LAHORE – Hamza Ali Abbasi has broken silence about his upcoming filmParwaaz Hai Junoon, which is a tribute to Pakistan Air Force personnel, whoserve the country round-the-clock and sacrifice their family lives to makethe borders secure.
About his PHJ experience, Hamza says, “This is the first Pakistani film onair force in five decades. This is the first-ever film on air force thathas a female fighter pilot in the lead role, played by Hania Amir.
We have become so self-critical that we have forgotten to celebrate what isgood about us. As the film is a tribute to the Pakistan Air Force, we gotto fly and train with PAF cadets and visit the places, which we usually seeonly on television. I am sure the film will make people realise that PAF isas important as Pakistan Navy or Pakistani Army. It is an effort to takePakistan to the world because unfortunately our introduction to the worldhas been through news channels and it is not good.”
“I am playing the role of a Squadron Leader,” Hamza says.
“We need everyone in Pakistan to understand the sacrifices the Pakistan AirForce has rendered in the war on terror. We are the only country after SriLanka that dealt with such a war successfully. This is an accomplishmentand we as a nation should be grateful for this,” says the Mann Mayal actor.
Referring to his job in the police department as a CSP officer, Hamza says,“Yes, I was doing job in the police department, but I resigned to pursue myacting passion.”
About his role in the latest flick, Hamza says, “I thought I would beplaying a normal person, but it wasn’t that easy because pilots have theirown culture. We had to learn their mannerism and behaviour. I must say PAFpeople are very interesting. I had to look like an air force guy;therefore, I lost weight to look fit.”
Answering a question about Pakistani film industry’s revival, Hamza says,“I think that revival has taken place. Our films are screening atinternational festivals and drawing appreciation from people around theworld.”
Commenting on Pakistan’s image abroad, Hamza says, “I believe in showingPakistan’s true image and it is beautiful. PHJ is an effort to takePakistan to the world through our silver screen. PHJ and a couple of otherfilms releasing this year are the first step in this direction and theworld will see us through our culture,” says the Jawani Phir Nahi Ani star.
Referring to his huge fan following on social media, Hamza says, “I feelthat fame is actually a blessing of Allah Almighty and I believe I will bequestioned about every blessing on the Day of Judgement. I have a sense ofresponsibility; therefore, I keep talking about things and sharingmessages, which are good for my country.”
About prospects of his entry into politics, Hamza says, “Right now I don’tfeel the need to enter politics. If I ever contested elections, an officefor myself will never be my aim.”
About his upcoming projects, Hamza says, “There is a drama serial titledAlif and it is very close to my heart. And then offcourse Maula Jatt 2 isgoing to hit the cinema screens soon.”