Acclaimed drama writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar has revealed that the powerful role played by Saima Noor in his hit drama Main Manto Nahin Hoon was initially written for veteran actress Saba Hameed.
In the drama, Saima portrays Surayya, a strong-willed woman who is the aunt of Sajal Aly’s character and the sister of Asif Raza Mir’s character. Interestingly, while Saba Hameed also appears in the drama in a significant role, she did not end up playing the character originally crafted for her. Instead, she was cast as Babur Ali’s wife and Azaan Sami Khan’s mother, also portrayed as a bold and commanding personality.
In a recent interview, Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar praised both actresses, highlighting their professionalism and talent. He revealed that it was director Nadeem Baig who suggested casting Saima Noor for Surayya’s role.
“I had not written the role of Surayya for Saima. It was Nadeem Baig who asked me to cast her. Since I’ve always admired Saima’s acting, I agreed. She not only accepted the role upon his request but also performed it brilliantly,” Qamar shared.
He further explained that his original vision was for Saba Hameed to play Sajal Aly’s aunt, noting their long-standing friendship and his admiration for her seasoned acting skills.
“I wanted Saba to play Surayya, but Saima has brought her own brilliance to the role, adding great energy to the drama,” he said.
Qamar also praised Saima Noor’s humility and simplicity, saying she is a “big-hearted artist with no arrogance.”
The drama intricately weaves themes of family conflict and generational feuds, with the characters of Saba Hameed and Saima Noor at the heart of the story.
It is worth mentioning that earlier, director Nadeem Baig had also disclosed that Saima initially declined the role, and it was only after he approached her husband, filmmaker Syed Noor, that she agreed to take part in the project.
