Other than the beautiful crisp winter that Karachi enjoys for a few days every year, Monday evening also played host to a graceful and uplifting wrap up party/press conference – which I felt was a ‘press party’ – hosted for Asim Raza’s Parey Hut Love. Directed by the man who gave us Behudd (tele-film), and Ho Mann Jahan (2015) and written by veteran writer Imran Aslam – known for his wit and intellect – Parey Hut Love is also a “coming of age†story, Asim explained. Imran, in conversation about the story, elaborated that is was about love and commitment and that no matter how hard you tried to avoid it, love was something you could not escape.
The event was hosted at a beautiful colonial home behind Frere Hall, one of the locations where the cast and crew had been filming for the previous few days. What’s more interesting is that most of the cast, the ladies especially, were dressed in their film wardrobe, which also looked like they belonged in a wedding scene. Maya Ali, Zara Noor Abbas, Parishae James and Rachel Viccaji all wore quintessential Umar Sayeed while Frieha Altaf turned up in a black lacha kurta and khussas. Mahira Khan was wearing Misha Lakhani complemented with Amrapali jewellery. The most admirable thing about this party, perhaps, was the sense of camaraderie between the cast and crew. There was a sense of fondness, genuine admiration and appreciation for each other, which unfortunately is rare these days. Showbiz kay aangan main everyone seems to be fighting for the spotlight. Credit for the good vibes on PHL goes to the stars but also to the man at the top – Asim Raza – who definitely inspires and generates that kind of respect.
Mahira Khan at the wrap party
When asked, for the umpteenth time, why Mahira had pulled out of the film and how it felt to see Maya as Asim’s leading lady, Mahira replied with utmost grace and kindness, saying that she had seen the rushes and felt the role was meant for Maya. “I don’t think there’s anyone who could have done a better job than Maya,†she said. “This is how it was meant to be. I would’ve worried if it didn’t look this good but they (Sheheryar and Maya) look so good together and this is the way it was meant to be.†They really did look good together and one anticipates to see this chemistry translate on screen. Maya, I feel, has the potential to be the next big thing because she has the looks, the talent and the attitude. She’s lovely and has come a long way since Mann Mayal.
The lead pair Sheheryar Munawar and Maya Ali
Zara Noor Abbas, another talented and lovely new face, was all smiles; this as her debut film promises to be a great launch pad but she admitted that she couldn’t ever have said no to “abu†(that’s what they called Asim Raza) to begin with. Zara Noor will be paired with the highly entertaining Ahmed Ali Butt, who credited the people behind the camera for making everything and everyone look so good. Again, the spirit of generosity in the air was uplifting and created great karma. It’s projects like this that one sincerely wishes do well.
The ‘Paray Hut Love’ family posing for a picture
One also wishes that Fawad Khan and Meera, both of whom have cameos in the film, were at the press party but then there always needs to be something more to look forward to.
– Parey Hut Love is scheduled to release on Eid ul Azha 2019
