Mohammed Ahmed – the screen writer who slides between the comic and the sober, the pen that writes an intensely moving narrative like Ramchand Pakistani and then reins it all in to deliver an intensely hilarious Azer Ki Ayegi baraat chronicles, his words are able to freeze a moment, an emotion, an expression in time – transposed on screen by ace directors, the likes of Marina Khan, Mehreen Jabbar and Nadeem Baig. Yes it is Mohammad Ahmed’s story that will grace our screens in Kuch Ankahi with Bilal Abbas Khan & Sajal Aly doing the honors.
On wanting to know more about the upcoming drama, I connected with him, only to get the tongue in cheek responses one expects from none other than the master of off-the-bat responses. ‘Baal nahin hain, is hi liye mujhe dramay mein cast karte hain, makeup waale ko paise kam dene parhte hain” he chuckles self deprecatingly, and I, of course, join in, lauding his ability to make himself the butt of a joke, as much as someone else!
So let’s start from the beginning, I suggested
Kuch Ankahi is a Kashf Foundation narrative and I wanted to know if we were about to land ourselves in the midst of Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi season 2! Not that the drama wasn’t utterly close to my heart but … sigh, I needed a break from heavy content!
Naah, responded the writer. Putting my fears at rest instantly. Kashf has related some points to me which they wanted to talk about. This time they wanted to convey their message to the public in a light-hearted tone. So I created a story and characters around these points.
My heart seemed to skip a beat as I envisioned the likes of Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas throwing us light comedy (I hope) in a drama that will, for sure send out multiple social messages.
What did you like most about the narrative then, I asked. What made you connect with it?
“It’s about life and the problems we face every day. Problems that we face with laughter and a smile. We don’t get bogged down by them, but, they’re there, ever-present.” Sounds familiar, so far, so good, I said to myself. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that get our attention, the experienced yet unnoticed emotions, the said, yet unsaid, as the name suggests – Kuch Ankahi.
You have written the drama. Is it based on real life events or a true story or loosely held together by the Kashf narrative?
Kashf related some points to me which they wanted to address. This time they wanted to convey their message to audiences in a light-hearted tone . So I created a story and developed characters around these points. It took me about a year to pen down the narrative, reveals the writer.
Mohammad Ahmed on Kuch Ankahi narrative
The drama took me around a year to write. It was a 4-month shoot before we called it a wrap. I was cast so I was a part of the team, disclosed Mohammad Ahmed.
Why Kuch Ankahi, the name. I inquired. Since it has been used earlier. Will the name change later. Is it addressing an issue in society we would rather not talk about?
My questions tumbled out one after the other but his answers, unfortunately weren’t letting the cat out of the bag!
“Kuch Ankahi…” there is a special reason behind this… which will be told at the start of serial. This name will not change. Somethings are such that they are understood without being said. Actions hold more value than words. Aha, I contemplated this one. Kuch Ankahi – something unsaid – and our writer also keeps it under cover – unsaid, as to why he picked the name. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Kuch Ankahi will offer tired souls a reason to smile!
Writer Mohammad Ahmed on Bila And Sajal’s upcoming drama Kuch Ankahi
Casting
On the super casting of Bilal & Sajal coming together so soon after Khel Khel Mein, the writer revealed that the casting was entirely director Nadeem Baig’s call and he was very pleased with it
He went on to expand that Bilal and Sajal’s work this time will be very endearing to the audience. I am certain of this, he added with complete confidence.
And now we come to the man himself, who is not only behind the dialogues but also before the camera in Kuch Ankahi – How hard is it to act in a show written by you as well?
“I should never act in a Drama that I have written”, discloses Mohammad Ahmed, with his signature outspokenness.” I will not repeat this mistake again next time. Because when the writer is on the set he has to listen to advice regarding each and every scene and dialogue just like an ill person has to listen to various remedies from people visiting him. “
Hmm, i pondered over this one. It’s hard to give up your creation to be interpreted by someone else at will. You are not alone, I wanted to respond. Imagine my writing being edited, chopped, slashed and (supposedly) enhanced by another mind – it is what it is. Sometimes you gotta bite the bullet, as they say in Urdu, kabhi kabhi karwa ghoont peena parhta hai, haina?
So take us to a high moment on the sets, I asked, in order to get some prize BTS off him, and he replied, without missing a beat –
The food at Nadeem Baig’s house – nothing beats that! Should have inquired about the menu there but I held myself back!
On the story itself, the writer discloses that he tried to bring a refreshing feel to the narrative with characters one could relate to.
This is the age of grey characters, I repeat like a broken record (Thank God, someone heard me)!
I tried to make it somewhat different than other serials if not very different. I don’t believe in characters that are black and white therefore you will see characters that are both good and bad. Kuch Ankahi will offer tired souls a reason to smile!
Writer Mohammad Ahmed on Drama Kuch Ankahi
“And, one more thing” he quips, leaving me with zero hope of any masala dialogues – “I erase the drama completely from my mind after writing it. I don’t remember any dialogues”.
Whoa, so just like that, with a snap of his fingers, it’s gone. Wish I could do that with some stories I watch, though the ones close to my heart stay on forever. Not me, he opines. I forget, and move on!
On the OST for Kuch Ankahi, news is that
Azaan Sami Khan has composed the song There are 2 songs. One more in addition to the main OST for Kuch Ankahi
And lastly, I had to ask if we are in for a long haul …
Or will he keep it short and sweet?
“How many tentative episodes? I asked, fearing the reply would stretch into an unnamed number – any pressure to stretch it?
Of course not he replied, instantly”. And I smiled an almost angelic smile, halo and all! More like relief, in gallons! “We have tried not to extend the drama unnecessarily. About 24 to 25 episodes.”
GOLDEN WORDS! Hear, hear, Mr. Writer, I think we’re in for a joy ride here.
Looking forward to the release of Kuch Ankahi soon to come on ARY Digital ad Six Sigma Plus. A Kashf Foundation narrative, penned by Mohammed Ahmed, directed by Nadeem Baig of multiple cinematic projects and lately, Sinf e Aahan, starring Bilal Abbas & Sajal Aly as well as ensemble cast to be revealed shortly.
I Don’t Think Sinf e Aahan Was A Safe Project! – Director Nadeem Baig
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