The legendary bowler Shoaib Akhtar will no longer be portrayed by singer-turned-actor Umair Jaswal in the latter’s upcoming biopic, Rawalpindi Express.
The singer announced on social media that he had decided to leave the Shoaib Akhtar biopic project Rawalpindi Express due to artistic and personal concerns. He shall no longer be involved in any news or media coverage of this initiative and wishes the best of luck to everyone involved.
Due to creative and personal reasons I have decided to step away from the Shoaib Akhtar biopic project RAWALPINDI EXPRESS. I will no longer be associated with any media or news related to this project.
Wishing everyone involved all the best. pic.twitter.com/JT2ZwEQYPE— Umair Jaswal (@umairjaswal) January 4, 2023
Jaswal was reportedly cast as the former cricket player in the planned biopic in November. The fast bowler’s life, both personally and professionally, will be the subject of the project. Jaswal had already stated that he will have a major role in the movie. The film pays homage to the renowned cricketer Akhtar and has an engaging plot. Fans can expect to witness additional well-known stars from Pakistan’s entertainment sector in the movie in important roles. On November 16, 2023, the film is scheduled for release. Additionally, the aforementioned film was supposed to be Jaswal’s return to the big screen after a long six-year hiatus to concentrate on his music career.
In a statement, the Coke Studio star revealed that as an actor, this project is a dream come true. He considers it a great honor to play Shoaib Akhtar on screen. Many Pakistani youths find inspiration in their life. Akhtar is a global cricketing icon who is not just popular in Pakistan. Furthermore, he said that he fully understands that carrying this burden entails a great deal of responsibility. He is savoring every second of this adventure, and he will always remember the time they spent together getting ready for this part, which needed a whole new level of commitment and effort.
On his journey to becoming an international cricket star, he shared many tales and experiences of the ups and downs he had to endure in life. He hopes the audience enjoys this story and feels motivated. Faraz Qaiser, the director, responded when asked how he felt about Jaswal being given the part, “The film will stretch from 1975 to 2002 and demands physical transformation be depicted by an actor. Umair Jaswal is the best candidate for the position since he enjoys sports and fitness and has worked hard to improve his physique and level of fitness.
“He knows the seriousness of the role and the effort required to bring in the persona of famous cricketer Shoaib Akhtar live on film,” Qaiser continued. “His passion is unmatched.” Umair is quite knowledgeable about bowling techniques. Umair Jaswal’s addition makes me very happy, and we are eager to begin filming in Pakistan, Dubai, New Zealand, and Australia in December 2022. Jaswal’s departure from the project is still a mystery to Qaiser. It is anticipated that Rawalpindi Express would encapsulate the enthusiasm, purpose, activism, and optimism that surround sports. The movie is supposed to establish a standard and unite audiences via the influence athletics has had on culture and its unmatched capacity to cross boundaries. The movie is a tale about relationships, the complexity that comes with them, and the enduring force of the human spirit. It’s a tale of self-sacrifice and triumph over one’s fears and demons. The story is most notable for being one of unwavering love—for family, for a country, and the game of cricket. A brilliant team has come together to tell this tale because it must be told.
