Veteran actor Sakina Samo recently completed her directorial debut Waiting (Intezaar). The film – initially slated for a March release – was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Taking the leap into the direction for the first time ever, Sakina earlier announced that Waiting will be premiered at the Harlem International Film Festival in New York. Sharing the news on Twitter, she wrote, “Our Intezaar will have its world premiere at the Harlem International Film Festival in New York.” Written by the celebrated writer Bee Gul, the film is co-produced by Azeem Mughal and stars Samina Ahmed, Khalid Ahmad, Kaif Ghaznavi, Raza Ali Abid, and Adnan Jaffar.
The festival took place from September 10 to September 13. Khalid, who essays the lead role in Waiting, has now become the first Pakistani to receive a Harlem International Award for his performance in the film. He won the Best Actor award for Waiting. Taking to Twitter yet again, Sakina shared the delighted news with her followers. She wrote, “Khalid Ahmad sahab wins the Best Actor award for Waiting at the Harlem International Film Festival in New York. I am delighted for him. Congratulations Khalid Ahmed. It’s the first international award for a Pakistani actor. Correct me if I’m wrong.”
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Talking to The Express Tribune, Khalid said, “Whenever I get the script, I think about my character in every way possible way. I notice the character’s disposition; try to understand his backstory and most importantly – what the character wants. These are the basic mental exercises that one does and should do before playing any role,” He added, “So I work analytically, mentally and as that work proceeds at some stage, emotions also start playing a huge part.” Speaking about receiving the prestigious award, Khalid concluded, “I’m happy beyond words, especially since I haven’t received a single award in Pakistan yet. This is quite encouraging and heartening.”
