EXCLUSIVE: In conversation with Mahira Khan and Haroon Rashid
By Shahjahan Khurram
Videography by: Danish Hafeez
KARACHI: In order to promote their upcoming Shoaib Mansoor-helmed film, Mahira Khan and Haroon Shahid spoke to www.samaa.tv in detail about the movie and how difficult it was to essay their characters.
Haroon Shahid and Mahira Khan spoke in detail about their upcoming project Verna in detail on Monday night at FLOC (For the Love Of Coffee) at Zamzama, discussing the various shades of character the duo had to play in the film.
Mahira Khan discussed the strong content of the flick as well as how she dealt with criticism on social media. The actress spoke at length about her future projects too in detail.
Q1. You started with Bol directed by Shoaib Mansoor and now you’re back in his film Verna. Is there any pattern that you’re following?
Ans. No, I wouldn’t say there’s a pattern to it. There were two to three options on the table when I was offered Verna but I couldn’t say no to this movie. Though the other movies that I was considering were commercial, I decided to go with Verna. I just couldn’t say no to it.
Q2. What was it about the film that you couldn’t say no to it? Was it the character or the script?
Ans. Both. It’s not easy to say no to Shoaib sahab. When I looked at the script it was absolutely amazing and of course, Shoaib Mansoor was attached to the project so I couldn’t say no to it.
I also felt that if I did not do the role that Shoaib Mansoor had offered me then I wouldn’t be doing justice to myself as an actor since this was one role where I would be able to stretch myself.
Q3. We saw various shades to your character in the film’s trailer. At times you’re a woman in love, other times you’re vengeful and then resilient. How difficult was it to essay such a role?
Ans. Honestly speaking when you have such a talented and brilliant script at your disposal, it becomes very easy. Haroon is a first-time actor and even he will tell you how easy it was to deliver the lines and play a character when you have the support of such an excellent script.
Even if you are provided with a meaty role and compelling dialogues, you’d enjoy doing that role and delivering those lines. Trust me you will. But of course it was also difficult in the sense that I had to think how I can act out such a role considering that so many women have been subjected to abuse such as this.
Q4. I read somewhere that you’re quite nervous about the film. You became a household name in Pakistan and India after a popular drama serial. You’ve done well in Bollywood. What makes Mahira Khan nervous or scared after all this?
Ans. I am nervous. Yes, this is unfortunately the case with me. I’m nervous all the time. At times I’m sure and also dead sure about certain things. Then I’ll be unsure.
For example, I may be dead sure I want to do a film. But then I’ll not be sure HOW to do it.
Q5. Again, you’ve been to Bollywood and done quite well for yourself with Raees. Where do you think our film industry stands compared to Bollywood?
Ans. Our industry is in a very good place in my opinion. There are no formulas here and do you know what that means? That means that anyone with a vision can shoot or direct a movie.
Whereas in Bollywood and Hollywood there are specific formulas that everyone follows. For instance, there was a time when Hollywood was into romantic comedy films. Now, they’re into superhero flicks such as Justice League etc.
So eventually we will also have to implement a formula in the future but so far there is none. So this is a good thing since it’s a level playing field for everyone. Every writer is bringing something new to the table.
Q6. So what does the future hold for Mahira Khan? Any Bollywood projects?
I only have a Pakistani film lined up. It’s working title is Saath din Mohabbatan. It’s an out and out comedy film. The cast of the movie is also very interesting–Shaharyar Munawar, Javed Sheikh and Hina Dilpazeer. The film is being directed by Farjad and Meenu.
So yeah, the supporting cast is really impressive.
Q7. Considering the controversy that involved you recently on social media–how do you deal with criticism on social media? Both constructive and non-constructive?
Umm–you do get hurt by it and I don’t like it but I face it. Yes, I face it. Even if after so much praise you see two comments that are hurtful, those comments are the ones you keep on thinking about.
