Goher Mumtaz seems to be on a mission to show the world that there is nothing he can’t do.

Since first coming to prominence as a member of the pop rock band Jal, Goher has not only proved his mettle as a singer, songwriter, and musician, but has also ventured into the field of acting, making a name for himself by starring in television dramas like Tanhai, Uff Yeh Mohabbat, Neelam Kinaray, Ghayal, Faisla, and Mere Humdam as well as making a cameo appearance in the film Lahore Se Aagey.

Now, he is busy spearheading the production of his first major big screen venture, the romantic thriller Abhee. He is, of course, the star of the movie, and has also conceived the story, composed songs for the soundtrack, and basically put the whole project together.

“It has been the greatest experience one can have,” the entertainer tells Instep. “Creating the film from scratch, from funding and investors to the story, music, and the entire process of turning it into reality … I had goosebumps on the first day of shooting. I believe when you have true intentions to work on something, it happens. So faith is the key. Plus, credit also goes to my partner Ali Raza Chaudhry at Daniel Johns Productions (UK) who had faith in me and my abilities.”

Directed by Asad Malik, the movie, which is around halfway through its principal photography, has been shot in multiple locations across the country, including Kashmir, Lahore, and Karachi, with filming still pending in Islamabad and Kohat.

So, what inspired the conception of Abhee? “Well, in 2015, I came back after watching a film,” he recalls, “and I was intrigued by that movie mainly because of how the filmmakers highlighted their country. I loved the score and the screenplay as well, and thought maybe one day we can show the world that our country has just as much talent. The story was quite intuitive when I started writing it. It’s like a tale written as a book and later converted by the very talented Shoaib Rabbani into a screenplay.”

Helping Goher bring his vision to the screen was the guiding hand of the acclaimed Shoaib Mansoor, who not only helped Goher fine-tune the story but also wrote the movie’s lead single, ‘Ab Hamari Bari Hai Sir Jee’.

Helping Goher bring his vision to the screen was the guiding hand of the acclaimed Shoaib Mansoor, who not only helped him fine-tune the story but also wrote the movie’s title track, ‘Ab Hamari Bari Hai Sir Jee’.

“I have been meeting Shoaib Mansoor quite often,” the actor reveals. “I used to update him on the story that I was working on. One day I called him and asked for his help on the film. He told me to come to his office. We narrated the story to him as it had been in my mind and then Shoaib Rabbani took it forward through the screenplay. After multiple sessions, Shoaib Mansoor asked me to make some changes and also helped me with the theme song, ‘Ab Hamari Bari Hai Sir Jee’, after understanding the concept and the needs of the story.” Goher is exhilarated by Mansoor’s involvement in the project and grateful for his guidance. “It’s like a dream come true to work with him or even sit next to him!” Goher enthuses. “He has given us great tips and great support, guided us through forming a great team, looked over the film’s score, and given us reality checks at every step.”

Starring opposite Goher as the female lead is Kubra Khan, whose screen presence and potential landed her the role of the film’s heroine, Zara. “Kubra is a fresh face in our industry and we collectively thought that she has the talent to take full control of her character. Director Asad Malik, who is known for his cinematography (Alif), thought that we needed someone on whom we could take a chance, and Kubra fit the bill. She is immensely talented, and in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, I felt that she has the cinematic look. Later, when the director wanted to cast her, I was really happy. She has done an amazing job carrying the weight of her character. It has been a great experience working with her.”

Alongside Goher and Kubra, the film’s star-studded cast also includes the likes of Usman Peerzada, Mehmood Aslam, Saleem Sheikh, Hina Khawaja Bayat, Saleem Mairaj, Adnan Shah Tipu, Marhoom Ahmad Bilal, and Rana Majid who plays a very vital role in the movie.

As you would expect, Goher is naturally also lending his musical skills to the project. The film will be accompanied by an album that is likely to include six to seven songs, and Goher has been involved in the creation and composition of several tracks.

“I composed ‘Ab Hamari Bari Hai Sir Jee’, which was penned by Shoaib Mansoor, and it’s sounding great,” he states. He is now working on more music for the movie at the moment, including the song ‘Arziaan’. While he appreciates the kind of music that generally accompanies Pakistani films, Goher says he aims to create something unique for the soundtrack of Abhee, leaning towards a sound that is different from that of a typical OST and that people can enjoy outside the experience of the film as well. With the likes of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Aima Baig, Anglo-Swiss artist Tanya Wells, and UK-based singer Nish Asher lending their vocals to the songs, elements of pop and fusion seem to be on the cards.

Goher is eyeing an Eid release date for Abhee, presuming normalcy decides to make a comeback by then. While the ongoing pandemic may (or may not) delay the film’s unveiling, luckily COVID-19 has not had any significant impact on the movie’s production. “It didn’t affect the shooting or anything,” says Goher. “In fact, we got more time to work on the music, songs, and other production aspects during the lockdown. We are aiming to finish the shoot in March, and we plan to release the film on Eid, but let’s hope things get better and we don’t have to wait.”