“Qandeel Baloch was a troubled individual.”

Ali Kazmi, who plays a pivotal role in the upcoming Qandeel Baloch biopic alongside
Saba Qamar, shares his views on the controversial subject.

News of a TV biopic on the controversial life and death of Qandeel Baloch has been greeted by multitudes of opinions.  While there are those who have supported the idea behind the upcoming project, appreciating the fact that it will highlight the issue of honour killing that plagues this part of the world, cynics and critics have opposed it, much like they opposed, belittled and ridiculed Baloch when she was alive.

We, however, are intrigued. Titled Baaghi, the biopic will feature Saba Qamar in the titular role while Ali Kazmi and Sarmad Sultan Khoosat have also been cast in pivotal roles. Instep caught up with Ali Kazmi, who is set to play a character that will strongly influence the Baloch, to find out his views on the importance of such projects.

Ali Kazmi and Saba Qamar on the sets of Baaghi.

 “We have no right to be a judge, jury or executioner for anyone,” Kazmi told Instep. “Qandeel Baloch was a troubled individual who made some very questionable choices and videos but she did not deserve to die like the many other women that have been killed under the guise of ‘honor killing’. It is a dishonorable choice of an archaic custom and in no way it is part of our religious beliefs or our culture/traditions. In the cyber world we live in today, it’s quite easy and we are all quick to judge people by their photos or their videos and create a profile in our heads. But the truth is we truly don’t know their story or what they have been through to get where they are at that point in life.”

The actor also emphasized on the importance of talking openly about tough issues like honour killing through TV, film or any form of art to spread awareness.

“I am proud to be a part of Baaghi,” Kazmi shared. “It addresses issues like literacy, women’s rights, honor killing, multiple marriages and abuse. Like our lives have many different aspects that define it, Baaghi will take you up, down and round like a roller coaster. The play isn’t one dimensional. I hope it turns out to be a meaningful piece with the right amount of drama and a message that people will be able to hold onto in their hearts and minds,” he concluded.

Directed by Farooq Rind, the project is currently under production and should air later this year.