Video: Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza spill details about the making of ‘Ishrat Made in China’

Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza are established names in the entertainment industry. Following her shinning career in theater, Sanam proved her mettle in the television and film industry. Mohib is no different; he has done amazing films while his television career also has a number of hits. The two have previously worked together in a film Bachaana and drama serial Deedan. Their recent film Ishrat Made in China is another entertaining addition to their roster of diverse projects.

In a conversation with Hassan Choudary of Something Haute, Sanam and Mohib spoke about their film, the hard work they have put in to make a film during a pandemic, and the feedback they are receiving for it.

Storyline

Talking about the process of scriptwriting, Mohib said: “There were at least 11 graphs we made for the story; it wasn’t such a simple process and we had to consult a scriptwriter to lock an final version. But the humour came from me as it is my language so I had to knit the story.”

“I came up with this idea in 2009; I saw Zoolander and I thought this is the kind of comedy that we don’t make. We are habitual of seeing a hero with a comedian. Though we love watching Akshay Kumar and Govinda, but we don;t have acceptance for it in our local films. So, here the hero is the comedian and he is doing the action as well,” Mohib shared.

Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza

Casting

“All the actors who have appeared in this film passed an audition, screen test and look test to get a role, including Shabbir Jan, Nayyar Ejaz, Sanam Saeed and others,” Mohib said and Sanam agreed. “They are all my colleagues and no one was offended.”

“I was so nervous. It was the most difficult, unnerving, frustrating experience. I thought I won’t be able to do it because I was like I can’t do this, this is not me, this is so uncomfortable. I’m just so shy so I won’t be able to do justice to it,” Sanam shared her side of the story “I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted the fraternity to see that I’m a versatile actress.”

“I kept saying this mein sab ki behen ban gayi thy [I was turn into everyone’s sister]. I never got an offer for any of the commercial films. They always see me as Kashaf, Diyare Dil, or consider me in serious, mature roles,” she said.

Both Sanam and Mohib shared that the most difficult role to cast was Jia, played by Sara Loren. “She had to look like a Chinese, which was difficult,” said Sanam. “Jia is the only one in the film who doesn’t have any comic lines. She also had to ride a bike and perform on a very beautiful track,” said Mohib.

Enjoyable moments

“I really enjoyed Ishrat-Akhtar banter. I loved Sara Loren’s song Kaash; it was beautifully done. I enjoyed watching Mohib and Shero do the action scenes. I found dancing on the song very challenging,” Sanam expressed.

“My favourite sequence in the film is the end race; I worked very hard to plan and execute it. During difficult times in Covid, we worked on its CGI and it is all done in Pakistan. It took 27 days to make it but I never gave up,” Mohib shared.

Watch the full interview here to find more: