Wahaj Ali In The Hot Seat As Murtasim In Tere Bin Takes Our Questions

Wahaj Ali In The Hot Seat As Murtasim In Tere Bin

Murtasim is taking on viewers with a crazy kind of love. He’s throwing off major alpha male shades at the speed of lightning, yet, in 2023, he manages to evade the critical glare from audiences.

“Murtasim does not have anger issues, he just has a huge ego, and that ego is connected to love!” responds Wahaj. “And it’s not toxic”, he makes sure to add!

Is it because Murtasim plays in shades of grey? I think to myself

He’s not your chai making, consent giving, soft feel male lead who lets his heroine do what she wants, but he’s also not the toxic male lead we’ve run into ever too often onscreen.

But then, I ask, quizically, what is Murtasim? Who is he and why can’t we decide which square to place him in – a square peg in a round hole? A misfit? Or a finely chiseled mould of what a person should be like; not restricted by gender roles, dependable when needed, take charge if the situation arises, yet, far from toxic.?

One thing Murtasim is for sure is the angry young man – and that one I was quite sure about! But then, somehow, last night’s chai scene had twitter laughing ‘at’ him, rather than ‘with’ him, as Meerub took the chai ka cup right from under his nose, so to speak – she had the last laugh surprisingly, but not for long!

Wahaj Ali joins me as he circumnavigates the ins and outs of a character who’s anything but what he seems onscreen!

But from the get go Wahaj is ready to clear my misconceptions. “Murtasim does not have anger issues, he just has a huge ego, and that ego is connected to love!” responds Wahaj. “And it’s not toxic”, he makes sure to add!

What spoke to you about Tere Bin? Why did you say yes? I asked, puzzled after watching the oh so OTT teasers (bear with me, this was before the first 3 episodes aired!)

“I accepted this project because the story was different, because I wanted to work with Yumna and Seventh Sky.” Explains Wahaj

And that’s not all. Hear him out

For all those who replay the slo mo scenes with Meerub falling into Murtasim’s arms, Wahaj has one thing to say: “Siraj ul Haq is a director I wanted to work with. I trust him. He visualizes a dream and I thought, fair enough, that’s how he wants to tell his story.”

So dream it is, Tere Bin fans, dream on you romance buffs who are rooting for Meerub and Murtasim, because I’m quite sure there’s more slo mo to keep us entertained in future episodes!

Wahaj goes on to explain the character visavis his previous roles

“Murtasim is a completely different character from DNUTN. Sometimes, when you’re in love, it might seem toxic, but it’s more about ego,” elaborates Wahaj. “Sometimes characters seem toxic, but they’re not, The more you watch, you’ll get to know him better.” Oh and yes, “Murtasim is not a selfish guy at all”, this, for all those would compare him to any other hero – Wahaj is definitely Team Murtasim.

But I press on, not completely satisfied with his ‘normal guy’ explanation of Murtasim. Murtasim ka haale dil. Back story please. Why is he the way he is? I ask.

“Yes there is a backstory to Murtasim”, Wahaj admits, but gives nothing away. “Why he is the way he is, you just have to wait and watch” he says, no spoilers there!”

“So Murtasim is not your hero who will have to face a journey of redemption. he’s not a bad guy, he’s alright, and that’s how he’ll stay!” Quips Wahaj. “He doesn’t necessarily need to change.”

Ghussa all day means ghussa at home too? Ghar walon ka kya haal tha?

I ask, hoping to get some amusing BTS here.

So how does Wahaj Ali relate to Mutasim? I question, knowing that he gets into character for his roles, even when he’s home. Wahaj responds with a chuckle, “So Murtasim is not like Wahaj at all, I’m a very calm person at home. the household is enjoying me in this new avatar!”

And the curled at the ends moustache? I ask, as I see him flaunting them proudly on screen! “Oh that’s the director’s idea” reveals Wahaj.” And people have been liking it so far!”

Wahaj’s playlist when he’s Murtasim? Tell us what we should be listening to, I ask

Wahaj responds like a true Tere Bin fan – “The OST of course! That’s what we were listening to throughout, especially since we got it much beforehand. And that is what I’ve been listening to, I connect with it a lot, and kept that in mind when playing the character.”

And here it is, just in case you missed it:

Some BTS for fans who want to know more – did you know that Wahaj was injured on the sets of Tere Bin?

A slightly tense, happening scene on the sets? True story! Wahaj was injured on the sets of Tere Bin. Can you guess the scene?

So our reel life hero turned into a real life one and we have to give him full marks for soldiering on!

“I hurt two fingers on the set, it was the birthday scene. The bleeding continued throughout the shoot for about 30 or 40 minutes, it was a deep cut. Production wanted me to go to the hospital and get stitches but I finished the scene first, then took some first aid.”

And that swimming pool scene in the OST?

I had to ask, how many times did they have to push each other in to get it right? Fun that? One take was enough ? Or did you have to fall over again?

“Oh that was a one take,” replies Wahaj smoothly, as if he’s been practicing it all his life! “It was all wrapped up in one take.” Okaaayyy thought I, that would have been fun in retakes, but now we know, it was pulled off like the pros these two actors are – no retakes on this one!

Then, the most difficult scene with the most retakes was, I ask?

“The most difficult scene was by far with Mehmood Aslam Sahab who is one of the greatest actors we have. I have never played such a character so for me, it was a challenging one and Mehmood Sahab helped me a lot, such scenes are his strength. So we joined forces to get it right!”

And if you’re wondering which scene it is, go ahead and watch the second scene from Episode 1, right here. Lots of testosterone spilling over, but yeah, impactful in an intense sort of way!

Is there a message in Tere Bin, one we haven’t got yet from other dramas? I asked

“The message is all about how God is the greatest planner there is.” Responds Wahaj philosophically. “There’s always a reason behind the grand plan, and the end result is always positive so one should fall in line with Allah’s wishes and stay and think positive thoughts, that’s the message!”

A dialogue you loved that you can relate for us…or that stayed with you?

Aha, says Wahaj, can’t give away too much here, but this is one that’s definitely stayed with me. Also, it appears in the first episode, second scene:

Aap hi to kehte thay keh aate nahin, aate nahin,
Ab ayen hain aapke bulaane pe,
Lekin jayengi apni marzi se

And Wahaj was very gracious as he did the honors for me … listen in.

And on that note, we wrap up the Murtasim conversation. Keep watching Merub and Murtasim as the two egos battle it out for first place in a romance that is yet to turn the corner for them both! Adios and tell us, if you had one question for Murtasim, what would it be?