Pakistani ad-filmmaker Asad ul Haq makes his directorial debut with the romantic comedy Dekh Magar Pyaar Say, which was released in cinemas across the UAE on August 13.
It also marks the acting debut of Sikander Rizvi, grandson of legendary Pakistani playback singer, the late Madam Noor Jehan. Starring opposite Rizvi is Pakistani actress Humaima Malick, who made her Bollywood debut last year with Raja Natwarlal.
The trio, who visited Dubai to promote the movie, talked to The National about showcasing Pakistan in the film, and contributing to their country's film industry.
Asad, as an advertising-filmmaker, you have been known for your attention to detail. How will that translate onto the big screen?
Asad: Dekh Magar Pyaar Say is a romantic comedy with a twist. It will dispel the commonly held notion and clichés that go with the romantic genre. Because the story is so different, the styling has been done in a very different way as well. We shot in Lahore and some parts in London. The styling is by Saima Rashid Bargfrede. Our Creative and Fashion Design Director is Hassan Shehryar Yasin. Both are names who need no introduction in their respective fields. You will definitely see a very visually appealing product on screen.
Why did you choose to shoot this film in Lahore?
Asad: Not only is Lahore the cultural hub of Pakistan, but I find it to be the most romantic city in the country. As such, it was the perfect place to shoot the film.
Sikander, you come from the family of one of Pakistan’s most legendary performers: Madam Noor Jehan, who was your grandmother. Your aunts have been singers as well, and your sister Sonya Jehan is a model and actress. Was acting a natural progression for you, from your current career as a restaurateur running Xander’s, one of Karachi’s most popular restaurants?
Sikander: I got a call from Asad following my appearance in a commercial, and I thought he was contacting me to audition for another one. When it turned out to be for a film, I was quite surprised. But then I thought, "If my own sister is acting, then why not me?" Personally, I didn't think the audition went all that well, but Asad must have seen something in me, for him to call me back. I couldn't say no.
Humaima, your Bollywood film last year, Raja Natwarlal, didn't do too well. How are you feeling about Dekh Magar Pyaar Say?
Humaima: This is a really exciting time to be a part of the industry. There are so many amazing projects coming out: Bin Roye, Wrong Number, etc. New people are working on new projects and creating waves. Bollywood may be a bigger industry. But we have just as much talent in Pakistan, too.
Asad, your leading duo display brilliant chemistry on and off-screen. The trailer for the film looks pretty good, too. How do you feel it turned out?
Asad: Dekh Magar Pyaar Say is a manifestation of our culture, our stories, and our music, delivered to you in breathtaking visuals. We have done our best to come up with something that is entertaining and original, is grounded in our culture, and tells our story. We have made an effort to contribute to the great work that is coming out of the Pakistani film industry today, and are looking forward to seeing what everyone else thinks.
artslife@thenational.ae
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
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Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
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What are the regulations?
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Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
