101 Talaqain, the upcoming show on Green Entertainment has married couples secretly anticipating relief from their fragmented relationships. But is it promising too much or will it serve as a miraculous saviour in the relationships 101 department? Read on as we speak to the prime suspect, or should we say, 007 of marriage solutions – Zahid Ahmed aka Rustoma Kavasji, aka divorce lawyer in marriage trouble land!
The trailer had peaked our interest for sure, we mean, who takes on a gargantuan cast, then bands them together to tackle a lost cause – failed marriages, and attempts to save the day? A super hero divorce lawyer who wants to make a marriage work, right?
They don’t exist in the real world. Sounds even more far-fetched than Spiderman, or Batman, or Ironman, because, who makes two people who can’t stand the sight of each other reconcile, and happily?
Oh well, Rustom Kavasji, our 101 Talaqain protagonist apparently does, and that too, with a generous dose of comic timing, reckless (or cool) hairdo and lots of (bizarre) conversations!
Hence, it was, but no small wonder that we had to speak to the man himself – Zahid Ahmed. He requested that his answers be published “uncensored” – we have a lingering suspicion he was in character when attempting the interview, so here goes. Get a glimpse into the trials, ambitions, eccentricities and wonder that make up a refreshingly new concept in the land of Pakistani Dramas – 101 Talaqain.
So without further ado, Zahid Ahmed takes the hot seat, and this is what he has to say about his latest character:
1. How did you land the role. Did you say yes immediately, had some reservations?
I landed the role because it required a crazy actor and I said yes because I am a crazy actor
2. The concept… please explain what is it? Stand-alone stories in each episode?
Not really stand-alone but we see a scattering of couples wanting to break apart and our protagonist playing judge jury and executioner, depending on his mood!
3. What do you love most about the project?
The direction! Omer Ikram has done a marvelous job. He was a pain in the neck to work with, his discipline is as worse as any actor but his talent will soon be a force to reckon with in the industry.
4. What could have been better?
We shot this over two years. Someone please shoot me.
5. How many episodes. Roughly?
26…precisely.
6. Are you the therapist. And how did you plan your look?
I am the divorce lawyer, and we planned our look to add a certain eccentricity to the character. Plus I change my look so much that we’re running out of options so opted for salt n pepper long hair
7. Did you grow your hair for the role. Any other interesting details?
One of my many skills is to grow my own hair, can you do it too?
8. Messages. Is there a message in each relationship or will it be left open ended?
This play is sort of a wakeup call for almost every couple who think that their marriage is doomed.
9. The conversations. How much did you stick to the script and how much did the cast come together to improvise?
Because this is a topic and situations that many have been through, so they bring their own experiences too. I have improvised a lot. This characters rambles on, speaks fast, switches languages and is a little cuckoo. They couldn’t keep me stuck to the script even at gunpoint. Or, how hard was it to stick to the script. Lol. That’s what she said.
10. Did you consult a relationship expert/ counselor to plan your role. If that is what you are?
I need a therapist personally but my character is a lawyer
11. An interesting moment on the set that you can tell audiences about. Something funny or memorable?
Like I said, we shot 26 episodes over the course of 2 years. That’s both funny and criminal.
12. You are the one character /actor who met the entire cast. Tell us which story was the most fun or interesting to do?
I had a ball with almost all of them, we were blessed to have some fine actors doing cameos naming one or two and leaving someone out would be injustice and I would garner unwarranted hate. No thanks.
13. Your character has his own relationship story? Will that come up eventually too.
Sab bata dun? Dekhna nahin hai? Yes my character has his own demons and can of worms that will open up slowly and surely.
14. Was it hard to address certain relationship issues due to the nature of the topic and censorship. Or will the drama go there, address issues we consider taboo onscreen, but creatively?
We haven’t gone anywhere we shouldn’t have.
15. Anything else you’d like to tell audiences…?
Please give Green Entertainment lots of views and ratings. Artistic diversification is dying elsewhere.
And with that, he signs off, in, we presume, signature Rustom Kavasji style. Look out for the first episode of 101 Talaqain as it’s all set to air on Green Entertainment very soon! Take a look at the trailer below, if you haven’t already. Zahid’s answers have intrigued us no doubt – a hint of levity and relationship dynamics seem to go well together, albeit, will they make a good match in marriage heaven or hell?
Well, there’s no other way to find out than watch! And we’re about to do just that! More on this after the first episode airs!
About The Makers
Produced by Auj Productions in association with Multiverse Entertainment, the upcoming series is directed and written by Omer Ikram. The show stars Zahid Ahmed along with Navin Waqar, Anoushay Abbasi, Usama Khan, Zubab Rana, Faris Khalid, Yasir Nawaz & Sana Askari.
Green Entertainment is an upcoming Pakistani channel, to be launched on Eid Ul Fitr, producing original content and is Pakistan’s first National representation in the entertainment industry. The test transmission will begin in April for audiences.
Watch Trailer Of 101 Talaqain Here!
101 Talaqain is produced by Auj Productions in association with Multiverse Entertainment and directed & written by Omer Ikram. It is set to premiere this April and promises to captivate audiences with its engaging storyline and stellar performances.
