Karachi, The cast of the much-anticipated Pakistani romance Neelofar recently gathered at a media junket to discuss their experiences working on the film. Lead actors Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, along with Behroze Sabzwari, Sarwat Gillani, Madiha Imam, and Atiqa Odho, expressed optimism about the film’s potential to connect with audiences.
Cast Reflects on Reunion and Chemistry
“Sometimes in life, projects come your way that you are willing to be a small part of,” Mahira told journalists. Fawad added: “I have learned a lot from this film, and I made many mistakes, but I hope when you watch the movie, you will like it.”
Veteran actor Behroze Sabzwari said, “My heart tells me that I am genuinely happy to be a part of this film.” Madiha Imam and Atiqa Odho echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the love and dedication invested in the project. Many cast members, including Mahira, Fawad, Atiqa, and Behroze, previously collaborated in the hit serial Humsafar.
Story and Themes
Written and directed by Ammar Rasool, Neelofar follows Mansoor Ali Khan, a world-renowned Urdu novelist, who returns to Lahore for a literary festival and meets Neelofar, a blind woman who experiences the world through sound, scent, and silence. The film explores analogue intimacy, vulnerability, and the unseen connections that shape human relationships.
Mahira described her scenes as primarily with Behroze Sabzwari, Navid Shahzad, and Fawad Khan, adding: “We were also a little changed as actors, but because we haven’t worked together for so long, I think it was a lot of fun. Very good.” Fawad described the film as “a very romantic film” focused on love between two characters against a rich backdrop.
Production Journey and Challenges
The film’s long production journey was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Fawad explained: “I won’t say it was a mistake; it was a coincidence. Covid came, and I thought it was the responsible thing to stop shooting. A lot of people lost their lives.”
Both actors emphasized the unpredictability of viral trends and audience reception. Mahira noted, “If we knew this, we wouldn’t have made such a video. No, no, it’s very rare. It’s not trending at all.”
International Release and Audience Expectations
Behroze welcomed the film’s international release, saying: “About 5% of people go to watch it in Pakistan, and out of those, even 2% watch it for free.” Mahira and Fawad expressed hope that the story and performances would resonate globally, while Mahira praised the producer for bringing the cast together and fostering strong on-screen chemistry.
Reflections on Karachi
At the junket, Mahira also reflected on her hometown Karachi, describing it as “that mother who welcomes people by giving them a hug.” She acknowledged the city’s dual nature: “Some people take a lot from her, sometimes she treats them badly, but this is the nature of Karachi.”
