Qandeel Baloch’s Biopic In Making
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani internet sensation Qandeel Baloch who was murdered by her brother last year over “family honour” is getting a biopic which will air on Urdu1, titled “Baaghi”.
Pakistani actress Saba Qamar will play the role of Qandeel. Qamar told DAWN that “there are stories that need to be told and I want to help tell them,” adding that “Qandeel represented the double standards that exist in our society.”
The 25-year-old social media sensation was strangled to death by her 30-year-old brother, who claimed that she had brought dishonour to the family through her viral social media posts. Qandeel — who is often dubbed as Pakistan’s Kim Kardashian — heavily relied on homemade, provocative videos, a rare sight in the deeply conservative country.
A month before her murder, Qandeel caused a national controversy when she posted videos and pictures with Mufti Abdul Qawi, an Islamic cleric affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Qawi who had openly criticised Qandeel for her public persona was seen cosying up with Qandeel in a hotel room. Qandeel told the news that “she will continue to unveil this hypocrite face of religious clerics who are defaming our religion and country.”
Qandeel has complained about life threatening phone calls from Mufti Abdul Qawi over the controversy. Weeks before her murder, she had requested the interior ministry for getting personal security. However, she never received any response from the ministry.
The cast of Qandeel’s biopic includes Sarmad Khoosat, Ali Kazmi and Osman Khalid Butt, with Saba playing the lead.
