During a quick chat with Mahesh Bhatt at the premiere of Jashnn, regarding Humayun Saeed’s role in the film this is what he had to say:

Q. What did you think of Humayun Saeed’s performance in the film?

A. I felt he brought something to the film that no other actor could have. His role is a negative one, but he has to climax to a transformation, so he had to be inherently good for that to happen.

Humayun has class, dignity and grace, and looked the character of Aman Bajaj that he played. He has been thoroughly professional and obedient to the point of being mute on the set. In fact, he is completely the opposite of Meera — the two are poles apart!

Humayun is very much aware he has limitations that he has to transcend; very few people have this awareness.

Everyone has a dark side to their personality, and it is important to confront that darkness within in order to mature as a person. He was a bit uncomfortable in the beginning of the filming, but later he came into his own.

Q. Why do you think Jashnn bombed at the box office?

A. There were a few simultaneous big releases, so this film was overshadowed by them. Also, with budget cuts, we were not able to advertise as heavily as we should have. But, the film has received critical acclaim.

Q. What was the reason for selecting Humayun for the role? Surely India has a lot of actors who could have done equal justice to the part.

A. I wanted someone new from the Indian standpoint for the part — with no shadow of a past. — Shanaz Ramzi

Courtesy: Dawn Images