The American-Pakistani actress Saeeda Imtiaz does not believe in a godfather. Saeeda, whose first movie Kaptaan, based on the life of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, will hit the screens in Pakistan later this year, has come to India to try her luck in Bollywood.

The first time actress says she is not banking on any connections in Bollywood, rather she believes that she can make it with her luck. “I believe in luck and destiny when it comes to achieving my dreams. It has always worked for me. I may not have a godfather back in Pakistan or Bollywood, but I am prepared to put in hard work and I know my luck will take me ahead,” says the actress who is meeting directors in Mumbai.
Saeeda was visiting relatives in Pakistan when she landed the role of Jemima Khan in Kaptaan, directed by UK-based Pakistani filmmaker Faisal Aman Khan. “I remember I did not go to Pakistan with any preconceived plans. I was there purely for a personal visit, and common friends introduced me to Faisal, as they knew I was interested in acting. The first meeting was a causal one as I was not too serious about the project. It was at the second meeting that I took an interest in Kaptaan as Faisal gave me a hardbound script. I agreed to do the movie only after I was convinced and felt the role suited me,” says Saeeda.
The role offered to Saeeda was not a tough one for her; rather she quickly got into the skin of Jemima. “I easily drew the parallels between her (Jemima) and myself. We are similar in many ways. Both of us came to Pakistan from different countries and had to adapt to the new culture, city, country and lifestyle. I, too, was unfamiliar with Pakistan when I shifted there and thus connected to Jemima on that level,” says Saeeda, who was given six months to prepare for the role. “I had to dye my hair blonde, watched many interviews and videos of Jemima to learn about her and managed to do so,” says Saeeda.
The yet-to-be-released movie is already mired in controversy, as some radical group in Pakistan does not want this biopic to see the light of day. “Imran Khan himself is comfortable with the movie and was kept in the loop by the director. But there are certain people who don’t want it to be released and are sending death threats to the cast and crew. However, we are least bothered and soon will start promoting the film,” says Saeeda, who confesses that she is a great fan of Imran Khan and wishes to meet him soon.
Meanwhile, Saaeda is already on a roll. She has already acted in over 100 commercials in Pakistan and now wants to act in Bollywood movies. “It’s a gradual progression for me. I grew up watching Indian movies and always wanted to act in one. I have come to India to meet directors and set up a base. I want to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and I feel Black is his best work,” says she.
Saeeda is not afraid of being compared to other Pakistani starlets, especially Veena Malik. She knows they are two incomparable people. “Veena is what she is. There are many controversies around her but every person has his/her own identity and personality. I am not like her. I will try and avoid negative controversies around myself,” says Saeeda, who has a supportive family backing her. “My family totally supports me in my choice of career and understands that my job requires me to wear revealing clothes. That’s the biggest support,” she says.
Chances are, the new starlet on the block will soon land a role and make Pakistani talent famous in Bollywood. “I am hoping to,” concludes Saeeda.