Theatre plays are always refreshing and a treat to watch as they allow for a break from things we see onscreen or watch online. It is also the litmus test for any actor looking to challenge themselves.
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Directed by Zain Ahmed, the upcoming interpretation of the famous folktale will be an Urdu musical that marks Sanam Saeed’s return to theatre after two years.
Karachi: Theatre plays are always refreshing and a treat to watch as they allow for a break from things we see onscreen or watch online. It is also the litmus test for any actor looking to challenge themselves.
Theatre is also a growing industry in Pakistan and every year is punctuated by a number of theatre productions. Some are more prolific than others but the good news is that these productions, both big and small, are emerging in regular fashion.
One case in point is the upcoming theatre play, Heer Ranjha. Spearheaded by Zain Ahmed of NAPA, it holds special significance not just because it is bringing actor Sanam Saeed back to her theatre roots but also because it has a good cause attached to it. The production is intended to generate funds for education of less privileged children across Pakistan in collaboration with The Citizens Foundation (TCF).
“It is set in the same time period but with a contemporary touch to it,” Zain Ahmed told Instep on the sidelines of the press conference that was held at NAPA on Friday. “The contemporary element is more visible in the presentation not the era.”
Heer Ranjha is an Urdu musical based on the script of the popular folklore by Indian writer Kaifi Azmi and has been adapted to suit local taste. The musical stars Saeed as Heer while NAPA graduate Hasan Raza, who has appeared in a number of theatre productions in the past, has been cast as Ranjha.
We asked Saeed, who recently wrapped up the shooting of her upcoming film Cake, what led to her return to theatre after working in TV and films. “I had time, I wasn’t doing TV so I said yes to it,” she shared with Instep, stressing that she wanted a change of pace from onscreen acting.”
Responding to a question about casting Saeed in this particular production, Zain Ahmed told Instep, “I had seen Sanam in the musical, Grease, and was blown away by her remarkable performance so I wanted her to play the character of Heer.”
Aside from Saeed and Raza, the theatre production has an ensemble cast that comprises industry veterans like Arshad Mahmud and Samina Ahmed who will play the role of Saeed’s parents in Heer Ranjha. Since it’s a musical, music has also been adapted from the script and is being directed by Nigel Bobby. The play will have a total of eight songs and Saeed will also be lending her vocals to a few of them.
Heer Ranjha will run from September 7 till September 11 at the Karachi Arts Council, followed by Lahore (13-14) and Faisalabad (16-17).
