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Reem Shaikh on playing Malala Yousafzai in Gul Makai: I hope I have done justice to her character

H.E. Amjad Khan’s directorial Gul Makai is a biopic on Malala Yousafzai which stars Reem Shaikh in the lead role. Reem Shaikh is known for her stint on the television and currently plays the lead role in TV serial Tujhse Hai Raabta.


When we recently met Reem we asked her if she met Malala to prepare for her role, to which Reem revealed, “I didn’t get to meet her. But I hope I have done justice to her character because I did a lot of research, read her interviews and her articles. So, I am just excited to know if she liked it. Even though Malala’s father told me that he really likes the film.”

When asked her if she knew about Malala before signing the film, Reem said, “I knew a little bit about her in brief, and not in detail. I know that she is the youngest Noble Peace Prize winner and she was shot in the head by the Talibans. But then I didn’t know who were Talibans and where was she from. So, when I got the project that’s when I started getting into details that what role her father played in her life and how important was he in her life.”

Malala's journey wasn’t an easy one, so when questioned if it was emotionally challenging for her to portray the character of Malala, the actress said, “It was difficult for me to somewhere relate to the character because I am from Bombay and over here things are not that difficult. Nobody can come and shoot in the head just like that. So, for me, it was difficult to relate, but it was not very emotionally challenging because I had read the script many times, and I was pretty clear what has to be done on the set. I was there with a clear mind, so I was never lost. So, it was not that difficult.”

Gul Makai is slated to release on 31st Jan 2020.

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British Asian filmmakers gain rare access to China’s entertainment industry at Third Shanghai London Screen Industry Forum

UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios

Instagram/ukchinafilm

British Asian filmmakers gain rare access to China’s entertainment industry at Third Shanghai London Screen Industry Forum

Highlights:

  • Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
  • Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
  • Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
  • Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
  • Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.

The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.

UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm

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