Wasim Akram, former Pakistan National Cricket team captain and the greatest fast bowler of all time, makes his acting debut opposite wife Shaniera in the Pakistani film, Money Back Guarantee starring Fawad Khan, which opened in theatres on April 21.
The film, directed by Faisal Qureshi, also marks the acting debut of the Sultan of Swing’s wife, philanthropist Shaniera Akram. In an interview with Outlook, Akram talks about doing his first film at the age of 56, working with Fawad Khan and Bollywood.
Excerpts from the conversation:
Q. Why do you think this was the right project for you to get into acting?
I think it was and the credit goes to Faisal the director who is also a friend of mine. He called me and he said that I have got a special role for you and me, not being a professional actor, it’s a difficult job. Then he explained to me what I have to do, and what my character is and I said sure I will give it a go. And I enjoyed it, I enjoyed every bit of it working with Faisal, Fawad, my wife, and all the actors as everybody worked hard. For me, it was a big day out and fun every day with all the actors I knew.
Q. Would you like to take us through your first day of the shoot and what were the challenges you had to face since this was your first time acting?
I have been doing tv commercials for a long time so I knew the system but obviously, the movie is different. Bigger sets, mega actors, and then you have to wait longer for your shot to get ready. The tough thing was in the commercial you had to do one line and you can repeat it 20 times and when the director says it's done that means it's done but in acting with so many actors around, you have to remember the lines and act on it. And of course all those actors, they are professional actors but they made me and Shaneira very comfortable. There were no challenges and the only challenge I had was to remember my lines so once I was on my own, I got used to it.
Q. You started playing cricket at a very young age but your acting journey is starting at 56, how long do you want to play this inning?
I am 56 but the idea was to see how it goes and try and try to have fun. I love movies and I love watching movies in the cinemas and on Netflixes, Prime TV Apple TV. I have grown up on Bollywood movies and watching Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and all these guys when I was young so yeah it wasn’t that I wanted to start my career as an actor but it was just to see how it goes, and like I said I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Q. Finally, your take on the Pakistani entertainment industry especially after Joyland's shortlisting for the Academy Awards?
Yes, congratulations for 'Joyland'. I haven’t seen it but I would love to see it once I am back. I think the entertainment industry is on the rise. We recently saw how 'The Legend Of Maula Jatt did amazingly well and a lot more actors are coming. A lot of financing is also coming to Pakistani movies. We always had great actors either it's male or female and it shows now that the Pakistani film industry is on the rise. I am proud of all the people who are making sure that the talent of Pakistan shines in the world.
