Featuring prominently in Geo TV’s upcoming drama, the actor talks about her character and other projects for which she has donned the producer’s hat.
INSTEPINTERVIEW
After making headlines with her Bollywood debut, Happy Bhag Jayegi in 2016, Momal Sheikh returns to television with Geo TV’s upcoming play Silsilay. Directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain and written by Samra Bukhari, the play is a family drama that features Junaid Khan, Muneeb Butt, Hiba Bukhari, Seemi Raheel and Shagufta Ejaz besides Sheikh. The plot revolves around an interactive family in which Sheikh is essaying the character of Abeeha, a strong girl who is fun-loving and sensitive at the same time.
Even though she was seen in a few commercials, Sheikh has made a comeback to the small screen after a hiatus of almost a year. Some of her notable plays include Geo TV’s Mirat-ul-Uroos (2012) alongside Mehwish Hayat and Aamina Sheikh and Kadoorat (2013).
Sheikh’s debut movie Happy Bhag Jayegi, a cross-border rom-com, was unfortunately not released in Pakistan due to controversies but it got mixed reviews at the box office. Also, Shiekh’s performance was much appreciated on both sides of the border.
With Silsilay already on air, Instep got in touch with the actor-producer to find out about her upcoming projects. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Instep: We will be seeing you on the small screen after a long time. What kept you so busy?
Momal Sheikh (MS): I have been occupied with family and other personal commitments; hence I was away from the small screen.
Instep: Tell us about your character in your upcoming drama Silsilay?
MS: In Silsilay, I play the character of Abeeha; she is the backbone of her family and is the central support system. However, she has many obstacles that she has to overcome but her journey is one of courage, sacrifice and strength.
Instep: With this play what should your fans look forward to?
MS: I want there to be an element of surprise so I don’t want to give away too much of the story as only one episode has gone on air, but the audience will find my character relatable and I hope I do justice in portraying her strength and displaying her personality in the best possible way.
Instep: Tell us about your upcoming projects in 2018?
MS: Well, my latest production Wajood will be ready for release in 2018. Even though, I am not a part of the cast, I have worked behind the scenes which has been a very unique experience. Production is a different ball game altogether and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Instep: With the new wave of Pakistani cinema will we be seeing you on the domestic big screen anytime soon?
MS: Yes of course, movies are definitely in the pipeline. I have a few offers but due to family commitments I am pressed for time, therefore I will have to be a little selective in the projects I sign. So let’s see what the future unfolds.
Instep: We last saw you in a Bollywood movie and various commercials; what was the reason that you didn’t appear in any drama serials?
MS: Drama serials require a lot of commitment in terms of time. There are lengthy spells and long hours of shoots. And I made a choice to be a stay-at-home mom for most part of the year as I wanted to focus on my family. However, I now have more flexibility to sign new projects and I have got my hands full with this drama and other offers that I will be signing soon.
Instep: With the onset of 2018 what are your resolutions, career wise?
MS: As I mentioned earlier, the flexibility I have now gives me the option to sign multiple projects so 2018 will be a busy year for me. I obviously want to be even more dedicated and look forward to better performances this year. I guess you will have to wait and watch.
