Needless to say, Sang e Mah has been making waves since the first teaser was released. Starring Kubra Khan, Hania Amir, Noman Ijaz, Najiba Faiz, Samiya Mumtaz, Sania Saeed, Hasan Noman, and Zaviyar Noman along with the heartthrob of our nation, Atif Aslam, the drama has an ensemble cast. Produced under the banner of Momina Duraid Production, the drama is directed by Saife Hasan who has previously directed hit dramas and movies such as Ehd e Wafa, Alif, Superstar, and Actor in Law.
The drama’s first episode premiered in cinemas on Friday, two days prior to it being aired on HUM TV on Sunday, 9th January. Sang e Mah has received an overwhelming response with its first episode having been viewed approximately 5 million times on YouTube.
Since the narrative is pushing Ghag – a practice that is aimed against young girls who are forcibly taken into marriage, the drama hopes to highlight a cause and create awareness. Just like the fans, the actors, and the whole production team was exhilarated being involved in a project like Sang e Mah and here is what they had to say.
Kubra Khan On Her Experience
Kubra mentioned that despite doing fifteen dramas before Sang e Mah, this was a new experience for her. The ‘Sange‘ series go out and beyond when it comes to the script and they talk about things that matter and the issues that are prevalent in our society while also highlighting customs in our society.
Atif Aslam On How He Practiced His Lines!
Atif Aslam described the whole process of essaying the role of Hilmand. He said that he would talk to himself and would practice his lines with the people he was traveling with. He was grateful to Umar and Sajid with whom he was traveling.
When asked what he did about the concerts during his shoot, he playfully responded that he just did them!
Atif was all praises for the whole team and Momina and Duraid for giving him this opportunity. He revealed that the 30 to 40 day shoot was certainly challenging for him and this has lead him to respect all the actors and people involved in the process of making dramas.
Hania Amir On Her Character’s Accent
When asked about her experience was while working on the sets of Sang e Mah, Hania eloquently described it as a challenging experience due to the shoot location and her requirement to have a particular accent. She said that she was fortunate and felt that she had enrolled in an acting school and all she had to do was to mimic other actors to have a grip on the accent. She went on to praise Saife Hassan, the captain of the ship.
She also praised the mega star, Atif Aslam and described him as a gem of a person.
Mustafa Afridi Sheds Light On ‘Ghag’
Mustafa Afridi talked about the custom of Ghag and how it is prevalent for centuries in tribal areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The last ghag took place two months ago in Peshawar. In this custom a man will fire shots outside the house of any woman he likes and she will be betrothed to him. No other man can ask for her hand in marriage and if someone does so they will be rivals with the person who was betrothed to her first (by way of claiming his right by firing outside her house).
Traditionally, a woman who belongs to a poor family is wedded to the person but those who belong from influential families do not get married and stay unwed for their entire lives, or if someone asks for their hand in marriage, it results in tribal rivalry and bloodshed.
Momina Duraid
Momina stated that being a pathan herself, the stories of those areas are very close to her heart, and ever since she entered into the production arena, she aims to bring Pathan stories to television.
She highlighted that every area has certain customs and traditions that need to be abolished. Thus, it is necessary to show the repercussions of such actions. She praised both the writer and the director, Mustafa Afridi & Saife Hassan respectively and mentioned that the duo produces excellent results. She also had nothing but praise for Atif Aslam.
Duraid Qureshi
When asked about the secret of producing a successful play, Duraid Qureshi said that whenever they do something whether it is a movie, film, or award show, they aim to create a benchmark. He said that when they started producing dramas, people were inclined more towards Indian dramas.
He narrated the incident on how Atif Aslam joined the team. He talked about the time when he and Momina met Atif and his wife at an airport and Atif was interested in taking up acting. When it came to short list an actor for the role of Hilmand, Momina Duraid was convinced that Atif would be perfect for this role. Duraid continued to praise Atif and his acting skills and dialogue delivery.
Sultana Siddiqui
Sultana Siddiqui said that it is a huge task to take risks and this is what makes us competitive internationally as well. HUM TV has always taken risks by giving new artists main lead for e.g. Hadiqa in Raqeeb Se and Atif Aslam and Zaviyar Noman in Sang e Mah. She further told the media that this is what she has been trying to do since the beginning and that she appreciates Momina for doing the same.
She further said that it takes time for the audience to appreciate new art and that the team is open to criticism.
Saifee Hasan
Saife Hassan was all praises for Atif Aslam. He described him as a hard working man and someone who has a love for his craft. He playfully said that Atif used to tease him but he is a great performer and has done a wonderful role in Sang e Mah which might have been challenging for some of the other actors.
What are your thoughts on the first episode of Sang e Mah?
Watch FUCHSIA Magazine’s exclusive interviews of the cast and director at the premier of Sang e Mah.
