Mysterious death of Pakistani actor leads to early film release

AHORE: 

Actor-model, Nisha Malik, 22, was found hanging from the ceiling fan at her Iqbal Town residence on Saturday night.

Following her mysterious demise, the team behind her debut film, Best of Luck, has decided to release the movie on Eidul Azha.

Investigation is still underway and no official statement has been released by the local police station regarding the alleged suicide case. The late model’s family members alerted authorities after they found her body, and haven’t been able to tell how or why the incident may have come to be. “We are yet to confirm the reason of Nisha’s death but based on investigations, the model had an argument with her family the day she died,” revealed a police official. “It is still too soon to say or predict anything in the matter but, hopefully in a few days, things will be a lot clearer.”

Having stepped into the limelight nearly five years ago, Nisha was an active part of Lahore’s modelling circuit. Principle filming of Best of Luck had been completed three months ago and there were no signs of the film’s release until the actor passed away. Since it’s a low budget project, the film will only be released in a few cinemas across Punjab and at the famous Metropole Cinema of Lahore.

Considering the budget, available cinema slots and timing of release, the fate of the Punjabi movie is predictable and one wonders whether the decision was made in an attempt to cash in on the tragedy surrounding its deceased lead actor. “We were planning to release the film on Eid anyway,” director A Hafeez told The Express Tribune, despite not having mentioned a release date previously. “We have just started the post-production and the film will be ready by Eid.”

Remembering his time while directing Nisha on sets, Hafeez said, “Nisha was a great actor and the female lead of this film. We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news of her death. At such a young age, she proved her worth as a talented performer, which is why we decided to give her a prominent part in Best of Luck. She could have easily enjoyed a bright career in the film industry, but unfortunately she is no more.”

The director is also planning to release the movie in Karachi and other major cities in honour of the late actor. Produced jointly by Zain Hafeez and Mian brothers, the film also stars Fahad Malik, Zara Malik, Ashi Khan, Raheela Agha and Khawar Khan in prominent roles.