Sajal Aly's exit from Fatima Jinnah web series: What really went down

The 'Kuch Ankahi' star essayed Madar-e-Millat during the 1940s in the show

KARACHI:

A little over a year ago, filmmaker Danial K Afzal announced his ambitious project about the mother of the nation, Fatima Jinnah. The cast he managed to rope in for the web series included Sajal Aly, Samiya Mumtaz and Sundas Farhan embodying the renowned political leader in the film's publicity material. The makers went on to release a 14-minute prologue as well, with Sajal taking centre stage.

However, once on screen, the aur.digital venture impressed some and irked others. Many touted the Kuch Ankahi star to be a 'misfit' in the iconic role in Fatima Jinnah: Sister | Revolutionist | Stateswoman. However, according to the director of the series, there was no doubt about Sajal's acting prowess and how easily she manifested the pain and anguish of the partition onscreen. So imagine the surprise when news regarding Sajal 'withdrawing' from the much-awaited project made rounds.

The director confirmed that Sajal has, indeed, been replaced but had reservations about the news of her exiting his show. "I don't think 'withdrew' is the right term," Daniel told The Express Tribune. "It was a matter of disassociation. It first happened from her end and later ours as well."

He continued, "The reaction we received from the people of Pakistan after the prologue release was rather huge. The producers and I wanted to adhere to people's sentiments as well. When you are essaying such an iconic character, you have to prepare with method a lot. There's a lot of preparation required." Danial, while singing praises of the Yakeen Ka Safar star, added, "Now, Sajal is one of the biggest stars in the country. Sometimes, however, the method gets lost in the preparation."

Sajal's manager, Maria Mahesar, confirmed that she has left the show. "Yes, Sajal has exited the Fatima Jinnah show," she asserted. "We wish Danial and the show the best of luck henceforth."

Danial then confirmed that the makers have already found a replacement. "After we did part ways, we just wanted to move on and get on with the show," he continued. "We've already found the actor who will essay Fatima Jinnah instead of Sajal. We will be able to give a statement soon. We just have to sign the contract and we would be good to go!"

The hold up

The makers of Fatima Jinnah: Sister | Revolutionist | Stateswoman have now announced that 'something important' is all set to release this Independence Day - and it is a hauntingly beautiful OST, that would reveal the star cast of the show. That's great but when is the actual show being released? "I wouldn't say there's been a delay." The shooting of the show, he said, has almost completed.

Fatima Jinnah: Sister | Revolutionist | Stateswoman comprises three seasons. Each season has two volumes and each volume consists of ten episodes. He went on to comment, "The series is one of the most expensive ones made in Pakistan to date. It's a big-budgeted venture. We've shot it so beautifully. The quality of the work is impeccable."

Danial then explained how working on period projects is different from working on a regular show. "See, when you're dealing with the shows highlighting important historical narratives, you have to rebuild the entire past. And it takes time," the director remarked. "But that doesn't mean we will take seven, eight years to release the show. We'll release it very soon; I just don't have a definite date yet. We're either thinking to release it on Fatima Jinnah's birthday or the next Independence Day. The release date has to be of significance to Pakistan. We'll have to see."

The stellar cast

The web series, which has been solely shot in Lahore and Islamabad will not just see Fatima Jinnah but many other historical figures as well. Danial revealed that the viewers will get to see Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Iqbal, Liaquat Ali Khan, Ruttie Jinnah and Rana Liaquat Hussain among others. Usman Mukhtar is all set to essay Allama Iqbal while Sarmad Khoosat will play Mahatma Gandhi. The show also stars Amna Ilyas, Kubra Khan, Saad Qureshi and Ehteshamudin in key roles.

Fatima Jinnah: Sister | Revolutionist | Stateswoman will also bring together sweethearts Samina Ahmed and Manzer Sehbai together onscreen for the first time while popular television host Anoushey Ashraf will also make her acting debut. The OST, which will release on Monday, has been composed by the composition team of the Oscar-winning film Dune, which starred Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.

Danial concluded by saying that the series is not just based on her political career but also shows Fatima Jinnah's personal life and the struggles she faced. An aspect one should keep an eye out for was her rift with Quaid-e-Azam's wife, Ruttie Jinnah. "We have also shown the human side of Fatima Jinnah," he said. "As much as the show calls attention to her politics, it features her personal battles as well."

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