Three releases this month, Kashmiri actor comes of age in Bollywood

M Aamir Khan
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, March 6

After a 20-year career in acting and modelling, Kashmiri actor Mir Sarwar has finally come of age in Bollywood. Not only is he having three back-to-back film releases this month, he will also be seen as one of the leading villains in the much-talked about war flick ‘Kesari’ starring Akshay Kumar.

“It has been a long journey of two decades in modelling and acting. I am glad that I am getting due recognition now as three of my films are releasing this month — ‘Hamid’ on March 15 followed by ‘Kesari’ and ‘Notebook’ on March 21 and 29, respectively,” Sarwar told The Tribune from Jaipur where isshooting.

Though he had done roles in acclaimed Bollywood films like ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, ‘Phantom’, ‘Dishoom’ and ‘Jolly LLB-2’, Sarwar is particularly excited about ‘Kesari’. He has bagged a prominent role in a big-budget film for the first time.

“It is my first leading role in a mainstream Bollywood film. I am playing one of the main villains as a Pathan chief in ‘Kesari’. The film deals with the 1897 Battle of Saragarhi. It is the most important film of my career and I am glad to be a part of Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions,” he said.

Sarwar said he was hopeful that his success in Bollywood would encourage youth in Kashmir. “I was not born with a silver spoon and came from a simple family. Besides, I always promoted the Kashmir film industry. Our next (locally made) film ‘Father’ is ready to release this summer,” he added.

Sarwar said his upcoming Bollywood films included Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Panipat’.