Pak actress Saeeda Imtiaz wishes to work in B-Town

Pakistani actress Saeeda Imtiaz has her eye on B-Town. Even as she's hoping to land a Hindi film role, she's excited about her Pakistani film which, considering the role she's essaying, will establish her firmly in the industry.

Saeeda, a Pakistani-American, was offered the role of writer Jemima Khan in Kaptaan, a film based on the life of Imran Khan, Pakistani politician and the former captain of Pakistan's cricket team. Jemima is Imran's former wife and the film even shows their separation. It's a script that gripped Saeeda and she's hoping to meet the two.

"I have been a fan of Imran Khan from my childhood. I knew the script was strong and was confident I could pull it off," she says. "I will be meeting Imran Khan soon, as well as Jemima when I go to England."

Playing Jemima was a challenge, more so because Saeeda didn't get to meet her before or during the shoot. It was a complete makeover for her as she slipped into the character. "I was asked to put on a lot of weight due to which I fell ill for about six months. I had to see a lot of videos and read up on the Imran and Jemima. The most difficult part was to get the British accent as I am half American. It was really challenging to change the way I speak," says she.

The movie was supposed to be released in February, but has been postponed to the year-end. "The last talk I had with the director, he said he wants the film to release a few months before the election in Pakistan as Imran is now in politics," she says.

When asked about her interest in Bollywood and her visit to India, she says, "For an artist, it is very important to keep working all the time. And, I thought it would be a great change to work in India." We've had a lot of talent coming in from across the border — Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, Veena Malik, Meera... "There are very few directors in Pakistan who make films. Even if they make films, there are only one or two a year. So, the actors who are passionate about their work will go out of their way to get more work for themselves. There is not much work in Pakistan which is why even I have come here," she says.

She is returning to Pakistan this week. "There are a few restrictions out there when it comes to dressing unlike in Mumbai or New York. It's a different world. But, it's fun to live so many shades in one life," says Saeeda who will be back in India in September.