KASHIF SIDDIQUI IN ‘021’ — this spy thriller film might have bombed at the box office, but Shaan Shahid’s character of Kashif Siddiqui stayed with us for a long time. Shaan played the role of a Pakistani spy who wants to save his country from corporate warfare. Suited, booted and coming across as a suave officer, Shaan essayed his role with grace and aplomb. It was the first spy action thriller film from Pakistan and was directed by Jami.
ALI IN ‘ARTH — THE DESTINATION’ — the eagerly-anticipated romantic drama film, which was released last year, saw Shaan in a leading role, playing the character of Ali who is a struggling singer. The film was met with lukewarm response at the box office, however it was Shaan’s acting that stole the show for many. Not only did he look great, but the actor got the opportunity to display his amazing acting chops. The film was directed and written by Shaan himself.
RULIA IN ‘ISHQ KHUDA’ — this was a romantic Punjabi film, directed by Shahzad Rafique, in which Shaan played the role of Rulia who is a local hood. He falls for a beautiful village girl who does not reciprocate his feelings. The film was released in 2013 and although it bombed at the box office, Shaan’s acting was deeply admired. With a natural inclination towards essaying the role of a village goon, the actor was totally in his element, right from the getup to his screen presence. Truly, a remarkable characterisation of a jilted village goon.
MUJTABA RIZVI IN ‘WAAR’ — Shaan played the role of a retired Army officer in this 2013 film, which was directed by Bilal Lashari. ‘Waar’ was a much hyped film, ever since it was announced to its pre and post production and became the biggest grossing film of Pakistan. The story centred on Shaan in a never-seen-before avatar of a serious military officer who is carrying deep baggage. Shaan was lauded for his acting, appearance and ability to connect with the audience, not forgetting his measured action sequences.
MANSOOR IN ‘KHUDA KE LIYE’ — this drama film has to be Shaan’s best project to date. He played the role of Mansoor, who is a singer and goes to the US to pursue his career. He eventually finds himself in the middle of a 9/11 controversy where Muslims are looked at with doubt and fear. Shaan’s powerful portrayal of this character spoke volumes of the actor’s talent and abilities. It was directed by Shoaib Mansoor and was released in 2007.
Published in Daily Times, April 27th 2018.