Dananeer Mobeen to star in sports thriller 'Behnaz' besides Ayesha Omer
Celebrated Pakistani actress Dananeer Mobeen is all set to make her entry in the Pakistani cinema industry with her big-screen debut film 'Behnaz'.
After getting a lot of fame through her acting talent in many drama serials, Dananeer is currently working on her first film alongside Ayesha Omer, who is playing the role of a football coach.
According to the local media reports on social media, 'Behnaz' is a sports-based film set in Lyari, a Karachi neighbourhood known for its football talent and rich culture.
The film is being directed by Abu Aleeha, who is known for projects like Kukri, Super Punjabi, and Taxali Gate.
Dananeer rose to fame through her viral “Pawri Ho Rahi Hai” video, after which she got offers from TV advertisements and serials.
Her transition from social media to TV and now to film highlights her rising career in the entertainment industry.
Recently, she got immense love from her drama serial 'Meem Se Mohabbat' starring alongside Ahad Raza Mir.
Her notable dramas are Sinf-e-Aahan and Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri, and others.
The casting choice has triggered online backlash, especially around issues of representation and colourism.
A Twitteratti wrote, “Log isse hot take samjhein ge, but casting Dananeer in a film on football in Lyari probably based on or inspired by stories of Baloch footballers, especially Afro-Baloch communities, is not it. She’s the big new star but this also reeks of colorism and co-opting stories.”
She added: “Lyari has such a huge arts community specifically into filmmaking and music that they can easily cast local people in their own stories. This interest in the arts was driven by young people coping with the amount of violence that took place there.”
She also pointed out: “People in Lyari don’t look like her. Their identity as ‘Little Brazil’ historically comes from people watching Brazilian players like Pelé and relating to them, joking that they look the same.”
Another user responded in agreement: “Hot take nahi hai, you’re absolutely right & it’s extremely weird that they didn’t cast a local.”
“It’s getting boring to see the same actors again and again, something new should happen,” commented another user.