Imran Abbas has become extremely peculiar in his Punjabi pronunciation. Sitting opposite host Adnan Faisal, the famous actor talked about his upcoming Punjabi film Jee Ve Sohneya Jee, in which he is essaying the lead role opposite Indian actor Simi Chahal.
“I had to take so many classes [where I was taught] you say it like this, not like that,” Imran recalled with a slight smile. “If you slip even a little, it’s a problem,” he added. The star continued: “When this film was offered, I went to classes for about a month and a half – every day, without fail.” He also revealed that his teacher was from Chandigarh.
When asked by the host where this “Bollywood movie” was shot, the actor was quick to provide a correction. “You can’t call it a Bollywood film. I have already done three Bollywood films.” However, he sought to provide an accurate label for the industry and suggested “Pollywood”.
“It is true that Punjabi films are releasing in Pakistan and doing great business,” Imran said. “And this film is that two Punjabs – Indian Punjab and Pakistani Punjab – which were once united after partition, people who were displaced but their hearts beat in unison, that’s what it’s about. It’s a very beautiful theme, wrapped in a very beautiful music shell, love story, beautiful screen, background, scenery and the whole execution of the film. The story is amazing. It’s totally paisa vasool.” The actor assured that the film will be released globally – including Pakistan – on February 16.
“Such a film should have been made,” claimed Imran. “Why should we talk about hate?” he asked. He humbly admitted that this was his contribution to “bringing the two Punjabs together”. Imran highlighted the immense love shared between the Punjabi communities despite the border that separated them and talked about how many of their holy places there are in Pakistan, with Lahore also being of great importance. He also appreciated the message Pakistan has sent by opening its borders to those who want to pay homage to their holy places.
When asked about the elements of the film, Imran described it as “a love story between two nations” where the lead couple must lie or hide their identities, all on the assumption that the other side will not be as accepting as the couple had hoped. Imran reiterated how these things become secondary when love resides deep in one’s heart, driving home his earlier point regarding harmony in society.
“Atif Aslam sang in the film,” said Imran, and the anchor emphasized that the singer would lend his vocals to India after seven years. “Yes,” Imran confirmed. “After a long time, Atif sang for the Indian industry and he sang beautifully. Imran also revealed that many stars from Pakistan will be making guest appearances, including Anam Tanveer and Sajid Hasan. However, he stated that these stars make small appearances, given that the narrative introductions are set in Pakistan for a small amount of screen time.
The anchor asked Imran why he is not venturing into local films. Imran shrugged and laughed beside him, bluntly replying, “Ask the Pakistani film producers and directors. Maybe they don’t think I’m capable enough.” Adnan doubled down and said that the star does not want to do local films. “It’s not about what I do or don’t want,” Imran clarified. “I want to make a good film, wherever it is from.
Imran explained how certain decisions were time sensitive and provided further clarity. “We make good films here and we will continue to do so. But at the time [the films I chose] I think had good themes. Learn from my experience. Now if I get a good film, I’ll do it if it excites me, regardless to where it’s made.” The actor returned to praise the theme of Jee Ve Sohneya Jee. The host again asked the star if he would make a film in Pakistan if the subject was worth pursuing. “Absolutely, why not? It’s my country. I prefer Pakistani films to anything else,” Imran replied.
Moving on to dramas, the star made a distinction between them and movies, saying that movies are a big responsibility compared to local TV shows. “It’s not a big deal to do a super hit drama,” said Imran. “I’ve done a lot of them myself. I know that after a while they disappear from people’s eyes. A film is one thing that stays in your mind…it makes its own stamp. So it’s very important to make films intelligently. It’s a huge responsibility.”
Apart from his interview, Imran recently took to Instagram to call on his viewers to show their support for his upcoming film, which he felt was advocating a “beautiful cause”. Apart from Imran and Simi, the film boasts an ensemble cast including Mintu Kapa, Udaya Vakati, Brian Shaw, Aman Bal and Swaraj Sandhu.
