Saba Qamar is so painfully disciplined on set, she makes me look like a diva: Zahid Ahmed

There are several reasons why Ghabrana Nahi Hai (GNH) is special. The Saqib Khan directorial, slated for a huge Eidul Fitr release, is one of the four films that are all set to hit the theatres next week. GNH also marks the return of Saba Qamar to the big screen after her critically acclaimed Bollywood offering Hindi Medium in 2017. On top of that GNH also marks the debut of known TV names, Zahid Ahmed and Syed Jibran.

For Zahid, GNH isn't a project that just fell in his lap. For him, the film was a calculated and conscious move. "When it comes to films, I believe that beyond the usual parameters of choosing a project, which includes a good script, a good director, and a good cast, you need to play a little smart and make sure that you are giving yourself every chance that your film will even see the light of the day," the Ishq Zahe Naseeb star told The Express Tribune.

"There has to be a very solid production house and a very solid distributor behind it." Adding on, he shared, "In television, however, I have experimented a lot and taken a lot of risks. I have done projects without giving a second thought as to where they would air. But when it came to choosing a film, it was a very bankable choice. I am a very clever son of a gun!"

On the contrary, GNH did fall into Jibran’s lap – quite literally. The actor was sent the script of the movie by producer Hasan Zia. "He often sends me his scripts for a second opinion when it comes to his ventures; I have proofread all his films scripts. Hasan asked me how I liked the script. I told him I fell in love with it! He then asked me if I would be on board to work in the film and I said, 'naiki aur pooch pooch!' Of course, I'd do it. He knew I wanted to do this for some time and this just worked out."

For Saba, however, it was the good old reading session by the director that had her seal the deal. "The two hours Saqib was narrating the script to me, I was constantly laughing," the actor shared. "I kept thinking if I am having such a ball while listening to the script, imagine how much fun the audience would have when they watch it!"

Talking about her character in the film, the Baaghi star commented, "She's a TikToker. When Saqib was reading the script to me, one thing that stuck with me was how it had Zubi (Saba's character in the film) from its first scene to the last one. I wasn't a prop in the film. That was important for me. The men have their own hold on the characters they are playing. Family politics also come into play. We see Jibran playing a boy who is so helplessly in love with his cousin that she is the only person he wants to marry. We have a cop in the film - the kind that is quite common in our society, quite common in our perception of police officers."

Zahid chimed in, "Well, I wasn't too keen on playing a cop in my first film. It was not a part of my calculation. The equation I shared in the beginning, compensated for everything else - including my role. This was not a character which was uniquely demanding, starkly different from your norm."

He added, "Yes, I have never played a cop before so maybe that's still variation to some extent. This is how a corrupt cop is supposed to be. I have played him like a guy who has messed up morals due to a very authentic backstory. He then goes through an entire transition where he's able to portray some more shades apart from being just a sleazeball."

For Jibran, it was the role of a lifetime. "It's a big surprise for the audience. It is something I have never done before!" the actor commented. "It is in contrast with what I have portrayed in the dramas so far. This character is something that I have always dreamt of playing. You know, I started my career with comedy and then I forayed into serious roles and for years, I have stayed there."

Jibran reveals the weight of all the humour, the rib-tickling scenes in GNH fell on his shoulders. "I was probably one of the most hated guys in television - due to the roles I had taken on. Be it a rapist, an abuser - I have done it all. So, this film came as a breath of fresh air."

The dream cast

GNH also brought together the drama industry's beloved on-screen couple, Zahid and Saba back in a single frame. Talking about working with the Maat star, Zahid revealed he hasn't worked with a more professional star. "She is painfully disciplined in every medium. As a male lead, you sometimes want to have your female lead throw a tantrum here or there, show up late a few times - give you some margin of doing the same."

He then quipped, "Unfortunately, during this experience, I am being touted as the diva on set. Because there are times when I like to come to the set late and if I haven't slept well, I just want to sleep on set! I can't bank on her for any of these luxuries. I am thinking twice about working with her again."

Saba laughed it off. "You know, all my heroes have this complaint. One, that I am always on time. Two, I always have all my lines memorised. So, no diva tantrums at all. None whatsoever." Jibran added working with Saba and Zahid was his best experience so far.

"We've always been great friends," he said. Talking about the Cheekh star, Jibran added, "But I loved it. I never felt I was working with such an established star, who is way more senior than I am. Zahid and I are more or less on the same level but Saba, she's a joy to work with."

Collective releases - pros and cons

This year, post a two-year hiatus thanks to the pandemic, we will see several local films hitting the cinemas this Eidul Fitr. While Eid and December have been preferred slots to put a film for the show, actors believe collective releases are a choice that has eaten up the film business.

"Regardless of Covid messing up the schedule of film releases, a lot of projects have to compete for an Eid slot," Zahid commented. "I have no clue why Eid releases are a thing in this country if I am honest. Apparently, it is the way our forefathers have kept it! It's a sure-shot holiday for everyone and once they are done meeting relatives, people tend to go to cinemas and watch a movie. I have never done that but each to its own. The competition is there nonetheless. The only thing I do think Covid has messed up is the momentum we finally had when fans would come to cinemas and watch a film. That went to hell."

Jibran relayed, "We are waiting for this Eid. This Eid is crucial, a lot of other projects are coming out, which is not a good thing. But oh well, how can you make someone understand it. I am hoping each film runs its course so the producers have the means to make more projects." The audience, he agreed, will be spoilt for choices but that results in terrible numbers for the makers. "A filmmaker needs money to make more films. I am not in the favour of multiple releases on a single day."

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