With movie releases galore, Pakistani cinema is reaching new heights with every passing year. And what’s better is that we get to see new faces set the silver screen ablaze instead of just the established actors on repeat [don’t get us wrong, we love our industry veterans just as much!] But all these fresh newcomers – oozing with passion and talent – are a breath of fresh air and add to the diversity of the entertainment and film realm.
Parwaaz Hai Junoon is set to do just that. With new faces like Hania Amir, Ahad Raza Mir, Shaz Khan and Kubra Khan, we are ecstatic to pick our new favourites! The star-studded cast also includes names like Marina Khan, Hina Bayat, Shamoon Abbasi, Rachel Viccaji, Hamza Abbasi and Farhan Ali Agha.The rest of the details are for us to find out – the film is set to release early this summer!
“Debut film of award-winning director Haseeb Hassan, Parwaaz Hai Junoon shows the audience the emotional side of the men behind our armed forces.”
Tell us about signing up for this movie – what appealed to you? What’s the movie about?
Hania Amir: So the night my first film Janaan premiered in Karachi, the very next day I got a message from the director [Haseeb Hassan] of this film. And to be honest, it was a sure shot ‘yes’ from me – an award-winning director, amazing script plus great cast. The movie is about the journey of a fun-loving girl becoming this mature, driven adult, and a fighter pilot and his love for his country. It’s about cadets competing and giving it their all to become general duty pilots. It’s a roller coaster ride.
Ahad Mir: The one word I heard was ‘air force’, and I was already intrigued. But I think the best aspect is that this film doesn’t just revolve around that; usually, films about the armed forces are all about the action. This movie has a lot of story and focuses on the lives of these people in the armed forces rather than just focusing on the action. There’s a human approach to their lives and that’s what appealed to me the most.
Tell us about your character in the movie. How different is it from the real you?
HA: My reel character is not very different from the real me. The name of my character is Sania and she is the strongest character you’ll ever see on screen. She’s driven, she knows what she wants, and once she’s decided on something, there’s no looking back. Along with being the strong-headed woman that she is, she is also extremely loving, caring and really fun. It will definitely be a delight for me and for the audience to watch this character on screen.
How did you prepare for your role?
HA: [Laughs] I basically looked up anything and everything that was available on the internet related to the air force. And while we were shooting at the airbases, the cadets and officers were all really nice and friendly so I would ask them if I didn’t understand something – they’d always help out.
AM: Preparing for this role was really just a blessing. I watched movies about the air force to kind of see what cadet life was like, but since we were shooting with real officers, we got to see what their life was really about. We were living with them basically so we saw their experiences first-hand. There was no better way to prepare than to watch these people around us. They were always there so we could talk to them, see what they enjoy, what they find the toughest, etc. So we got to take the real element and kind of add our own flavour. It was very specific so it was great.
Tell us about working with your co-stars.?
HA: I had not met anybody from the cast before. But it was definitely the most exciting and fun experience working with all these amazing actors. One thing this film gave me are great friends. It was a beautiful experience.
AM: It was the first time working with most of the people. The best part was how young the cast was – there was so much youth and energy on set. I worked with a lot of actors who’ve been around for a while as well – seniors. So it was a lot of fun!
The last two-three years have been iconic for Pakistani cinema; do you think this movie will bring something new for the audience?
HA: It definitely will. Like I said, it’s a journey and I’m really very excited to share with the audience our heart and soul which we put into the movie.
AM: Yes, a hundred percent! Like I said before, the film focuses on the lives of these people and I feel people are going to see everything in this one movie. Action, romance, comedy, adventure – all wrapped into this nice little package with the air force title. It’s also got this really good Pakistani vibe which is what I love. It’s a ‘Pakistani film’ in its entirety.
What kind of scripts do you feel are currently needed?
AM: All kinds of scripts and films should be made right now. This is the best time for Pakistani cinema because I feel no standard has yet been set. Anything sort of goes – and that’s the best and most beautiful part of it. We can be as basic as we want or as experimental as want. But the most important thing we need to remember is that we need Pakistani scripts. We have such a rich culture, history and hopefully future, so we should focus on our own stories.
A local movie which you absolutely love (out of all that have come out as part of new cinema in Pakistan)?
HA: No biases at all but I think Na Maloom Afraad 2 was a brilliant film.
AM: I really liked all the comedy films that have come out – Main Punjab Nahin Jaungi, Na Maloom Afraad. I’m also very excited to see Cake just because I feel it’s something different. From the trailers, you can tell the storyline focuses on family and that’s a very important aspect [to our culture].
