Veteran Pakistani director Sangeeta says she removed actress Naeema Butt from her upcoming film after alleged creative disagreements, sparking fresh debate across Pakistan’s entertainment industry and among fans.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS
Veteran Pakistani actress and filmmaker Sangeeta has made headlines after revealing why actress Naeema Butt was no longer part of her upcoming feature film Mukho, alleging the rising television star displayed “unnecessary tantrums” during the project’s early stages.
Speaking in an interview with Ambreen Fatima from the set of Mukho, Sangeeta said Naeema Butt was initially cast in the film but was later replaced after disagreements over creative decisions.
According to Sangeeta, the issue began when the actress allegedly started suggesting which actors should be cast opposite her, something the veteran director said she could not accept.
“It is true that I was initially working with Naeema Butt, but I am a director who can’t tolerate unnecessary tantrums from actresses,” Sangeeta said during the interview.
She added that she decided to end the collaboration, requested the return of the advance payment, and said the money was refunded without dispute.
Reflecting on her decades-long career, Sangeeta emphasized that experience should be respected in the entertainment industry.
“You are just a newcomer, while I have been in this field for 50 years. How can you be advising me?” she said.
The filmmaker also remarked that, despite considering the role a strong opportunity for Naeema Butt, she chose to recast it because she believed professional discipline should come before personal preferences.
Sangeeta further said that actors of her generation rarely displayed attitude or created difficulties on film sets, contrasting her own experiences with what she described as changing industry dynamics.
Naeema Butt rose to wider fame following her performance in the hit television drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum and has since become one of Pakistan’s most talked-about television actresses. She has not publicly responded to Sangeeta’s claims as of this publication.
Sangeeta remains one of Pakistan’s most respected names in film and television. She has starred in numerous acclaimed television dramas, including Kis Din Mera Viyah Howe Ga, Meri Behen Meri Dewarani, Bari Phupo and Quddusi Sahab Ki Bewa. As a filmmaker, she directed several successful Lollywood productions, including Society Girl, Nikah and Sona Chaandi.
She is currently directing the feature film Mukho, starring Saima, Moammar Rana, Meera and Layla, while also working on the television drama Bhulley Shah, featuring Saima, Shahid, Ayesha Fayyaz, Kamran Mujahid and Zaviyar Nauman.
The interview has sparked discussion on social media, with fans debating professionalism, creative freedom and the relationship between veteran filmmakers and a new generation of actors. As of now, Naeema Butt has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations.
