"I just wanted to act in a completely different drama.”
Faysal Quraishi has addressed the criticism surrounding his latest role in Raaja Rani.
The show, which pairs him with rising actress Hina Afridi, has stirred mixed reactions, particularly over the age gap.
Faysal plays Zaviyar, a man with the emotional maturity of a child, a role that contrasts with his previous performances.
Known for intense and serious characters like in Khaie, Faysal took a deliberate turn this time.
He revealed that after Khaie, he was flooded with similar, heavy scripts.
He said: “I was getting similar roles after the success of Khaie, but I didn’t want to do another serious role like that.”
Faysal added that Babar Javed offered him two scripts that echoed Khaie.
However, when Raaja Rani came along, he pushed to be part of it because it was different.
He admitted: “The script was still being written midway, and honestly, everyone had to suffer because of my desire to work in Raaja Rani.”
Faysal’s character in the show is portrayed as a man mentally regressed to the level of a child.
Faysal emphasised his desire to break free from typical roles.
He explained: “I just wanted to act in a completely different drama.”
While the show’s narrative is built around psychological and emotional development, fans have questioned the casting.
Viewers argued that Faysal feels miscast, with some suggesting the role would suit a younger actor.
The age gap between him and Hina Afridi, in particular, has become a focal point of public criticism.
Faysal Quraishi didn’t shy away from the topic:
“Hina is younger than me, I’m aware of that. I even mentioned that Hina wasn’t even born when I started acting.”
Despite the backlash, he stood by the creative team, saying:
“Amin Iqbal and Babar Javed aren’t crazy for casting me opposite Hina.
“There’s a reason behind this casting and how it’s executed.”
He revealed that Zaviyar is actually ten years younger than the character Hina portrays, and the age difference is acknowledged within the storyline.
Faysal also addressed concerns about the song sequence that sparked debate.
He said:
“People will appreciate the song once they see it in context.”
Directed by Amin Iqbal and written by Sana Zafar, Raaja Rani explores adult emotional immaturity and mental health challenges.
Produced by BJ Productions and Momina Duraid, the drama also features Arez Ahmed, Salma Zafar Asim, and Javed Sheikh.
Though divided in opinion, audiences continue to tune in, curious to see how this unconventional story unfolds.
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