Junaid Khan Opens up about his Experience and Relation with Sanam Saeed, A Shocking On-Screen Moment

In a candid conversation on Ahmad Ali Butt’s podcast, actor and musician Junaid Khan opened up about a pivotal and deeply regrettable moment in his acting career.

This scene has lingered in his memory for all the wrong reasons. This moment took place during the filming of the drama serial “Mata-e-Jaan” in 2012, directed by the acclaimed Mehreen Jabbar.

What was supposed to be a routine shoot turned into a profound lesson in the complex dynamics of performance, professionalism, and personal boundaries.

The Build-Up to the Incident

Junaid Khan, who had by then established himself as a talented singer and actor, was cast in “Mata-e-Jaan,” a drama that explored intense emotional narratives.

The scene in question required Khan’s character to slap his co-star, the talented actress Sanam Saeed. Slapping scenes, while not uncommon in dramas, often present challenges for actors, particularly in achieving a balance between realism and safety.

For Khan, this scene was especially daunting.

As Khan recounted on the podcast, the directive to deliver a real slap came not just from the director but also from Sanam Saeed herself.

Mehreen Jabbar, known for her commitment to authentic storytelling, believed that a real slap was necessary to capture the raw emotion and intensity required for the scene. Initially hesitant, Khan expressed his discomfort with the idea.

However, both Jabbar and Saeed insisted that a genuine slap would elevate the scene, adding a layer of realism that could not be faked.

The Reluctant Act

Despite his misgivings, Khan agreed to go ahead with the real slap, albeit reluctantly. In the first take, he delivered a slow, restrained slap, hoping it would suffice.

However, Jabbar was not satisfied, feeling that the impact was not convincing enough for the camera. This led to another take, where Khan was encouraged to slap harder.

The second attempt was more forceful, and as Khan described, it was clear that Sanam Saeed felt the impact.

This moment left a lasting mark on Khan. Although the scene may have served its purpose in the narrative of “Mata-e-Jaan,” the actor was immediately filled with regret.

The act of slapping a co-star, even under professional circumstances, conflicted with his values. After the scene, Khan promptly apologized to Saeed, expressing his remorse for causing her pain, even though it was done in the line of duty.

A Lesson Learned

He acknowledged that while he was following the director’s instructions and trying to meet the expectations of the scene, the experience taught him an invaluable lesson about the limits of realism in acting.

He vowed never to perform such a scene again, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment on set, regardless of the demands of the script.

Khan’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical dilemmas actors often face in their profession.

It highlights the importance of clear communication, mutual respect, and the need to prioritize the well-being of all involved, even when striving for artistic authenticity.

The incident also sheds light on the pressures actors face, where the lines between fiction and reality can sometimes blur, leading to difficult decisions.

A Career Beyond Controversy

Despite this incident, Junaid Khan’s career continued to flourish. Before entering the world of acting, Khan had already made a name for himself as the lead vocalist of the rock band “Call.”

Their debut album “Jilawatan” in 2005 marked the beginning of a successful music career, followed by their second album “Dhoom” in 2011. Transitioning into acting, Khan proved his versatility, starring in popular dramas such as “Sun Yaara,” “Hania,” “Mumkin,” “Kasak,” and “Berukhi.”

Khan’s diverse career reflects his ability to navigate different creative domains while learning and growing from each experience.

His reflection on the slapping incident shows a mature understanding of the responsibilities that come with being in the public eye and the importance of upholding ethical standards in all aspects of his work.

As he continues to evolve as an artist, Junaid Khan’s experiences both positive and challenging will undoubtedly contribute to his growth.

His candidness in discussing this incident also provides a valuable lesson for other actors and filmmakers about the importance of balancing artistic integrity with compassion and respect for fellow artists.