films are made in Mumbai in a year, at least 150 should be for the cause of good cinema. Instead of watching thighs of women gyrating in foreign locations and actors always playing basketball (I haven’t seen a single basketball court in Mumbai!), I’d want to see a film like Abhimaan where a heroine looks amazing in a cotton sari.
Asoka made me feel as if I was watching animal cruelty on screen. Asoka danced more than he brandished the sword. Hollywood and Pakistani actors don’t dance at weddings. Himesh Reshammiya becomes a singer in a country of pure voices! It’s been a hard fought independence for us. Why still imprison the mind and imitate the goras?

What’s stopping Indians from hiring good scriptwriters or making good contemporary adaptations of the works of Kalidas and Tagore?
Look at what cricket has been reduced to today. T20 is fun enough. But the IPL has turned into a bad version of an Indian film. The only thing left to see is Sachin dancing to a hot number on a cricket pitch with Russian models for company.
Meera has been projected as the face of Pakistani heroines in India. Would you agree?
No. Meera is a colleague who is crazy in her own way. She is a single woman, struggling to survive. Honestly, we have far more elegant faces in Pakistan who know how to act. Saima, who has put in 20 years of work in mainstream cinema, should be considered the face of Pakistani cinema. She is like the Tabu of Indian cinema.
Aren’t you exploring the global market?
Having spent years in New York, I know the Americans inside out. After graduating from the US with the highest grade, I still decided to return to my roots. I didn’t want to live there as a second grade citizen. The Americans’ onscreen portrayal is not representational of who they are.
Will you be visiting India?
I’ll be in Mumbai in May for the mixing of my directorial venture, Zilay Shah. It has the message of Sufism wrapped in entertainment. I’m also trying to release it in India’s Punjab.