You can call it Fawad Khan’s Behadd, Momina Duraid’s Behadd, Nadia Jamil’s or even Umera Ahmad’s but to me this is very much and only Asim Raza’s Behadd. As director of this tele film (that is scheduled to telecast on Hum TV on June 1) it is his passion that we see on the screen, his vision for this human story that holds you hostage and rivets you till the very end.
Constructed like a telefilm, Asim jumped from the advertisements he brilliantly directs to television drama and I do think this is his stepping stone on which he will take the leap for cinema from.
Director Asim Raza with Atif Aslam, who flew in from Lahore to surprise his friend.
“I wanted to see whether I could give some soul to a story,” Asim said before the film began. “People have always said that ad film makers can portray glamour and gloss but can never go deeper. How you respond to this film will help me decide whether I should attempt cinema or stay where I am.”
He definitely should go for the silver screen. A feature film from someone who understands the importance of look-good AND feel-good cinema while also being able to tell a story in an interesting way is what Pakistani cinema needs.
Sajal Ali – who plays a very convincing 15 year old Maha – with TVs evergreen hero, Javed Shaikh.
Mahira Khan, who has enjoyed some unforgettable onscreen chemistry with Fawad Khan, at the premiere.
Samina Peerzada looking beautiful in Sania Maskatiya. I do hope producers stop casting her in unglamorous nano/dadi roles. She still has the looks and gorgeousness.
Hina Bayat with Ayla Raza
A very youthful and spirited Bushra Ansari joins Fareshteh on the red carpet. Not to miss: Fareshteh’s Tapulicious clutch.
I couldn’t catch Fawad Khan; apologies for that. Nadia Jamil, who portrays the over-possessive Masooma to perfection. couldn’t make it to the premiere as she was busy with the Children’s Literary Festival. Sajal Ali, who plays the role of Nadia’s 15 year old daughter, was present to pick up praise for her excellent performance. As so was Feeha Jamshed, who has designed Nadia Jamil’s wardrobe for the telefilm.
Last Word: This is a huge stamp of approval for Asim Raza who should just take the leap of faith and direct his first feature film now!
