Speaking with FUCHSIA magazine exclusively, Mehreen Jabbar, the renowned Pakistani film and television director, talks about working with Umera Ahmed and shared her thoughts on the up-coming web-series that will soon be aired on a digital platform – ZEE5
Written by Umera Ahmed and directed by Mehreen Jabbar, the web series is titled ‘Aik Jhooti Love Story’. “It’s a social comedy of sorts” shared Mehreen.
A project that boasts the likes of Umera Ahmed is already a winner; some would say, even before the first episode is shot. Master pieces such as Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Shehr e Zaat, Durre Shehwar, and recently, Alif, are just some of the magnificent works that speak of her genius.
Mehreen Jabbar disclosed that she really wanted to work again with the much-loved writer Umera Ahmed, once more. The two are known to have come together previously for some ground-breaking content – ‘Doraha’ ‘Malal’ and ‘Daam’ – all three drama serials are widely acclaimed as memorable projects. In fact, “Doraha” turned out to be an award-winning serial, “Daam” gained a wide critical appreciation and “Malal” presented a progressive storyline to break industry stereotypes.
This project features the stellar cast of Bilal Abbas, Kinza Razzak, Madiha Imam, Beo Zafar, Mohammad Ahmed, and Mariam Saleem among many other brilliant actors.
We are excited to see Madiha and Bilal coming together in a project together for the first time. For those who are STILL wondering who they are, here’s what we can tell you, read on!
Bilal Abbas, known for his super performance in drama Cheekh, and now, in an unforgettable role in Pyar Ke Sadqay, is known to have disclosed about his performance:
“I’ll be playing the role of a typical Karachi boy with his usual dreams and aspirations. Just the normalcy of it is fun to explore as an actor and of course a new learning experience for me,”
Bilal Abbas on his role in Aik Jhooti Love Story
Madiha Imam is also not a new comer to the drama scene and manages to hold her own in selected roles.
In one of her recent projects, Mera Rab Waris , Madiha was widely appreciated for her performance of a very religious young woman, Ayesha.
Currently, audiences are watching Madiha in two ongoing drama serials, Muqaddar and Dushman e Jaan.
‘Aik Jhooti Love Story’ – The web series was shot in Karachi. Mehreen shared that she “loved the entire cast and crew. Think I had one of the best ensemble casts”.
“I am hopeful that culture and art are not dragged into politics. It’s very important to share stories across the board and I feel that Pakistani content needs to be seen by everyone”
Mehreen Jabbar, 2020
Indeed, art is beyond any national, political or religious borders, and its true potential can only be utilized if it transcends such superficial categories.
Upon reminiscing about the shoot days, Mehreen described her experience in the following words:
Best thing was complete creative freedom and no pressure to twist and turn story for ratings purpose. Focus was on staying true to the story and casting actors according to the role requirement
Wondering what is ZEE5?
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. produces content across various genres, languages, music, and movies in India and overseas. ZEE5 is a digital platform that offers entertainment content to a diverse audience of more than 1.3 billion people in over 173 countries.
On July 16, 2020, ZEEL announced the return of its much-loved content brand Zindagi, on its channel ZEE5. The productions at Zindagi are always appreciated for their captivating stories, versatile performances, and rich cultural content. In the past, Zindagi has screened dramas like Shehr-E-Zaat, Aunn Zara, Badi Aapa, Mastana Mahi, Main Abdul Qadir Hun, Noorpur Ki Rani among many other dramas that have touched millions of people globally.
Mehreen Jabbar told us that “5 original series have been produced especially for this [Zindagi]”. On July 23 2020, ZEE5 will also premier one of her old, and much loved dramas Mera Naam Yusuf Hai.
We hope that ‘Aik Jhooti Love Story’ also receives the same applause and appreciation by the viewers.
Note to viewers: ‘Aik Jhooti Love Story’ might only be available as paid content for viewers. We are still not sure if Pakistani viewers can view it free of cost. We will keep you posted as and when we know more about the project!
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Hiba Shoaib is a student of social development and policy at Habib University. She is currently working as an Undergraduate Research Fellow at Center for Transdisciplinary Design and Innovation Lab. As an aspiring policy-practitioner, she aims to address socio-economic concerns. She uses her research and critical-writing skills to empower people and advocate for social justice.
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Mehreen Jabbar & Umera Ahmed's Project 'Aik Jhooti Love Story' on ZEE5