Tweet: [ Shahan Zaidi describes himself as a nerd. His biggest obsession is Hellblazer Vertigo character named Constantine and he has thousands of fans on Facebook. ]
He is an illustrator, artist and the man behind Bloody Nasreen – a ruthless crime fighting vigilante who doesn’t give a damn about dunya walay or her dupatta. She’s fierce, sexy and soon she’ll be hitting the big screen. Zaidi began drawng when he was just 10-years-old and went on to appear in national newspapers and magazines. His illustrations are thematically (and literally) dark and detailed with an emphasis on human forms and faces.
His vision for Bloody Nasreen garenered captured online attention as the characted represented a frustrated vigilante attitude that many Pakistanis can relate to. The concept art, for Bloody Nasreen, started in 2011 and is now set to be adapted into a full length feature film which will hopefully be released in 2016.
Shahan Zaidi tells us about his love affair with Nasreen and what he sees in their future.
Tell us how you came up with Bloody Nasreen? Well I am a character designer; it’s something I do even in my leisure time. This one came out just like other characters I have created. Basically, I wanted to make a female character that’s totally desi and un-cool by Western standards but still has an attraction element in her. Desi girls are usually shy and timid, therefore, my plan was to make her relatable minus these characteristics. A petite, sexy desi girl beating up dangerous gangsters and terrorists is something we would all love to watch and must have fantasized about.
Your inspiration for Bloody Nasreen?
Nobody in particular. I guess it’s a fusion of an old school Pakistani girl and a bad ass hero.
What should all the comic fans out there expect from the film?
It won’t be animated. The film wil be a live action thriller. However, I will try to keep it artistically sound as I can.
How does the industry usually respond towards fictional characters? Our films/computer graphics/comic industry is still immature on many levels but we are progressing. With new cinemas opening up in the city and an audience which has become accustomed to the concept of going to the cinema, more serious individuals are taking interest in movie making and visual effects. The camera work is also improving and amateur artists/writers are taking interest in comics and graphic stories. The only element needed is direction and capital.
Do you think our audiences will get a hero like Bloody Nasreen?
Of course! There is no right time anyway to introduce new content. Tell you what, we really need to chill out! I think it’s high time that we made something intellectually or visually strong which is more entertaining and less depressing.
What is the best thing about working in the industry? What is the worst?
The best aspect of the Pakistani industry, in my viewpoint, is that it’s relatively small and there is not much competition. As far as the worst part is concerned, we don’t get to tackle challenging tasks much and consequently we don’t get a chance of progressing and growing big.
How do you feel when you see your fans being inspired by you?
It serves as a driving force for me and obviously makes me feel proud too.
Do you have plans of creating more such characters on which feature films can be made?
Inshallah! I already have a lot of characters and stories in my mind. There are other feature film projects in the pipeline as well. Just need to get my hands on financiers and producers now.
From the looks of it, Bloody Nasreen appears to be a tough nut to crack. If it’s going to be a real life action film, who do you think will be the most eligible heroine to play her role?
I can’t reveal anyone’s name here but, if truth be told, there are many women in the Pakistani industry who are willing to play this role. In fact, some from foreign countries like India, UK, Muscat and even Turkey are interested too. However, no one is finalized yet.
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