Aashir Wajahat and Samar Abbas, two beloved and celebrated young actors from our entertainment industry, are collaborating for the first time on screen in the upcoming Eid movie Na Baligh Afraad. We had a delightful chat with them, and they shared so much with us. Read this FUCHSIA exclusive to find out everything they told us!
Aashir Wajahat is the son of Wajahat Rauf and Shazia Wajahat, who are famous directors and producers in the Pakistani drama and film industry. We have seen Aashir as a child star, and he is also a singer. Recently, his song Sadqay with Nehaal Naseem and Nayel Wajahat went viral, and we’re still humming the tune! On the other hand, Samar Abbas, who played Fakhir in Mayi Ri, rapidly amassed a lot of love and appreciation from the audience, creating his own fan base. Additionally, Samar is also a singer with swoon-worthy vocals, mind you.
Aashir and Samar previously collaborated on a song for Daghabaaz Dil, a movie released on Eid-ul-Fitr. The song Aaja Chal Jhoomay was sung by Samar Jafri, while Aashir Wajahat composed and wrote it. This time, we are going to see them together on screen in a totally new avatar. Audiences are excited, and so are we!
Read on to find out what they had to say about Na Baligh Afraad and more!
We Asked Them What Na Baligh Afraad Is All About & Here’s What They Said!
Samar Abbas: The movie is about two individuals who are very naive and inexperienced. They want to explore the world because they are innocent and mischievous. They are so naive that, even though their classmates are not the most mischievous, they still seem very innocent in comparison. Their naivety leads to curiosity.
Aashir Wajahat: We’ve all experienced that time in school when friends tell us wrong things, making us curious. These two poor guys struggle with thoughts like, “When will we grow up? Why are we left behind?” They try to take things into their own hands, wondering, “How can we be mature and cool? Should we take off our shirts and wear them differently at school? Should we watch an adult film?”
We can all relate to this situation. It’s a time near puberty when we know about something, but we don’t fully understand it. This curiosity often leads us to do things we shouldn’t do. The film seems to touch on these topics, and we must say, it was much needed!
Relating The 90s To Today’s Youth As The Film Is Set Against The Backdrop Of 90s Era
We asked them why a boy in 2024 would relate to a movie set in the 90s?
Samar Abbas: We have phones now. We all know the benefits of phones. Kids growing up today don’t know the difficulties of those times. Now, with a lot of exposure and easy access to phones, we can easily hang out with people. These things didn’t exist back then. This story shows how people were exposed to things in their lives back then.
Aashir Wajahat: There are two more factors. One is that issues of personality and children are the same. Social media and smartphones are here, but the fear of parents, peer pressure, and the need to be cool will remain for the next 20 years. The second factor is the use of the VCR, a very important part of the story. It brings a lot of nostalgia. The VCR is from the 90s and plays a crucial role in the story.
Additionally, it’s a visual treat. You get to see Karachi in the 90s, with its wardrobe, sets, and cars. Even if the story seems different, the visual is unique. It’s not the Karachi we see today. Another important point is the difference between a 16-year-old now and a 16-year-old in the past. This movie shows how they were different and gives a glimpse into that time.
Aashir Wajahat & Samar Abbas Discussed Bullying, Both Online And In The Past
They mentioned how bullying has changed over time, especially with the advent of social media. It used to be more visible when it was on the ground, like in schools. Now, bullying happens online, where someone from anywhere in the world can bully you, and the impact can be just as harmful.
They reflected on their own experiences with bullying growing up, acknowledging that bullying has evolved with the use of platforms like Instagram and other social media. They noted that social media has made comparisons and peer pressure more prevalent, with the added complexity of filters and image-related issues.
They also recognized that while social media has amplified bullying, it has also given everyone a platform to speak up and support each other. They emphasized that despite these changes, bullying and peer pressure remain persistent issues that affect young people today.
Acknowledging Men’s Issues: Perspectives From Aashir Wajahat
Aashir discussed that in many aspects of society, women‘s issues are prioritized and considered more serious, which can sometimes lead to men’s issues being overlooked. He also mentioned that in some good households, boys’ issues are acknowledged and taken seriously by their families. Aashir furthermore highlighted that while both genders face pressures, societal norms often make it easier for boys to handle certain situations, such as going out freely, compared to girls who have to consider more safety concerns.
‘Don’t try to grow up before your time’ – Aashir Wajahat
Aashir Wajahat: “I think that the people who will watch this movie and the young kids who have grown up, this is a very cute thing about this movie. It tells you that don’t try to grow up before your time. Enjoy your childhood, enjoy your innocence.”
Samar Abbas added, “These are the consequences we’re showing in the film. When you try to mature prematurely, you get into complexities. You see other boys and girls around you who appear to have grown up early and think, ‘We should too.’ This is where problems like negativity, complexity, and insecurity start creeping in. We do things just to seem cool and think if others can do it, so can we. But we need to realize that everyone has a different upbringing, environment, and education.”
Evolving Opportunities In The Entertainment Industry: Samar Abbas’s Take!
Samar responded to the question about feeling lost or disconnected in the industry:
“I think I’m very blessed to be part of this field right now where cinemas are evolving, and the drama industry is evolving too. Young actors like me are getting opportunities to showcase their potential. I believe it’s crucial for every industry to encourage its youth to step forward. Many new actors have entered the scene—Shuja Asad, Talha Chahour, Hamza Sohail, Zarrar Khan, Khaqan Shahnawaz, Khushhal Khan, and many more. They have all received opportunities, and scripts are being written for them.”
One Reason Why People Should Watch Na Baligh Afraad?
Aashir Wajahat: One reason why people should watch this movie is that it brings back a lot of nostalgia, especially for families. Another reason is that it’s a Nabeel Fiza movie, and personally as a viewer, they’ve never disappointed me. So, even if you don’t have faith in us, have faith in them. Moreover, I believe Pakistani cinema really needs Pakistani audiences right now. So, go and watch it, it’ll be fun!
Samar Abbas: The way I see it, this movie will bring back a lot of nostalgia, especially for those who were in the 90s and experienced the era of VCRs. It will evoke childhood memories and take people back to their school and college days. I think it gives people a chance to relive their childhood. Therefore, anyone who has grown up and misses their childhood should definitely watch this movie to reminisce about those times.
The conversation was enjoyable, covering important topics in a light-hearted manner. Will you be watching ‘Na Baligh Afraad’ in cinemas? The trailer looks promising, and we recommend giving it a watch!
Stay tuned for the full interview, airing soon on FUCHSIA Magazine’s YouTube Channel!
