LONDON: Leading Pakistani actor Sajal Aly said that she has felt “honoured and privileged” to represent Pakistan on an international level through her international film debut ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’
The Pakistani diva was speaking to Geo News exclusively at the UK premiere of her film — made by Jemima Khan — at the Odeon Luxe cinema Leicester Square here.
Jemima, alongside the entire star cast of the film, including Sajal, Lily James, Emma Thompson, and director Shekhar Kapur, among others, graced the red carpet.
Probably for the first time ever, posters of Pakistani actor are all over London. Sajal, in her posters, beams from the billboards of ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’ which have been placed at numerous places, including in the London underground and across all cinemas.
Aly was the centre of the attention as she walked the red carpet, did media interviews, and mingled with guests.
The cast of ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’ poses at the UK premiere of the film. — Photograph by author
The cast of ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’ poses at the UK premiere of the film. — Photograph by author
“It’s a matter of honour for me to be in the film directed by Shekhar Kapur. Sharing a screen with Shabana Azmi is a dream come true. Whenever you are on such a platform, your country is with you and no doubt you are under pressure. I am privileged to be here and representing Pakistan,” she said.
Aly accepted that she has been scared and worried by the level of expectations attached to her but was overjoyed that she delivered.
She said: “I am scared of the expectations. The level is too high. Every time I do a project, I am always very careful and considerate because people expect a lot from me.”
The Pakistani star said it was a wonderful experience for her to work in Jemima’s film, adding that everyone associated with the film made her feel welcome and at home in London.
“I was nervous coming here but I have felt as if I belong here. Everybody has made me feel welcome here.”
Aly said that Jemima has “written a beautiful film” on the issue of arranged marriages. She added: “It’s for the first time that a colourful Pakistan has come out in this manner in the Western countries.”