Boman Irani walks out of Pakistani film after Kabir Khan debacle

Local Press Co 5-point Snippet

1. Actor Boman Irani, in an act of solidarity with director Kabir Khan, has decided to walk out of a Pakistani film he had signed earlier.

2. Last month, Kabir Khan had visited the neighbouring country to speak at an event when he was hounded by Pakistani locals at the airport. Although no physical harm was done, the experience was far from pleasant.

3. Because of the incident, Boman reportedly backed out of a movie helmed by 22-year-old Azaan Sami Khan. A source told DNA, “Azaan wants to make his directorial debut this year and wants to sign top B-Town stars in pivotal roles to make the film more ‘international’. Boman heard the script and loved it. He agreed to play the role and everything was on, till the incident with Kabir Khan happened last month at Karachi airport.”

4. When contacted by the daily, Azaan said, “Boman liked the film but couldn’t do it because of date issues. The Kabir Khan incident was a one-off incident, sensationalised by the media from both sides of the border. Our film industries have always had respect for each other and Indian stars are much loved in Pakistan. But I understand that this kind of situation would scare people. No artiste would like to be screamed at by anybody.”

5. But the source maintained, “Boman had accepted the role, but backed out citing date issues. Naturally, he’s upset as he’s very fond of young Azaan and thinks he’s an extremely talented youngster. But he had no choice. Now, Azaan is planning to cast a Pakistani actor in that role. But he’s keen to cast Amitabh Bachchan in another important role in the film, but has no access to him. If Bachchan does it, it will be his first Pakistani film.”