Rimal Ali is the first transgender model and actor of Pakistan. To be released on the coming Eid is her film Saat Din Mohabbat In written by Faseeh Bari Khan and directed by Meenu and Farjad. Rimal will be appearing along with Shehryar Munawer, Amna Ilyas, Mahira Khan, Mira Sethi, Tipu Sharif, Javed Sheikh, Hina Dilpazeer and Amir Qureshi. A few questions were asked from her regarding the film, its story and her role in it, which are as follows with their answers.
Describe your role in Saat Din Mohabbat In in a few words.
My role in Saat Din Mohabbat In has different flavours to it. You cannot strictly categorise it as comic or serious. While it raises the serious social issue of gender equality, it is entertaining all the same and true to life with the elements of hatred, love, thrill, fun and glamour concocted. I would not disclose the story but I can guarantee that the viewers will not be able to take their eyes off the screen.
When you were offered this role, did you read the script thoroughly? What inspired you to go for this role?
Yes, I did read the script with scrutiny because I am not in favour of doing non-serious roles. Secondly, my executive producer, Sanam Mahdi had told me that Faseeh Bari has written a very interesting script with a very respectful attitude towards my community. Faseeh Bari’s script inspired me to go for this role and also the motivation to tell the world that we are not less than anyone. I would like to mention a scene from the film in which Tipu and I are followed and caught by a feudal lord and Tipu takes a stand for me in front of an influential person. This respect for my community is very important for me on which this film’s script does not compromise.
Have you watched other works of Faseeh Bari Khan? How does it feel like working in his film?
Yes, I have been following his works and consider it an honour to be working for him. Faseeh portrays a very realistic picture of life and tells that life is not as sweet and dreamy as it seems in dramas or films. This bitter reflection of life gets wrapped up in fantasy and other spices in his scripts and is presented to us in a lighter, digestible manner. I would like to refer to his serial Quddusi Sahab Ki Bewah which broke all sorts of barriers. Hats off to Faseeh Bari!
For how long have you been working and what are your previous media experiences?
It’s been four to five years since I have been working in media. I have done a lot of theatre, music videos and modelling projects. I did not get a chance to do any drama serial but if I am offered something which I find interesting, I will definitely go for it. Besides this, I have also done another feature film Rehbara casting Ahsan Khan and Ayesha Omar. It was shot before 7DMI but is still in its post-production process and its releasing date has not been finalised yet.
What do you have to say about your item song in Saat Din Mohabbat In?
The revelation regarding an item song made me all the more excited for the film because dance is my passion. I have learnt it through various ways and from different sources and I believe that it is a form of art in which you can express your feelings through the movement of your body. The kind of performance I will be giving has never been seen in Lollywood uptil now and it has been rendered richer by an amazing outfit, bewitching set and excellent choreography by Wahab Shah. I am sure it’s going to be a big hit!