I try not to read comments but yes, my tweets I do read them. Especially tweets from my loyal fans because just like everyone else, I’m also a human being and I do get curious as well. I have to see what my loyal fanbase wants me to do next so I can then stretch my character.
But where you get so much love and appreciation, then I guess a little criticism you have to face it. Chalta Hai.
Q8. Why should people go to watch Verna?
Well first of all, it is a Shoaib Mansoor flick and it took him six years to make this movie. When a person of his caliber who has given Pakistan Alpha Bravo Charlie, Fifty-Fifty and songs such as Aitbaar and Junaid Jamshed, I guess people should watch it for the director.
The content of the movie and the dialogues are so strong that it will connect with the audience.
Q9. Anyone from the Bollywood fraternity keen on watching the film? Would you like to share their messages of support regarding Verna?
No no. I wish the whole world gets to watch it and not just any particular community or place. That is why I ask Shoaib Mansoor repeatedly whether or not it is being dubbed in English or not since it is such an important movie that I want it to be watched globally.
Q1. Haroon, you’re first film has Mahira Khan and Shoaib Mansoor attached to the project. How does it feel?
Ans. For me, it’s a dream come true. I’d like to say that I consider myself really, really lucky to have grabbed a role that pits me with Mahira Khan in the lead with Shoaib Mansoor as the director.
Q2. You’re basically a musician. How difficult was it to go from singing to acting?
Ans. Like I said, I consider myself very lucky to star in a movie where the cast was so supportive and helpful such as Verna. Also, I think everything has to do with luck. So yeah, I’ve been lucky.
Q3. Let’s talk about the song Power Dee Game. It has a strong message and a very potent one as well. Your thoughts on it?
Ans. Well, that again shows the genius of Shoaib Mansoor. He writes whatever he wants to and conveys the message in a film as well as in a song whether it is pop, rock or even rap. So yeah, it is a very hard-hitting song and actually, that’s what the whole movie is about.
The movie is not about a rape. It’s about Power Dee Game.
Q4. The trailer of the film is cryptic, we don’t get the whole idea about the entire plot. Does the main theme of the flick revolve around the elite who misuse their power?
Ans. Well it’s a good thing if you’re not sure about the plot of the movie. I’ll tell you one other thing as well. It’s not JUST the elite who misuse power. Everyone within his/her power structure misuses it. So the main message of the movie is that when you abuse power and don’t dispense justice for the common man, then they take the law into their own hands.
Q5. What does the future hold for Haroon Shahid. Do you have a mind towards doing more movies?
Ans. Honestly, I can’t say that I know anything about the future or where it would take me. It’s also not just about movies with me. I’ll do anything project that suits me.
Regarding the question as to whether or not I will do any more movies, that question will be answered by the fans on November 17th when they go to see the film.
Q6. So let’s talk about November 17. Mahira says she’s scared and nervous. You seem quite calm.
Ans. Yeah but I guess it’s only because I’m just now getting it how big this whole movie is. I’m also enjoying the promoting the movie with Mahira Khan.
Q7. This film contains a very strong message, doesn’t it? What if it offends certain people? How would you respond to that?
Ans. What film in Pakistan or even in the world, doesn’t contain a message with which people are entirely happy? The film contains a strong message–if it resonates with you then fine. If you’re offended then well, sorry. You’re just unhappy.
Q8. How about you? How do you deal with criticism on social media that is both constructive and not constructive?
Ans. I’m learning to deal with it these days since I think it is one of those things that you become familiar with as time passes. You get better at it as the days pass since you grow more with passing time.
Q9. In conclusion–tell us one reason why people should go to the cinemas to watch Verna?
Ans. I believe we have failed to educate people regarding music and films. Like our masses don’t know that there are various genres to music. Hence similarly, there are various genres to films as well. People will come to know when they watch Verna that we’re not following a certain film–this is very different. So yeah, hopefully this film will break the clutter.
Story first published: 7th November 2017
Article source: https://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2017/11/exclusive-in-conversation-with-mahira-khan-and-haroon-rashid/