Couldn't say no: Momal Sheikh, Mohib Mirza share why they did 'Razia,' open up on personal lives

In a recent episode of Express Entertainment's The Talk Talk Show, sitting across host Hassan Choudary, acclaimed Pakistani actors Momal Sheikh and Mohib Mirza delved into their experiences, providing intriguing insights into the entertainment industry, their acting choices, personal beliefs, even addressing social issues.

The discussion commenced with Momal and Mohib shedding light on the process of selecting roles. Momal shared her perspective on reading scripts, distinguishing between reading and being read to, highlighting an actor's responsibility to understand the essence of a role. She elaborated on her contemplation of portraying a mother's role in the series Razia, expressing initial hesitation due to the character's progression from a teenager's mother to a grandmother.

"When the script was narrated - people often don't narrate, we're just given the script to read at home - there is a difference," said Momal. Mohib interjected to add, "Actually, people have kept others to read for them. Read and let them know if it's worth doing." He added later, "It would be utterly shameful if you don't read the script."

Momal continued to highlight, "The way Mohsin sir narrated the story, I told him, 'There are three girls in this - the narrator, Razia, and the mother. I can't be Razia because she's very young. And I don't think you see me as the narrator. So you've called me as the mother, right?' The script was such that I questioned if it was the time to play the role of a mother. That, too, a teenager's mother who eventually becomes a grandmother. There's a journey."

The star said further, "I really liked the script. I'd spoken to Hina and Mohsin extensively about the same. Sometimes, you have to do roles for the script and the team. The script was such that as much as I didn't want to play a mother, I couldn't say no." Mohib affirmed that he faced a similar situation, saying it was a matter of "copy-paste" when it came to their stories.

Both actors acknowledged the importance of roles that challenge them, emphasising that transformation and versatility are integral to the craft of acting. Mohib reinforced this sentiment by stating that an actor's job is not merely to reflect oneself but to embody different characters and roles. "That's what the money is for," said Mohib. "Anywhere in the world, if an actor has brought himself to the role, what's the point? Even a star is putting on a facade."

Reflecting on the success of Razia, they credited the concise storytelling within the six-episode mini-series, which captured the audience's undivided attention. They lauded the script for its ability to maintain focus on the central character's journey, Razia, despite the presence of other characters. "Your drama serial has numerous branches, your mind is diverted...This was right at Razia. You couldn't divert your eyes," explained Momal. "And it's not like there weren't other characters. Despite those, it's still Razia's story...The trick was the script," added Mohib.

Furthermore, they praised the entire cast, including the young actors who skilfully essayed their respective roles. Praises for Mahira Khan were also abundant, who essayed the narrator in Razia. Additionally, they shed light on feedback from the industry, expressing hope that the series could be crafted into a short film for international film festivals, lauding the potential to showcase Pakistan's storytelling at a global level.

"I had hoped [Razia] would be cut as a short film and be sent to film festivals because the story is such that it would be a source of pride for Pakistan at an international level. I think that it's still possible," said Momal. Mohib agreed, leaving it up to the channel's technicalities to decide the fate of the mini-series. 

In addition to discussions on their professional lives, the actors candidly addressed personal questions raised by the audience. Momal humorously deflected her association with the Sheikh family, quipping that they were "fake Sheikhs," and empathised with common household issues, referencing the rising electricity prices. She conveyed hope for government intervention on the matter.

"We are not the Dubai Sheikhs," said Momal. "We're fake Sheikhs." She continued, "I do have those issues, just like you guys do. My husband has scolded me as well. So I have thought that I'll take my kids during the day to a friend's place to save the electricity bill." She said after a beat, "It is a serious issue. I hope the government does something."

Another fan questioned Mohib on his "late" announcement of marriage to Sanam Saeed when the matter had allegedly been in the news for some time. "What do you know about when I got married?" asked Mohib in return. After a while, he answered, "My wish." Momal joked, "He's waiting to go on Koffee with Karan and answer this question there."

A poignant moment arose when discussing Mohib's previous statement about the process of making a good husband. Questioned about Mohib's statement about how no one gets a good husband, the one you get must be thrashed into becoming a good one, Momal said: I don't agree with it...A lot of women have great husbands as well. And a lot of women don't. The duo balanced the conversation with a light-hearted approach, emphasising their differing perspectives. Mohib brushed it off as a mere joke.

Momal Sheikh's avoidance of controversies led to a brief discussion, with Mohib attributing it to her focus on family and life. Momal humorously pondered why she had never been embroiled in controversies, teasingly prompting a response from Mohib. "I'm a good girl who doesn't believe in controversies," said Momal. Mohib responded, "She's easygoing, focused on her life, busy with her kids focused on her husband and home, so where will the controversy come from?

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