Umera Ahmed's latest novel 'Alif' to release this month

It is also being adapted into a drama which stars Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sajal Aly and Kubra Khan in lead roles

KARACHI: Pakistani author and screenwriter Umera Ahmed is all set to release her latest literary work of art Alif nationwide on April 25, stated a press release.

Alif is a novel set partially in Turkey, while the other half is in Pakistan, and talks about a conscientious film-maker Momin, who struggles perpetually with his spirituality versus the intricacies of his glamourous world.

There is some love interest involved and a whirlwind of emotions surrounding family values, Sufism and a love for dervishes. Following her brilliant success as a writer for her best-selling novel Pir-e-Kamil in 2004, Ahmed has made a name for herself in Pakistani households.

Many of her written works have been produced into drama serials, like the famous Zindagi Gulzar Hai.

Hailing from Sialkot, she has received various awards for her literary masterpieces, including the award for the Best Writer in the Lux Style Awards for Meri Zaat Zara-e-Benishan.

Alif is also being adapted into a drama which stars Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sajal Aly and Kubra Khan in the lead roles.

The serial will mark Ahmed’s return to TV after four long years, during which she wrote the screenplay for Baaghi, the Saba Qamar-starrer based on the life of the late Qandeel Baloch.

Alif will be directed by Haseeb Hassan who has successful dramas such as Mann Mayal and Diyaar e Dil under his belt, as well as Pakistani Air Force film Parwaaz Hai Junoon. 

Also returning from the Mann Mayal team will be composer Shuja Haider, who has developed the soundtrack for Alif.

Samina Humayun Saeed, who is spearheading the project, told The Express Tribune she is glad to be working on a project with Ahmed. “I am very happy to be producing a play written by Umera Ahmed as I have always loved her writing and wanted to do a project with her,” she said.

“I’m very happy that I’m working on exactly the kind of project I wanted, now that we are collaborating with her. There’s no compromise on quality and the entire cast is the cream of the crop.”

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