THE big Pakistani film release this Eid is 7 Din Mohabbat In, which sees Sheheryar Munawar play a man on a quest to find true love.
The acclaimed actor stars opposite Mahira Khan in the colourful romantic comedy that will be lighting up the festive season in cinemas. Eastern Eye caught up with Sheheryar to talk about acting, 7 Din Mohabbat In, laughter and more...
How do you look back on your journey as an actor?
It’s been a slow but steady ride. Growing up, I would always daydream about overnight stardom. However, I soon realised success that comes overnight goes away just as quickly. So for the past few years it has been a long and painstaking process of waiting for the right projects and then giving them my all.
It’s not only the ability to choose the right projects that builds a career, but more so the ability to let go of the wrong ones. Having said that, I think my journey has just begun. As the saying goes: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep”.
Tell us about 7 Din Mohabbat In and the character you play...
7 Din Mohabbat In is said to be a quirky romantic comedy, but I think that is a little unfair. It is a lot more layered than that. It’s the story of a hopeless, frustrated and suppressed 29-year-old man who lives with his mother in a small house in the old (Saddar, Karachi) city.
It’s about his journey/coming of age as he goes on a quest to find true love in seven days. His values get tested along the way and he learns important life lessons. However, its full of comic moments and entertaining plot twists. It promises to be a two-hour rollercoaster ride.
What was the biggest challenge of portraying this role?
The character transforms over the course of the film, not just physically and emotionally, but also in terms of his mannerisms. It was a very challenging role as I had to play an under-confident, scared little boy in a man’s body and then transform seamlessly into a man over the course of the film. With a role like this, it’s very important to make sure you don’t skip a beat or make the journey seem jerky.
What is Mahira Khan like as a co-star?
Fun and involved!
What is your favourite moment in the movie?
There is this one scene with Mahira’s character on the roof of their house where Tipu (my character) asks her what women look for in a man. I feel our chemistry was amazing and I enjoyed shooting that scene.
How does comedy compare to other genres?
It’s very difficult. I guess unlike other genres, you can’t try to perfect it. The more you think, the worse your performance becomes. So I feel it’s one of those genres where it’s not as much craft as it is natural flair.
What kind of films make you laugh?
I’m a huge Wes Anderson fan, but at the same time I really enjoy some of Woody Allen’s old work. I feel visual comedy is something lacking in a lot of movies these days. The comedies I enjoy need to have solid content, but then also need to be shot in a way that makes you laugh.
What would be your dream role?
Any actor will tell you that there is no one role that they dream to do. The reason why I became an actor was so I could do different things all the time. Having said that, I’m really feeling a Ryan Gosling from Drive type of role.
What inspires you?
The right kind of ‘crazy’ in people.
How will you be spending Eid?
Promoting my film. The downside of what I do.
Why should we watch 7 Din Mohabbat In?
It’s two hours of great entertainment that you can watch with your family with a smile.
- 7 Din Mohabbat In is in cinemas on June 15
