The event concluded with an impromptu performance of Dil Dancer by Atif. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI: The team behind 2014’s unexpected comedy hit Na Maloom Afraad is all set to return with a brand new project called Actor in Law, starring Fahad Mustafa, Mehwish Hayat and Bollywood veteran Om Puri in the lead roles. In this connection, the film’s cast and crew held a music launch at a local hotel in Karachi, to unveil the first track from the Actor in Law soundtrack.
The stage was set as a courtroom with Ahmed Ali Butt hosting a pseudo trial of the crew, with music director Shani Arshad playing the judge. Director Nabeel Qureshi and co-writer and producer Fizza Ali Meerza also joined the actors on stage but there was little point to the concept, except for relating it to the film’s theme which is about a lawyer who yearns to become an actor.
The success of Na Maloom Afraad surely propelled some new names to the top of the Pakistani film industry. But Actor in Law brings home our very own Atif Aslam, who also appeared on stage amid cheers from the crowd. The team spoke at length about Dil Dancer, a song which Atif has sung himself. “The song is very different from the usual stuff,” said Mehwish. “The title makes you think it’s an upbeat, fast-tempo disco song but it is very soft, sweet and casual.”
With Dil Dancer, Atif pays a tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. In fact, the ever-popular singer is seen busting out a step in the music video as well. As everyone wowed over this unseen side of the singer, Atif commented, “I am a huge Michael Jackson fan and I think we all are. And, of course, if he is mentioned in the song, the video needs a step or two.”
Nabeel revealed it had been decided early on that Atif would be voicing the track. He shared that the team was initially afraid Atif would not accept the offer if he did not like the melody. Atif, however, revealed that he met Fizza earlier, who mentioned that she had sent him a message to sing for Na Maloom Afraad as well. “I told her I had not received the message and I actually hadn’t. She then asked me if I would sing for Actor in Law and I agreed on the spot.” Lead actor Fahad sang praises for the former Jal crooner, saying, “It is truly an honor to have Atif Aslam sing for me.”
The entire soundtrack of the film is comprised of five songs, Dil Dancer, Actor in Law (title song and reprise version), Khudaya and Funkaraan. Apart from Atif and Shani, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Asrar Shah and Junaid Younus of Siege the band have also been roped in to sing the tracks.
The discussion soon moved from the songs, on to the film itself and Nabeel told the audience he had not written anything before Na Maloom Afraad. “Once I wrote that and received a great response, it gave me a lot more confidence,” he confessed.
Eventually, Javed Sheikh came up on stage to support the team he has worked with on Na Maloom Afraad. He called Actor in Law his “most important” film. “You must be wondering how, because I am not even in the film but it doesn’t matter. It is important because the team includes our friends and I am here to support them,” claimed the veteran actor.
“Na Maloom Afraad came out two years ago and it exceeded all of our expectations. With it, the team declared its arrival. Nabeel and Fizza said, ‘We are here!’”, Sheikh remarked, garnering applause from everyone in attendance. He closed by calling the combination of Fahad Mustafa, Mehwish Hayat and Atif Aslam a “lethal” one.
The event concluded with an impromptu performance of Dil Dancer by Atif, as fans went ecstatic for their favourite pop sensation. Numerous other celebrities and socialites like Sajal Ali and Aijaz Aslam were also present at the event.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 3rd, 2016.
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