E X C L U S I V E
a dream girl but also a mastermind. One can say she is a beauty
with brains in the movie.
One thing you learned about your co-stars on the sets?
Neelam: Ahsan taught me how to convince people to understand
and implement my point of view. The new actors made me realise
that this is serious work, as films are very different from TV.
Ahsan: I play the character of Babu and as I always say: “The
film is not about me, rather I am about the film.” We are a
group of equally significant characters. Babu is a very vulnerable, Ahsan: The newcomers are very enthusiastic and hard-working.
careless and somewhat naive character in a sweet way. He is very Their passion was infectious. New people in the field always give
ambitious but is always looking for a quick way out.
their best shot at what they do, compared to people who have
already been in the industry for quite some time. Yet, I feel that
Ali: My character Koki is a little goofy and lives in Hyderabad. new or experienced, everybody should work as if it’s their very
He aims to be successful in life and for that he gets married and first time.
runs away with the wife’s jewellery on the wedding night. Then
he keeps running and lands in the company of Ahsan Khan.
Ali: Ahsan is one of the most humble person I have met and
Neelam was very cooperative throughout.
How was it working with each other and the debutante actors
for the movie?
How are the films different from TV?
Neelam: It was an enjoyable experience.
Neelam: They are very different
Everyone was very professional and
regarding emotions, scene setting and
passionate about their work. Ahsan
filming.
and I did not interact a lot on the sets,
making sure the new guys don’t feel left
One scene that was very difficult to
out.
shoot?
Neelam: There was an action scene
Ahsan: I don’t really consider them new
which was quite similar to the Tomb
actors, as they have considerable theatre
Raider films that, in my opinion, was
experience and deserve equal attention
very challenging; physically.
from the media that Neelum and I are
getting. They have a bright future ahead
Ahsan: The only challenging scene to
of them, and all of them did a fantastic
film for me was when I had to drive a
job in the film.
really old car that kept breaking down
despite repairs. I had to drive it all
Ali: Both of them are very humble and
around Karachi for the shoot.
down-to-earth. They welcomed us, the
new actors, very warmly. Throughout
Ali: The scene when Neelam had to
the journey of Chupan Chupai, they
jump off from the top of the car, it was
have helped us in every possible way.
a Tomb Raider kind of scene.
Who was the most annoying on set?
What was the funniest incident on the sets?
Ali: Me, because every time before the shots I would not talk to Neelam: There were small moments here and there, nothing that
anyone to keep my focus sharp. I would be roaming around with really stood out the most. I think it was because everyone was
my headphones, and the director used to keep yelling my name enthusiastic about their work.
to come act for the shot. I would not realise it until I had things
thrown in my direction.
Ahsan: The punch lines and dialogues of characters played by my
co-stars always made me laugh. There is a scene halfway through
What appealed to you the most about Chupan Chupai?
the film when Adnan (Jaffar) tries to fight us, but it backfires on
Neelam: My character and the script; it really spoke to me. I him, you will have to watch the movie to find out more. It was
knew I had to do it.
the funniest scene in my opinion.
Ahsan: I was shooting Udaari which was a very heavy and
demanding role as it dealt with a very serious issue of child abuse.
Thus, when the script was offered to me at that time, it was very
refreshing, and I decided to take on a comedic role.
Ali: The script and the director Mohsin Ali. Mohsin was my class
fellow back in university days, so I know how it is working with
him. Friendship aside, he is a very professional person.
I was shooting Udaari which was a very
“ heavy
and demanding role as it dealt with
a very serious issue of child abuse. Thus,
when the script was offered to me at that
time, it was very refreshing, and I decided
to take on a comedic role.
”
69