Three biggies for the big screen: Cast of ‘Teri Meri Kahaniyaan’ talk about much-anticipated film
The upcoming Eidul Azha release is an anthology of three stories, helmed by some of the biggest names in the game
KARACHI:
After a wait of two sweaty hours on a humid June evening, the creme de la creme of the Pakistani entertainment industry descended on the red carpet at a posh Karachi hotel.
As the scores of onlookers settled, I spotted Marina Khan's silver locks before scanning the poolside for her counterparts, Nadeem Baig and Nabeel Qureshi. The party was finally in motion. The elaborate cast of the Eidul Azha release, Teri Meri Kahaniyaan, was set to appear together for the first time to unveil the trailer of their upcoming project.
The first of its kind, Teri Meri Kahaniyaan, is an anthology of three stories, helmed by some of the biggest names in the game. The trailer was unveiled with Vasay Chaudhry taking over for the night with his aptly-timed jabs and needless to say it concluded to a thunderous applause.
Jin Mahal
The Load Shedding filmmaker's Jin Mahal stars popular couple Hira Mani and Salman Saqib (Mani) together for the first time onscreen. It was Nabeel's idea of a horror comedy that was picked up by See Prime and then Nadeem joined in, who eventually roped in veteran star, Marina, to combine forces.
Post press conference, Mani, who also had an exciting Eidul Fitr release this year, told The Express Tribune that he is more excited for his better half, who is all set to make her big screen debut. "Since Hira is such a good actress, I knew I had to match her standard," the Money Back Guarantee actor shared. "So, naturally, there was a lot of pressure."
For Hira, working in Teri Meri Kahaniyaan is a calculated move. "Our industry is predominantly a drama industry, so working in a film was certainly a different experience," Hira shared. Lauding her director, the Kashf star said, "It's one thing to have made a name for yourself; to have the work speak for your name is an entirely different arena altogether. Nabeel is so polished; his work has improved tremendously. It was an honour if anything."
Jin Mahal revolves around a family's encounter with the supernatural presence in their residence. For her first cinematic outing, Hira will be seen in a rather de-glammed persona that almost made her walk out of the film. "I was a little unsure about how I looked onscreen. I was not used to it. For me, the heroine was always dressed to the nines, her hair impeccably styled," she said. "But I figured someone has to take up a role like this. I'm proud that I'd be the first one!"
The real-life couple also shared that Jin Mahal came with its own set of horrors. It was during this film that the cast was attacked by miscreants. "I'd never forget that," the Do Bol actor shared. "I've never felt more terrified."
Pasoori
Marina's Pasoori seemed aptly titled. While this might be the first time we would see Sheheryar and Ramsha starring in a romantic comedy, the duo passed several projects to work on. The Tanhaiyaan star finally convinced the actors to join the anthology, and Nadeem convinced Marina to direct the film. "I need another week to recover," laughed the Aulaad star. "I have directed dramas, but this was a separate idea altogether. Whenever my DOP would give me a bigger frame, I'd get flustered. It was such a learning experience."
For Ramsha, Pasoori would be the second feature film she'd star in; the first being her 2017 debut, Thora Jee Le. "I'm nervous, jittery, excited and happy!" the Ishqiya actor commented. "It's overwhelming how huge this project is. The actors, directors and everyone onboard - to be associated with these names is an astounding experience."
This is when Sheheryar joined us as Ramsha continued, "Working with Sheheryar has been a breeze. He's so informed, so articulate when it comes to working in a film. I've already asked if I can be an Assistant Director in his next film! He has a brilliant vision." The duo further shared that the chance to work in a rom-com and shake a leg at the possible dance number of the season simultaneously was just too good to pass.
"We shot that song in one day!" the Parey Hutt Love star recalled. The actor, whose dance numbers very well propel into the wedding anthems for years to come, added, "For the likes of Shakar Wandan, Haaye Dil and Balma Bhagora, we had the luxury of time. These tracks were shot in several days; we nailed this one in a single day! But what great fun was this." While speaking about Marina, Sheheryar shared, "When I was in business school, I'd come and watch her work. She's such a big name; it was my dream come true."
Aik Sau Taeeswan
Wahaj, who has been dominating television with his portrayal as Murtasim on the hit show, Tere Bin, has been readying himself for his first big screen project. With Nadeem at the steering wheel and Mehwish right by his side, the duo comes together with Wahaj for a romantic tale of Aik Sau Taeeswan. However, Wahaj's pairing with Mehwish is certainly refreshing, even for the diva. "Humayun gave us his blessings," she laughed. "To work with Wahaj was riveting. We're both working together for the first time, but the ease between the two of us just made the shoot so much easier."
The Jo Bichar Gaye actor shared, "For now, I can just say I am scared. I've heard there's a certain charm regarding the big screen; I'd be more suited to answer once we see how the film has been received. We've all worked hard on this project; I hope that reflects well." But there was an added pressure on Wahaj: this was his first project with celebrated writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar. "I don't really work on my characters before I step onto the sets, but for this one, I had started prepping weeks before our first day of the shoot. And when Khalil Sahab came in, he said, 'Betay, forget whatever you have learned for this role. We don't do that here.'"
Besides the pairing, there's another first that Nadeem revealed to us; this was the first time Mehwish also wore a saree. "We spent so much time trying to find the right saree for her," the London Nahi Jaunga filmmaker laughed. While speaking about his cast, Nadeem shared that his reason for casting Wahaj in the film was simple: the actor just ticked every box the filmmaker was looking for in his hero. "When I saw them onscreen, I was glad to see that it's working," he said. "The film is old school, and I think it's nostalgic. It's simple. It's pure."
Nadeem concluded with how Teri Meri Kahaniyaan was green-lit. "You have to give credit where it's due; there aren't many people willing to invest in a film of this merit. We're just here to support this and keep the ball rolling."
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