"Why can’t these productions cast original Pakistani actors"
The creators of hit Netflix show Squid Game have come under fire for casting an Indian actor in a Pakistani role.
Actor Ahmed Ali Butt has spoken out the character of Ali Abdul, who has been portrayed by Indian actor Anupam Tripathi.
Ali plays a factory worker from Pakistan who is fighting for his life and family in South Korea, where Squid Game is set.
However, while Anupam resides in South Korea and has starred in South Korean films and TV shows, he was actually born in New Delhi India.
Ahmed took to his Instagram Story to criticise the creators of the popular survival drama.
He wrote: “It’s so frustrating to see Pakistani characters in big TV series being played by Indian actors.
“Why can’t these productions cast original Pakistani actors for such roles?
“Same goes for films. If you’re making a film and it’s about a Pakistani city, why is it always cheated somewhere else?
“We really need to make new progressive film policies so international filmmakers can use actual location and talent from our country rather than cheap substitutes.”
Squid Game chronicles 456 people from various walks of life but are in financial ruin.
They are invited to play a series of traditional children’s games and all have the chance to win a huge cash prize but face fatal consequences throughout the way.
The show also highlights the widespread racism towards migrant workers in South Korea, with Anupam’s character often referred to as an “illegal alien” by the other players.
In the programme, Ali acknowledges that the odds are stacked against him, particularly because he is not as familiar with the games as those who grew up in South Korea.
However, the importance of his input is seen during the games.
Anupam has previously starred in minor productions in the country but previously said in regards to his latest role:
“I have played mostly migrant worker roles in movies and dramas… Ali was different in so many ways.”
“It was my first full-fledged character…
“The way he looked, the way he behaved, his background – so many questions were in my mind on how I was going to portray him.”
Squid Game has quickly gained a cult following and could possibly become the most viewed original series on the streaming platform.
However, Bridgerton currently holds this title followed by Money Heist and Stranger Things.
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