7 Din Mohabbat In (7DMI)Â starring Mahira Khan and Sheheryar Munawar, which released on Eid, has received mixed reviews. While some didn’t like it, others found it to be a complete entertainer and a treat fit for the festive occasion.
Most importantly, the makers of 7DMI should be lauded for casting prominent transgender Rimal Ali and vertically challenged actor Danish Maqsood in well-rounded roles.
Read More:Â Haute review: 7 Din Mohabbat In is absurd
In a society where people are reduced to their physical appearance, it’s impressive to see Danish Maqsood play a prominent character in the film. However, we do have one concern and that’s his character’s name, Tingu Master. We wish that they had picked a name that did not mock his height but Danish seems unfazed by it.
“Since childhood, I was fond of acting and always wanted to become an actor,” he told Something Haute in an exclusive chat. “I got my first film (Jaagte Khuwab) by pure luck. I was recommended by Shahid Rana and other than myself, the cast included other short actors as well. After that I started doing street theatre and performed at Arts Council as well; it was a great learning experience and that was the beginning of my career.”
The actor added that 7DMI was a dream come true in which he got the opportunity to showcase his talent.”I loved my role in this film; people of my height don’t usually get such important roles,” he said.
“It was a great experience working with the entire team of 7DMI especially Sheheryar Munawar, Mahira Khan, Amna Ilyas, Mira Sethi, Tipu Bhai, Javed Sheikh sahab and Hina jee. I did a supporting role but they all supported me throughout, which was very kind of them.” He also added that he’s honoured to be a part of this film and can’t thank Faseeh Bari enough for writing this character.
For obvious reasons, one cannot help but ask him about Peter Dinklage, who despite being one of the breakout stars of this era, ends up playing characters defined almost entirely by the fact that he’s vertically challenged.
“Of course, I saw Peter’s last film as well and it was a big hit,” replied Danish when we asked him if he’s aware of Peter Dinklage, also famously known as Tyrion Lannister on the Game of Thrones. “He has received awards as well. I believe he has a large fan following across the globe; I wasn’t well aware of him but was also asked about him in a previous interview.”
And just like Dinklage, Danish is determined to achieve his dream also. “I would like to add here that one should always dream big. I, as any other human being, have big dreams and God willing, I hope and pray, that my dreams come true with my mother’s prayers and the prayers of my well-wishers.”
While comedy may be his forte, Danish would like to avoid roles where he’s the butt of many jokes. “I would like to continue working in films and television and wouldn’t mind exploring serious roles. Comedy is my forte but I wouldn’t mind exploring different characters as well and go into method acting.”
Danish may have recently discovered Peter but he has always been a Shah Rukh Khan fan. “Because of him, I wanted to become an actor.”
“The promo of his upcoming film looks good and promising and this might create awareness in the society about the feelings of short people,” he said when was asked about his views on SRK’s upcoming film, Zero where he is seen playing a vertically challenged person. “There are many people out there who are not confident, they are scared to even come out of their homes because people will make fun of them or pass nasty remarks. So I have high hopes from this film and wish it is able to create awareness and sensitivity amongst people about vertically challenged people.”
Talking about the future and hoping for the best, he revealed that there are a few projects that he has in the pipeline. “There is a film that will go on ground soon and a few TV shows/sitcoms that I have been offered as well.”