Name a local actor and actress who you feel have massive potential, or possibly a favourite of yours?
HA: I’ve always been a huge Sanam Saeed fan, and also Mohsin Abbas Haider. These two are definitely my favourites.
AM: I feel everyone has potential – all the new people coming into the field including myself are all very passionate and serious about what they’re doing. It’s now time for people to step up and not just as actors but in everything. We are the people who are going to take things forward.
Name actors who have inspired you throughout your acting career – local ones…
HA: There isn’t just one. Every actor is different – overrated or underrated – but the kind of dedication each and every one puts into their projects is crazy. Working 13 to 14 hours a day and sometimes even more, bringing characters to life, putting their heart and soul into their work deserves applause. Actors in general inspire me for the kind of dedication they have; for the kind of love they have for their job. It’s just beautiful.
AM: The first person that comes to mind has to be my father Asif Raza Mir – he’s someone I’ve always looked up to. I’m now in the same line of work so watching my father work is different – I see what people love about him. Watching him from a professional standpoint, the roles he chooses, the scripts he picks and why – it’s all inspirational for me. People like Fawad Khan as well – he’s an excellent actor and a role model to a lot of young actors right now.
A role or character you feel you would’ve loved to play and why? Or a movie you wish you were a part of? Local or international?
HA: [Laughs] I really wish I was Harley Quinn!
AM: I’m open to do anything really. But one of my favourite film-makers ever is Quentin Tarantino. The films he makes are so well thought-out – they get you thinking, they shock you and they entertain you. The characters he incorporates into the films are also so well-rounded. I would’ve loved to be a part of any of his films. That’s the kind of realm of film-making I’m into.
If you weren’t an actor, you would’ve been…
HA: I would’ve done everything that I could’ve. I would’ve done my degree in Psychology or Maths. I’d probably be a part of a production house, maybe even run my own someday. I would’ve made it to being Jennifer Lawrence’s spot girl, start my own business or even work at McDonald’s! The list goes on and on!
AM: I probably would’ve become a chef.
Words of wisdom someone gave you or advice you received which has stuck with you?
HA: Sir Javed Sheikh – I once asked him for advice regarding my acting career, the industry and everything, and he literally said two words. Patience and passion. These words have really stuck with me since and make absolute sense to me every single day. So whenever I’m stuck somewhere or worried about something related to work, I just recall what he said.
AM: My family always reminds me that there’s a time for everything – and that patience is the best virtue. The latter kind of ties into the sentence that there really is a time for everything and there’s no need to rush things. That’s how I live my life.
What do you treasure or cherish most in life?
HA: My relationships – my family, friends, people who have always been there for me.
AM: Relationships, and of course the feeling of having hard work pay off – there’s literally nothing better than that. Sometimes you work so hard and give your blood, sweat and tears, and it doesn’t pay off and goes unnoticed. But when it is recognised, it’s a tremendous feeling.
If you could go back and change one thing or experience in life, what would it be and why? Any regrets?
HA: Nothing, to be honest. I am a strong believer of “everything happens for a reason” so I don’t really have any regrets. Even the worst experiences teach you something and definitely make you stronger.
AM: I would change nothing just because whatever success I’ve had or whatever mistakes I’ve made in life have been there to shape me and helped me become who I am today so I wouldn’t change anything.
Life On Set…
Prankster on set?
HA: Everyone was equally messed up to be honest! [Laughs]
AM: Probably Shafaat [Ali].
Who’s always late – the habitual latecomer?
HA: Has to be [Mustafa] Changezi.
AM: Shafaat.
Comedian on set?
HA: We were all quite entertaining!
AM: Shafaat.
Tea/coffee addict on set?
HA: Rachel Viccaji and I.
AM: Rachel Viccaji.
Always sleep deprived?
HA: Changezi.
AM: That would be me.
Focused and ready to work?
HA: Everybody.
AM: A hundred percent me and Sikander [Khan].
Diva on set?
HA: Rachel!
AM: That would have to be Hania! [Laughs]
The advise-giver on set?
HA: Hania Amir! [Laughs]
AM: Shamoon Abbasi.
The parent on set?
HA: Rachel and I.
AM: Rachel.
The pampered/spoiled one on set?
HA: Sabeena [Syed] – our child!
AM: Either Hania or me.
INTERVIEW: EIMAN MASROOR
STYLING: RAO ALI KHAN
HANIA’S MAKE UP AND HAIR: BABUR ZAHEER
AHAD’S GROOMING: SAJID SALON
LOCATION COURTESY: ANUM KASIM
SET BY TAHA@ DAWAT.PK
