Veteran Pakistani actress and director Sangeeta has opened up about why she removed actress Naeema Butt from her upcoming Punjabi film Mukho. In a recent interview, Sangeeta said Naeema was originally chosen for an important role but was later dropped due to her attitude and interference in casting decisions.
Sangeeta explained that problems began when Naeema started suggesting which male actors should be cast opposite her. She said she does not accept unnecessary demands from actors, adding that casting choices are the director’s job, not the actor’s. “I’m a director who doesn’t tolerate unnecessary tantrums from actors,” she said.
After the disagreement, Sangeeta said she calmly withdrew the offer, apologised, and asked for the advance payment to be returned, which Naeema did.
While praising Naeema’s talent and her growing success in television dramas, Sangeeta pointed out that the actress is still fairly new to the film industry. She said, with almost 50 years of experience herself, she could not accept guidance from someone just starting. She also noted that actors from her generation never showed this kind of behaviour on set.
Mukho is a Punjab Government-backed film currently being directed by Sangeeta. The cast includes Saima Noor, Moammar Rana, Meera, Hassan Murad, and Fajar, many of whom will appear in new and different roles. Sangeeta shared that the film was shot quickly through long day-and-night schedules and said she hopes it helps bring audiences back to cinemas. Mukho is set to release in theatres on December 25, 2026.
