MUMBAI: Popular Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, who is making his debut in Bollywood with the remake of ‘Khoobsurat’, a cult comedy of the 80s, says his entry into Hindi films was not pre-planned and hence he was nervous facing the new world of cinema here.
“I did not have preconceived notions about Bollywood. (But) There was nervousness as I was to enter and be part of a different world of entertainment which I have not experienced,” Fawad said in an interview here. “It was not pre planned… to come to Bollywood and do a film. As an artist one should go wherever the work takes you. It’s a great opportunity for actors to showcase their talent,” he said.
The 32-year-old celebrity has given memorable performances in Pakistan TV shows like ‘Humsafar’ and ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’ among others. He made his film debut in 2007 with ‘Khuda Kay Liye’ which was the highest-grossing Pakistani film of 2007.
He then appeared in ‘Armaan’. Even though Fawad is new to Bollywood, thanks to his memorable performances in Pakistani shows and films, he is immensely popular in India. “I am grateful and thankful for all the love, warmth and appreciation that I am getting here,” he adds. The casting director of ‘Khoobsurat’ was quite impressed with the work Fawad had done back home in Pakistan and felt he was the perfect choice to step into the shoes of yesteryear actor Rakesh Roshan for the remake version.
Was nervous about Bollywood: Fawad
Was nervous about Bollywood: Fawad
WWII leader Churchill to be removed from UK banknotes
- The next series of banknotes due to be issued by the Bank of England will feature animals native to the UK
- The bank will gather views later this year about the specific wildlife the public would like to feature on the next set of banknotes
LONDON: World War II leader Winston Churchill is to be dropped from the UK £5 banknote in favor of a nature scene, sparking outrage from some lawmakers who said he should not be replaced by an otter or badger.
Novelist Jane Austen, artist J. M. W. Turner and mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing, are also due to be phased out on the £10, £20 and £50 banknotes respectively as part of a redesign.
The next series of banknotes due to be issued by the Bank of England will feature animals native to the UK, in a shift away from images of prominent Britons.
Possibilities, subject to a public consultation, include badgers and otters as well as frogs, hedgehogs, barn owls and newts. Plants and landscapes will complete the scenes depicted.
“For more than 50 years, the bank has proudly showcased many inspirational historical figures who have helped shape national thought, innovation, leadership and values on its banknotes,” the bank said.
“The change to wildlife imagery ... provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK,” it added.
The bank will gather views later this year about the specific wildlife the public would like to feature on the next set of banknotes.
Bank of England chief cashier Victoria Cleland said the key driver for a new series of banknotes was how to stay ahead of counterfeiters.
“Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes,” she added.
- ‘Shaped this nation’ -
The new banknotes will not appear for several years.
They will continue to feature a portrait of the monarch King Charles III on the other side. Banknotes with the late Queen Elizabeth II also remain in circulation.
Previous banknotes have pictured other national figures including novelist Charles Dickens, physicist and chemist Michael Faraday, composer Edward Elgar, nurse Florence Nightingale and architect Christopher Wren.
The most recent series — rolled out between 2016 and 2021 — was printed for the first time on polymer rather than paper.
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, was among lawmakers who criticized the new nature theme.
“Let’s celebrate our wonderful British wildlife, sure, but Winston Churchill helped save our country and the whole of Europe from fascism,” he wrote on X.
“He deserves better than being replaced by a badger,” he said.
Main opposition Conservative lawmaker Alex Burghart called the decision “outrageous.”
“He (Churchill) earned his place on our five pound note. He must not be replaced with an otter,” he said on X, adding the “great people who shaped this nation” should not be forgotten.
