Pakistani actress Saba Qamar is all set to portray slain Pakistani model Qandeel Baloch in an upcoming television film. Titled Baaghi, the film will explore Baloch’s complicated relationship with the Pakistani public, and her untimely death at the hands of her own brother.
In conversation with Mid Day, Saba said of Baloch, “The perception was that Qandeel Baloch made inappropriate videos, but no one knows why she did it… She did it to earn money and support her family. She wasn’t educated, but dreamt of becoming famous. She didn’t have any other option to fulfill her dream apart from taking to social media. She tried to do regular jobs, but wherever she went, she was exploited.”
“When we released the poster, the abuses poured in. If they are expecting an entertaining show, they will be disappointed. We are going to showcase the difficulties she faced, not glorify her. Either this show manages to change the way our community thinks, or I die doing it,” she said.
Pakistani model, actress and social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch, died in July last year in an apparent case of honour killing. The 26-year-old was strangled by her brother Wasim. He admitted that he killed his sister for posting bold pictures and videos on social media platforms. “She was bringing disrepute to our family’s honour and I could not tolerate it any further. I killed her around 11.30pm on Friday night when everyone else had gone to bed. My brother is not involved in the murder,” Waseem was quoted saying.
In Pakistan, a highly conservative nation, Baloch’s daring social media posts and television interviews on women empowerment, and her non-traditional clothes were always subjects of controversy. Known for her forthright manner and bold opinions, Baloch had drawn flak for appearing in a music video, Ban, directed by Aryan Khan.
Her selfies with a Muslim Cleric Mufti Abdul Qawi had led to the latter being fired from his position by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Baaghi also stars Pakistani actor Osman Khalid Butt in a pivotal role.
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