Aashir Wajahat’s career is witnessing some great highs. His last film ‘John’ was a super hit, and now the actor is set to headline Nabeel Qureshi’s next ‘Na Baligh Afraad’ (NBA). The trailer of the film released on social media has created quite a stir. We at Fashion Times Magazine spoke to the young actor about the film. Read on.
Fashion Times Magazine (FTM): After ‘John’, ‘Na Baligh Afraad’ is your second film as the lead. How does it feel?
Aashir Wajahat (AW): It feels amazing, John was a title film. It was also scary that an entire film was riding on your shoulder. Here again, me, Samar and Addi play the protagonist. In John, I had to change my look and body language. In NBA, I also play someone opposite of me. Be it the look, accent and all. For me, as an actor, it was challenging and the perfect film to do after John.
(FTM): Without giving away much, tell us something about ‘Na Baligh Afraad’
(AW): It’s a comic film, set in Karachi during the 90’s. The plot revolves around two boys Mazhar and Fakhar, who are nabaligh and innocent having the curiosity of trying new things in life. They want to fit into the new groups of their school. How this urge makes their life upside down, how a simple task makes them face various challenges is basically what the film revolves around.
(FTM): Nabeel Qureshi is one of the biggest filmmakers in the country. How do you feel about headlining his next?
(AW): It feels nice, overwhelming and scary when a big filmmaker like Nabeel Qureshi takes young actors. As an actor, I feel happy to be a part of a project of a huge magnitude. In NBG, the screen is different, when people will see the film, they will get the cinematic vibe. So you learn a lot when an experienced director directs you.
(FTM): Was Nabeel a tough master on set? How was the experience of working with him?
(AW): He is a tough master but doesn’t disrespect his actor. Be it the 8th take or 10th, he won’t let go of any scene until he gets the perfect shot. I feel that’s the quality of a good director. He has good command on set as a difficult film like NBA was shot within the due course of time. I and my costars shared a friendly bond with him, but while shooting a scene he extracted the best from us.
(FTM): ‘Na Baligh Afraad’ marks the cinematic debut of Samar and Rimha. Did you lend a helping hand to them?
(AW): They both are very talented and don’t need my help (smiles). The confidence and fan base of Rimha and Samar are huge so they didn’t require my help. I have done three films earlier, so I had the ease of being on a film set. I tried to perform well in my scenes with them, so in this way, I was a helping hand.
(FTM): How do you deal with the wrath of Nepotism on social media? Do you filter out comments on social media?
(AW): I feel this debate has been done to death. I have said earlier that nepotism does exist. I am also an example of it. I feel we underestimate the power of the audience. Market forces dictate what they want to see. Any filmmaker will cast an actor only if he or she has the potential to perform. So yeah, Nepotism does help you, but in the longer run your talent will help you sustain.
(FTM): How important are box office numbers for you?
(AW): Well, the box office matters more to the producers and filmmakers than to me. Having said that if your films performs well at the box office it is a big thing. But I don’t get discouraged, if my film doesn’t do well. After all it’s art sometimes it clicks and sometimes it misses. I feel an artist shouldn’t take this on their nerves, just focus on giving their best and perform well and leave it up to the audience.
(FTM): Lastly, tell us three reasons why people should watch ‘Na Baligh Afraad’.
(AW): Firstly, NBA is an all-out comedy. People need that kind of a breather as there is so much tension around. It’s a film that can make them laugh and they can have a good time. Secondly, it’s a Nabeel Qureshi film, so it’s bound to be good. He never delivers a film without his full dedication. Thirdly, it’s a new and young cast, so people who are fed up with watching the same faces again and again would be super excited.
‘Na Baligh Afraad’ releases in cinemas on Eid-ul-Azha 2024.
