Saba’s ‘unforgettable’ journey with Irrfan
Bollywood touches lives beyond borders and the recent loss of two acclaimed actors — Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor — is being mourned by fans and co-actors across the world. Pakistani actor Saba Qamar, who was paired alongside Khan in Hindi Medium (2017), says she is “devastated” with the demise of her “brilliant co-actor” and Kapoor. Though she never met the latter, his words of praise for her work will stay with her forever.
“I’ve learned a lot from Irrfan. Working with him was nothing less than a fan moment for me. I believe acting is actually behaving truthfully in imaginary circumstances. And I saw that in him,” says Qamar.
Recalling her on-set memories of “deeply philosophical” Khan, she says, “There was never a dull moment when he was around. We used to crack jokes with each other all the time. He always used to make me learn new things and gave pro tips on life.”
Outlining how her first meeting with Khan was “unforgettable”, Qamar adds, “When I entered the room where he was sitting, he began singing the song Badan Pe Sitare (Prince, 1969) for me. I’ll always cherish the entire time I’ve spent with him.”
Qamar looks back at the love she got for Hindi Medium with “gratitude”, while hoping that “things were better between our countries”. Revealing that she is yet to watch Angrezi Medium, Qamar, 36, says she loved how her fans missed seeing her in it. “Acting is a form of art that shouldn’t be restricted. I’d love to do more movies if I get the opportunity,” she adds.
Elaborating on the lockdown situation in Pakistan, she says, “It is the same for us all. I believe we are all in this together and should use this time for selfreflection. We should learn not to hold grudges and be positive because life is too
short and unpredictable.”