The impression one gets chatting to director Nadeem Baig is that he’s a person full of confidence and self-belief. Perhaps that is what comes from being a director with so many classics under his belt. In light of his recent triumph Mere Pass Tum Ho (MPTH), he knows how to keep his audience guessing through the use of clever plot twists and strong storytelling. Sensual, spellbinding and incredibly affecting, MPTH raked in the highest ratings for the first episode ever at the TRP calculator. Let’s not forget, rarely does a play scores on such count. It continues to bonker viewership records and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Inside, Nadeem was all smiles when we spoke to him about the play. Our conversation moved towards many trajectories and lesser known facts bouncing around from Baig’s memories.
Audience is willing to watch a story with a different angle. Says Nadeem Baig !
He believes the phenomenal audience response is due to multiple factors that accumulated together like an absolute house on fire.
“The fresh pairing of Ayeza and Humayun, the absorbing storyline by Khalil-ur-Rehman-Qamar and the relatable premises was apt to give it a full impact. At a time when there are all kinds of storytelling around, MPTH carves out a place for itself, because it’s a story from a man’s point of view. The woman here is not beaten up or abused as per the predictable patterns in most of our plays. The narrative highlights the issues of middle class people focusing on everyday life and simple nuances of the character. Without going overboard, it sheds light on the complexities of married life, layered with human emotions. It’s based on relevant and timeless emotions that every individual would relate to. It’s great to see viewers literally waiting for every episode.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrnPaT2F7Z-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
He shares the trick in the script was really a stroke of genius by Khalil-ur-Rehman-Qamar and a step up in terms of the bar.
Episode 11 in Review: Meray Paas Tum Ho’s Cliffhanger Has Us In Tears
“Khalil Sahab had written the script five years back and wanted Humayun Saeed to act in it. There may be other plays’ based on the same plot, but the way he unfolds the narrative, and beautifully captures the minute detailing of characters has connect, one that builds up.”
He made a strategic choice of choosing a script that was difficult to make and required actors to be natural and realistic to perform on a thin line.
“I knew the “genre” the world, I wanted to create, but what you come to realize is that nothing matters more than investing in the characters and story. It is relatively easy to take the narrative forward once you’ve got that figured out. We portrayed it aesthetically to make it relevant. There are many anti clichés, so I and Humayun were apprehensive about how would the audience perceive it. The overwhelming response is a testimony that audience is willing to watch a story with a different angle.”
He pointed out that actresses today don’t prefer taking up roles that are negative to an extent and require a little more from the usual ones.
“I offered the part to many girls who got rattled and said ‘no’ assuming their character would end up looking cheap and wicked. (Baig smiles, without taking names). We had Ayeza in mind, I pitched the idea; she was convinced and signed the dotted line.”
What’s interesting about this development is that initially the duo (Nadeem and Humayun) weren’t a part of the project.
“I’ve been casting for Six Sigma productions for quite some time; we had already finalized the director and the leading man. One day, out of nowhere, I and Humayun randomly decided “Hum Karlein” (shall we do it) we mutually agreed within a minute. That was it. Ayeza was already on board and the rest, as they say, is history. With this being the case, the actresses who once rejected the part wanted to come on board again, but I clearly refused. I knew it was Ayeza’s role, she wasn’t double minded, she was astutely aware of what it is that she’s doing. She knew her character would get some hatred but that’s what dramatization is all about.” We’re so glad that Nadeem and Humayun took this decision because we wouldn’t have anyone else playing that part but him!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0a9mL_l6yz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Further parsing his rapport with Saeed, he added.
“It’s always been a pleasure working with Humayun, we both understand each other well. We’ve shared history with a legacy of memorable projects Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani franchise and Dillagi. I am aware of his limits; I know how to push him to the extent where he can surprise the audience.”
Not just this, Baig made it more than clear about the perception of Humayun being a big star, a hero, who can’t act well.
“I never really understood that on one hand Saeed is the biggest star of the country’s and on the contrary he is always been an underrated actor. There is a lot more to him. Lots! Humayun is one of the finest actors that we have. His terrific performance in MPTH is a befitting reply to such opinions. He takes the challenge of a layered character by portraying the tale of an ordinary man, and surprises everyone with his stellar performance.”
Talking of Humayun, we also got in touch with him about his views on the stupendous success of the play.
“MPTH has given us more than what we had expected. We knew that it would do well; we thought it will take a couple of episodes for the viewers to connect, but the response from the very first episode took us all by surprise. It’s great to see the incredible amount of love pouring in every week. We’re just making people entertain and if MPTH can elevate it, even a little bit, that’s all good. It’s is a brilliant script, well directed and performed by the entire cast. Stay tuned, there’s a lot more coming up.”
Nadeem expresses his love for Television and how he enjoys the freedom of storytelling and the opportunity to layer up emotions.
“I couldn’t do television after Dillagi; I did two films in two years, filmmaking consumes a lot of time, so the break was genuine. I had a gap of five months, so I did MPTH. As of now, my entire focus is to tell stories as interestingly as possible intending on the emotions. Performance and choice of script remains my priority, be it film or television. The believability and acceptance of the story, characters and their impact matters the most. We still remember PTV classics Dhoop Kinare and Tanhaiyaan. We savor the brilliant acting and well-crafted characters; none of us remember the lighting, sets or locations. I want people to remember my work within these parameters. God has been kind that whatever I have done during the last decade, he has bestowed his blessing on me.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwcMF0el92W/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
As for what’s next on his plate, he says.
“I am working on two films that will release in 2020. The first being a light romantic film written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. We are done with the script; it has the drama and Khalil Sahab’s flavor to it, but at the same time it will be hilarious. As for the second one, I am fine tuning the script with Vasay Chaudhry, it’s still in the development phase”.
Uzair Majeed believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. His blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, he makes complex subjects feel understandable. He’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find his latest posts on trending in social.
