Parwaaz Hai Junoon, the Haseeb Hasan directorial, has become a favourite for media fodder. In what started off with the announcement of a stellar cast consisting of Osman Khalid Butt, Hamza Ali Abbasi, and reportedly, Mahira Khan, quickly turned into a PR conundrum with at least two of the cast members being replaced.
While rumours were abuzz for the last few months about Mahira Khan never signing up for the film, and her subsequent replacement by the newbie Hania Aamir, the latest update turned into reality when OKB also decided to leave the film over ‘date issues’. Much speculation followed, with several websites even suggesting that OKB was considered “not macho enough” for the role. Okay then.
Taking to Facebook to announce his decision after being hounded by various journalists, the Balu Mahi star revealed all that everyone was wondering about.
“It all boiled down to a severe conflict in dates/schedules. Shoot for Parwaaz got delayed (we were supposed to begin shooting beginning then mid-December).. and the team at HUM knew mid-January onwards would be impossible for me to commit to,†the actor wrote.
Replaced by Ahad Raza Mir, the son of veteran director/producer Asif Raza Mir, Butt seemed to be glad to be replaced by another thespian. “I have the utmost faith in Ahad Raza Mir (who is now doing the role), a fellow thespian…I’m sure he will be utterly kick-ass in the film!†the actor commented.
We had our hearts set on seeing Butt try his hand at something other than soppy TV plays but until he does, we guess Balu Mahi will have to suffice.
