I cast Asif Basra in 'Jab We Met' as I wanted an intelligent actor: Imtiaz Ali

Late Asif Basra played a small but impactful role in Imtiaz Ali's 2007 film, Jab We Met, starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor. The filmmaker recalls how Asif had the mind and skill of an actor who could perform even a small role with conviction. He played a station vendor in Ali's film.

The filmmaker told IANS, "For me, Asif is a special part of a special film. He was a fantastic actor. The news of his demise is very shocking and disturbing. He was a fine actor and very easy to work with. It (his death) is indeed a loss."

Imtiaz recalled the shooting days with Asif during the filming of Jab We Met. He shared, "I remember while making Jab We Met, I wanted an intelligent actor who could convey what I was trying to say and present. I wanted to show two qualities lechery and humour at the same time through that role. I wanted him to be threatening and funny at the same time. So, for the role, I wanted a special actor who had the mind and the skill to perform."

Ali went on to say, "I have known Asif through theatre in Mumbai. It is what had led me to him many years ago. We didn't work together after Jab We Met. I couldn't get around to work with him but I have seen his other films. He was an engaging actor. I will miss him in the movies."

Asif died by alleged suicide in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.