The theatre adaptation of renowned writer Haseena Moin’s TV play, Ankahi which was a big hit in the 80s is ready to premiere on stage from 20th October, 2020 at the Arts Council in Karachi.
The news was revealed recently at a press conference held at Arts Council where Haseena Moin, Amna Ilyas, Dawar Mahmood, Sajid Hassan and Saqib Sameer were present to talk with members of the press.
Dawar Mehmood, a theater director of KopyKats Productions, who has previously given us the new and feisty version of Anwar Maqsood’s Anghan Terha, as well as Saqib Sameer and Sajid Hassan have produced this musical.
The play which was initially scheduled to debut in March was postponed due to the pandemic. At the conference, Haseena Moin emphasized that “the purpose of bringing back this story is to send a message to the new generation that we all need love, especially in today’s day and age.”
Read: I can’t wait to get married next year: Amna Ilyas
While fans rejoiced, some are skeptical because the 80s drama serial is a magnum opus. “Ankahi is very dear to me so believe me, I won’t let anyone harm it,” Haseena reassured.
Dawar clarified that “this is a tribute from Kopy Kats to Haseena Moin and it is not original Ankahi. The play will be tailored to today’s environment. We have 11 actors and more than 150 other artists and crew members involved in the project. Wahab Shah is the choreographer, Abbas Ali Khan has composed the music of the play.”
“We have shortened 20 to 22 episodes into a 90-minute play, which was close to impossible,” the director said.
Saqib Sameer and Sajid Hassan have co-written the script. Sajid emphasized that though they are expecting comparisons, he still wishes that viewers won’t compare the two projects.
The musical version stars Amna Ilyas in the role of its protagonist, Sana Murad, who was originally played by Shehnaz Sheikh.
“I will be changing almost 35 costumes on stage in 90 minutes and it involves fighting, dancing, crying, laughing and what not. Initially, I felt a little scared that what if I won’t be able to pull it off but due to extensive rehearsals, now I’ve an idea. I’m confident that it is something that you shouldn’t miss,” Amna said.
President Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmad Shah said that with government has lifted restrictions all across Pakistan and normal activities have resumed at the venue with relevant SOPs.
Watch the complete session here:
