From selling chocolate brownies in college, to taking on the role of team manager, Keryana aka Alina Abbas Shah has come a long way from her first glimpse outside the college classroom. Stay with us as she takes the hot seat and answers some of our “behind the scenes” questions on 22 Qadam (and also, how she would exact revenge from Liza, if she could)?
Alina has not only made her way into Fari’s heart, but fast become a fan favourite for many young viewers who love her ability to take charge, say it as it is, and not mince words when it comes to the tough moments in life. Keryana is also ALWAYS on top of things, nothing really misses her sharp mind and with that, readers along with her signature sense of humour, we give you Alina Abbas Shah, aka Keryana from none other than our cricket loving drama – 22 Qadam!
So without any further ado, let’s drop the questions as Alina Abbas Shah answers them with the same tongue in cheek approach that is Keryana. After all, she’s about to tell us if she IS in fact, Keryana, or more, a fictional character dreamed up by writer Zeeshan Ilyas that she had to slip into for the sake of reel life?
How did Keryana drop onto your radar? You just finished Kuch Ankahi which was nothing like that. Or was this shot first?
Keryana came to me after two years! I got in touch with IRK productions in 2019! Then 2020 came and the world came to a stop! Three months into 2021 I get a call from Imran Raza Kazmi. He explained the role of Keryana to me, gave me three days to pack and the rest is history!
So yes, 22 Qadam was shot a year before Kuch Ankahi.
She went on to explain:
“Keryana is an extension of Alina. There’s nothing Alina wouldn’t do that Keryana has not already done. Keryana plays to her strengths. She’s a great manager! She’s great at business and she knows how to make things happen.”
We agree totally, the way she signed that tournament contract and got hold of a cricket kit, bats and all, certainly added the flair and finish to a job well done! We hope many youmg girls are watching, Keryana doesn’t need a super hero in her life, ahem … she is one!
On asking why she isn’t playing on the ground? Alina responds:
“Cricket is not particularly her area of interest, but she definitely wants her team to win”, responds Alina. She goes on to excuse her presence on the field: “Keryana is more of a behind the scenes kinda gal! She likes to play to her strengths. And she does that by being a hands-on manager and a hands-on friend who supports her friend and works twice as hard to make things happen in order for their dreams to come true.”
Liza vs Keryana, Is She As Mad At Liza As We Are?
Alina surprises us with a conciliatory approach: “Keryana may have a hard exterior”, explains Alina, “but she believes people can change. She wouldn’t ban Liza or anyone for that matter. We all make mistakes and without mistakes there’s no redemption…” That surprised us for sure. Keryana’s 6th sense was working earlier in the game regarding Liza, but she is kind to a fault. Good to know there’s a soft heart behind the tough exterior, though we’re not sure we’re ready to be so kind after Liza lost them a match! Are you?
But we press on: Why did 22 Qadam being a woman-centric story, bring in our hero Sir Junaid, to save the day (when the team was being harassed on the field), does she agree? Should it have been left to the girls alone as it was, really, their battle?
Why did Ragra 11 need Junaid to go out and fight for them, did you feel Keryana could have done that too, do you feel the script failed you here?
Hmmm, Alina contemplates this one and gives us food for thought – Junaid is our much needed feminist icon, she says!
Her reply, in a nutshell, made us think too. “It’s not a fight between men & women, it’s about what’s right! Men like coach Qasim, Junaid & Fari’s dad should be celebrated. They’re feminist icons, who believe in equality, who do not feel men or women are above each other. They believe in their passion and want them to go out and achieve their dreams, fight for what’s right. They truly want their women to be fearless, fierce and not to back down from a fight.”
Alina goes on to explain passionately: “Such men should be given credit because they’re not there to steal your spotlight. If anything, they want the spotlight on you. Now more than ever before, we need such characters!”
Positive male characters it is then, and we agree. Do we need more of them? Yes, for sure, facilitating a woman’s journey is the best a man can do and we are on the same page as you Alina!
Let’s turn back to cricket then, the reason we’re here in the first place! We’re curious to know, is Alina a cricket fan and who’s her fav player?
