Samar Jafri made headlines in the industry when his debut drama ‘Mayi Ri’ emerged as a mega success. The actor took a giant leap and landed up a leading role in Nabeel Qureshi’s upcoming film ‘Na Baligh Afraad’. The film is set to release on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. We at Fashion Times Magazine caught up with the young actor to talk about the film. Read on…
Fashion Times Magazine (FTM): Tell us about the kind of pressure you are facing in making a highly anticipated debut.
Samar Jafri (SJ): I think when you have done a big project that has been a massive hit; one has the pressure on his head of what to do next. My director of ‘Mayi Ri’ Meesam Naqvi told me that a first project in the industry is usually considered as a fluke. Viewers and the industry are waiting to see what the actor will choose next. This will define his true caliber. I am grateful to headline ‘Na Baligh Afraad’. I am pretty sure people will like ‘Na Baligh Afraad’ as much as they liked ‘Mayi Ri’.
(FTM): Working with Nabeel and Fizza in your very first film is no mean feat. What was your reaction when you were first offered the film?
SJ: I was a bit blown away. It’s a big achievement for a newbie actor who has stepped into the industry, and doing a project with such a big director. It was simply amazing. I always wanted to work with Nabeel. My favorite film is Load Wedding, so getting an opportunity to work with your favorite is a blessing indeed.
(FTM): Tell us a bit about the film and your characters.
SJ: The film is about two boys who are very naïve and don’t have much exposure to life. I play ‘Fakhar’ a Nabaligh and innocent child, dealing with the problems of his age. There comes a point when he reaches puberty, so the story is around those lines. They try to learn things before time and the problems that surface due to is what the film is all about.
(FTM): Do you remember your first shot? How was it facing the film camera for the first time?
SJ: My first short was with Aadi and Aashir. I was a bit nervous, we were shooting outdoors so there was a big crowd. I was hesitant about how I looked, so when you are trying to get into the skin of a character and people are getting used to it. So you do feel nervous. Other than that, I was enjoying it. I was fully into it. I was trying to see the reaction the audience would give me.
(FTM): Did your co-star Aashir Wajahat help in getting you through?
SJ: Yes. Taali Dono Hath Se Bajti Hai. Aashir helped me a lot as an actor and human being. There were times when I felt a bit low, but when you have a co-star who has the great energy on set, then the final product is very effective. If Aashir would not have been there, I wonder I could pull such a character so well.
(FTM): Who was the prankster on set?
SJ: Nabeel and Aadi off course.
(FTM): Is ‘Na Baligh Afraad’ packaged as an Eid entertainer?
SJ: Yes. It’s a family entertainer with good acting skills and good direction. The concept ‘Na Baligh Afraad’ is unique, it will click with the audience. I want everyone to watch it. People would relate to it and get nostalgic by watching the 90’s. Usually, we don’t get to see much of content-oriented films in Pakistan. So when they are made, the audience should come out to support cinema.
