'Iqra' depicts true Punjabi culture, says Humayun

LAHORE - No doubt Humayun Saeed is a shining, brilliant and most sought-after star of Pakistani showbiz world. He has a lot of successful serials including 'Andekhi', 'Pehli Khwahish' and 'Adhoray Khawab on his credit. These days Humayun is performing a powerful role in Meera's much hyped 26-episode drama serial 'Iqra'. He was in Lahore last week in connection with the shooting of this serial. In an exclusive interview with 'The Nation', Humayun said that production is a very difficult job but Meera is handling it in an intelligent manner against her nature. "Before signing 'Iqra' it was difficult for me to assess that how I will manage to do work with Meera and how she would handle the situation. But with the every passing day, Meera has proved that she is a genius lady and quite adept at planning her schedule and activities and, therefore, handling everything very carefully. Her selection of the director Javed Fazil and other artistes was a testament to her professional abilities. Fazil is doing a Lahore serial after the gap of eight years", he added. Humayun said Javed Fazil is performing in 'Iqra' according to the taste of the Punjabi culture. He has full grip on the whole script. "It was very difficult for Fazil to do work in Lahore because there was a huge difference in working atmosphere between Lahore and Karachi" Humayun said, adding the serial would be a big achievement for Meera. He further said that Meera is his good friend and he is feeling very comfortable working with her. "Though I had dates with others but I changed all of them in order to assist Meera in the completion of 'Iqra' and thankful to her for taking me on board for this production. Through 'Iqra' Meera has depicted the true culture of Punjab in an excellent way to show its clear and comprehensive picture. She has tried to promote education through this serial, Humayun revealed, and added that it is a serial against those opposing the education of the girls. About the Indian style of work, Humayun said these days routine work was being done in India. Pakistani artistes are more hardworking as compared to the Indians, he maintained. Humayun said that Amir Khan had invited him to India and offered to play the lead role in his upcoming film 'Gajni' but he had refused because the role was negative and was not suited to me. He said 'Gajni' is a remake of a Tamil film. Humayun further said the profession is something he really enjoyed and, of course, there are monetary gains that go with it. "But it's a strange feeling at times you question yourself about what you are doing. The funniest part is that people think you are acting even if you are in your normal mood", the top star concluded.