Alina turns back the clock to a time when Inzamam ul Haq ruled the bat! She reveals that she enjoys cricket! And … Inzamam ul Haq is her favorite cricketer of all time. So if you’re feeling low with the present ICC World Cup 2023 story, turn back time and catch Inzamam swinging the bat for Pakistan, don’t we all need that at times?
SO we surmise, if Keryana could, she would probably take on the bat as well – judging by her cricketing favourites? Never say no, Keryana, there is always a first time!
Want more on Alina, this is what we found out:
Who is Alina when she’s not Keryana. Is she going to take on acting full time?
Alina is a hyperactive wife, dog mom and just a regular person doing regular things. She tells us more: “Yes, I’ll be taking on acting full time! At least that’s the plan InshAllah.”
Is it hard to get your foot in the door? Newcomers don’t always have it easy, hence we want others to learn the ropes from Alina, or at least, a few words of advice?
“Knocking the door for opportunities is itself an experience and when the chance is right, the people say yes to you, and it all begins.” explains Alina philosophically.
I think it’s important to believe in ourselves and work hard to achieve something. Rest is in Allah’s hands. If you have the talent and are willing to work hard, take chances and keep believing, things do workout. No matter what the field, the first step is always difficult, but every experience leads to another opportunity … experience is a great teacher.”
Alina reads the hand of Fate and a grand plan leading her the way into acting… “Allah’s timing is impeccable, and HE TRULY IS THE BEST OF PLANNERS!”
“Bachpan say shauq” she responds laughingly. ! But I’m glad I started when I did because of who I am now! It is hard for a newcomer irrespective of gender! Be upright have clear intentions work extremely hard don’t back down from a fight BAQI ALLAH HAI NA!
Here are some rapid fire questions for you Alina. Catch the scenario & give us your best answer!
If shooting was cancelled or delayed unexpectedly, tell us what each one in your team would do?
Dure Nayab, Wahaj Ali, Hareem Farooq, Anjum Shahzad, Alina Abbas, Zainab Waseem and Kinza Razzaq.
Here is what Alina had to tell us:
“If shooting was cancelled Dure Nayab and I would for sure go home and sleep, right after complaining about sudden changes in schedule. Wahaj would chit chat with the cast and be the life of the party for sure. Sammy would for sure complain about sudden changes and then squeeze in a shopping trip. Anjum would get everyone together, chit chat with cast and be the life of the party too.
Kinza would either go to the gym or hang out with her friends. Hareem would go home and sleep.
The songs Keryana would listen to when:
Liza hits a 6 in the next game, and when Fari bowls out someone.
“We Will Rock You” by Queen will mark Liza’s sixer for sure, replies Keryana promptly, and for Hareem, “Jazba e Junoon” by Junoon.
We like the way the playlist turned from Queen to desi feels – Liza to Fari. And we have to agree, the songs stick! Remember that songs pick when you watch episode next 22 Qadam folks! You never know when you might need it!
What Keryana’s Fans Think? We asked and she answered:
Most memorable feedback I received? I receive it every Sunday from our amazing viewers. Keryana ko in logo Kay pyaar nay chaar chaand laga diya hai and to them I’m eternally grateful.
The best takeaway or relationship you made on the sets.
“Best relationships I made on the sets;” responds Keryana, “I’ll say Dure Nayab aka Liza and Abdullah Zaman our assistant director.”
And that’s it folks, Alina Abbas Shah aka Keryana from 22 Qadam! Tell us in comments what you’d ask her if you could, and we just might ask her for you!
22 Qadam is currently airing on Green Entertainment channel. It is penned by Zeeshan Ilyas and directed by Anjum Shahzad. The ensemble cast includes, among others, super performances from Hareem Farooq, Wahaj Ali, Kinza Razzak, Alina Abbas Shaha, Dure Nayab, Zainab Waseem, Saleem Mairaj, and a team of very competent cricket players who have us glued to our screens every Sunday evening. The drama is a project of IRK Films.
