Rumi of Jo Bichar Gaye, Jimmy of Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi, Murtasim of Tere Bin or even Basim of Ishq Jalebi – Wahaj Ali has a magic radar for stumbling on scripts & directorial ventures that vibe with his inner performer. His quest for (and successive conquer) of meaningful roles has led his audience to expect the world from him.
It is with no less expectation that we approached him to divulge what was permissible at an early stage, about his latest project on the block – a Mehreen Jabbar venture co-starring Dur e fishan, Wahaj Ali and Tooba Siddiqui.
Jurm is yet to flaunt itself on our TV screens but his audiences are already swooning over themselves to see a) this refreshingly new pairing of the lead cast as well as, can we call it yet, the return of Meheeen Jabbar on the director’s seat for a local TV channel. Yes, 7th Sky is the driving seat behind this very promising venture and we can’t hold on to our seats tight enough, waiting for more news on the same.
Hence, over to Wahaj who very graciously took all our questions, told us ‘something’ yet gave nothing away – the art of a seasoned player who knows how to play the question game, appeasing us with a wholesome discussion on the project. Yet, not really dropping any more than he could! So read on as we talk about Jurm!
Wahaj Ali On Why He Chose The Script
Hitting critical masses is important for me. I had been reading scripts and I couldn’t really understand them. This was a script that excited me instantly. After Jo Bichar Gaye, Ishq Jalebi, and DNUTN it’s hard to choose the right script. Because you have matured also. It’s about the story and direction.
Wahaj Ali
The combination of Mehreen & the script and then the production house was a win-win situation. “Toh meine toh foran haan kardi thi,” he responds smilingly.
Wahaj told us he didn’t have many questions for the makers once he read the script. Jab ke I’m one of these people jiske sawaalaat buhat hote hain. Mere the lekin when the makers and the team is strong then the concerns are addressed and solved.”
How Is Your Character In Jurm Different From Your Previous Ones?
Compared to previous characters, I am sure I will explore the character arc with time and the performance process, says Wahaj.
There is a twist in this character jo shayed mere pehle kisi character mein nahi tha. And that’s why I’ve signed up for this project and I hope the audience will also appreciate this.
Wahaj Ali
On Working With Dur e Fishan & Tooba Siddiqui
Durefishan and Tooba are brilliant performers. I’m one of those who creates that comfort level and camaraderie with co-actors. Acting is all about a joint effort. And that comfort level and performance will appear onscreen.
Wahaj Ali
“Is mein aapko DNUTN ki sadness bhi mile gi, uski umeed bhi mile gi. Fitoor jaisi intensity bhi mile gi. I mean, toxic level nahi hai mera” (he reveals, laughingly). “Ishq Jalebi ka fun element bhi insha Allah nazar aeyga.” And when he puts it that way, how can we NOT, but have high expectations?
How Was Your Experience Working With Mehreen Jabbar?
Mehreen ke saath. We’ve been trying to work together since a very long time and our dates or availability didn’t match. I’m glad that I’m working under her direction, he replied.
Mehreen is a very sensitive director. Woh buhat khayal rakhti hain emotions ki connectivity ka aur kis tareeqay se story telling karni hain. We are exploring, as a director and actor working together.
Wahaj Ali
Dekhte hain unka experience mere saath kaisa rahe ga. Mera toh Acha hi rahe ga, I’m sure. He responds humbly.
I strongly believe that story telling is everything, everything! And it’s sad that we have very few people who know the craft and I think I’m lucky and God has been kind that I’ve been working with good directors back to back and “Mehreen is one of those directors jin pe aap aankhen bund karke bharosa kar sakte hain,” Wahaj added.
That was Wahaj Ali taking our questions on Jurm.
Jurm is an upcoming project featuring Mehreen Jabbar’s direction, written by Shah Yasir & produced by 7th Sky Entertainment. It is said to be a mystery thriller (a genre our drama industry doesn’t tap into as much as we’d like). As far as we know, the ensemble cast includes Wahaj Ali, Tooba Siddiqui, Dur e Fishan, Atiqa Odho, Mohammed Ehteshamuddin, Zhalay Sarhadi, Tazeen Hussain among others.
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