Noted actor Naseeruddin Shah feels that stereotyping Muslims as "terrorists" in movies is "unfortunate"."Muslim stereotype as terrorists is an unfortunate fact and films are cashing in on prevailing sentiments in different sections of the society. Even in many Hollywood films the villians are Arab characters," Shah told PTI.
On whether filmmakers should refrain from this tendency, he said, "I feel such tendencies to stereotype can be countered with films like 'Shoot on Sight' and 'Khuda Kay Liye.' I would like to convey my feelings through the choice of my roles and these two films are a perfect way of countering the existing stereotyping," he said.
In 'Shoot on Sight' directed by Jagmohan Mundhra in the backdrop of London blasts that took place in July 2005, Naseer plays a Muslim officer in Scotland Yard.
"I took up the role because the script was topical and it had all ingredients of an exciting thriller. My role was very good and it stresses the viewpoint of a moderate Muslim," he said.
"The terrorist in the film is also a Muslim and the central protagonist played by me is also one. It does not depict them as black and white but tries to understand the psyche of a fanatic and a liberal moderate Muslim," he added.
The actor said he goes by his instincts in selecting roles and is elated at the response he has got for his performances in 'Jaane Tu..Ya Jaane Na', 'Khuda Kay Liye', and 'a Wednesday'.
Where his role in 'Jaane Tu' exuded humour, his part in the Pakistani movie was of a progressive 'maulana' and that of a terror-hit common man in Neeraj Pandey's a Wednesday.
0 comments:
Post a Comment