Aquib Afzal, Pakistan born, London based actor, brother of Pakistani cricketer Usman Afzal, who is making his debut in Bollywood with Arif Sheikh's Let's Dance, is facing a tough time obtaining a visa to India. The Indian Embassy overseas has become strict with issuing Indian visas after the 26/11 crisis. Apparently, travellers are either being refused visas or are being asked to delay their travel to India.
A unit member of Let's Dance revealed, "The shooting of the film is complete but the dubbing remains incomplete. Though the lead stars, Ajay Chaudhary and Gayatri Patel have begun dubbing, Aquib Afzal's dubbing is yet to begin. In fact, Aquib's dubbing was to begin this week but with the non-issue of the visa, the entire film's schedule has been pushed by several weeks. Even the mixing and grading of the film for which the studio was booked will have to wait now. This delay has caused an approximate loss of Rs. 25-30 lakh. Arif wanted to release the film around January but it will now release only in February."
Debutant director Arif Sheikh confirmed that the Indian Embassy in the UK had delayed Aquib's visit to India. He said, "My schedules have been pushed by two weeks. But I guess they are just being particular about things now." When asked about the approximate loss, Sheikh said, "I would not like to comment on that!"
When asked why he couldn't hire a professional dubbing artist to dub for Aquib's character, the director replied, "The character that Aquib plays is that of an urban boy brought up abroad. The character speaks with an accent, which Aquib naturally has, owing to his upbringing in London. So I want him to dub for his part."
Aquib said, "I have been to India several times so I don't think I should have a problem in getting a visa now. It is only been delayed and the reasons are justifiable."