We know the two Pakistani dramas – Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai(ZGH) – gained roaring success across the border. While the former serial made Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan household names in India, the latter inspired many through its ever-lasting characters. Well… now it seems ZGH was a source of insight for actors and directors as well. Recently, Alia Bhatt has revealed how she was told to watch Sanam Saeed’s character Kashaf Murtaza from ZGH to draw inspiration for her character Roop in the upcoming film Kalank.
According to a news report in DNA India, Alia said her director, Abhishek Varman told her to watch the show (ZGH), which featured her Kapoor & Sons co-star Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed in lead roles.
“I watched a lot of old films like Mughal-E-Azam and Umrao Jaan to get an understanding of grace and body language. (And) I had to clean my Hindi as I am speaking Urdu (in the film). Abhishek asked me to watch Zindagi Gulzar Hai.”
Read: Sanam Saeed says leaked dance video of Asma Aziz doesn’t justify torture
Alia further revealed that Roop goes through a somewhat same emotional ordeal as Kashaf, therefore it was a relevant character to look up to.
“The character of the girl (Kashaf played by Sanam Saeed) in the show is very much how Roop will deal with the situation. She has responsibility on her shoulders so she is not always a happy person. She is vulnerable yet strong. It is difficult (to bring so many) layers — unhappy, vulnerable and strong — to a character. Abhishek kept saying that I should be irritating,” Alia told Indian news agency PTI in an interview.
Sanam was overwhelmed after the news broke and she tweeted Alia to send her best wishes. The actress also retweeted the story.
@aliaa08 if this isn't made up news, I'm tickled pink 😊. Best wishes. Xx
Kalank: Alia Bhatt reveals she drew inspiration from Sanam Saeed's 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' character to prep for Roop https://t.co/3O1Vl48fCw via @dna
— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 8, 2019
