Mahira Khan and the cast of film Ho Mann Jahaan at Frere Hall – plus a first look at the trailer for HMJ

The filmmakers held a meet-and-greet with the cast at a gorgeous set that they had built on the grounds of the historic Frere Hall. The set was used for one the songs in the movie and is simply stunning. The innovative event was a great chance to show off a great set and to introduce a film that aims to expand the current renaissance of Pakistani cinema.

The leading actors of HMJ at Frere Hall yesterday

Director Asim Raza says,

“I wanted to make a picture based on urban youth – their stories aren’t being told through our films and yet I think this is a story that will resonate with movie-goers.”

Director Asim Raza and one of the male leads Shehryar Munawar have co-produced Ho Mann Jahaan

Ho Mann Jahaan is romantic, coming-of-age film starring Mahira Khan, Adeel Hussain and Shehryar Munawar. It follows the fortunes of three music-mad IBA students from differing backgrounds.

HMJ stars Mahira Khan, Adeel Hussain and Shehryar Munawar Siddiqui

Both Adeel Hussain and Shehryar Munawar are acclaimed TV stars but Ho Mann Jahan is their first venture into film. Shehryar, in fact, is a co-producer of  the movie along with Director Asim Raza. Both actors are enthusiastic about the move to the big screen.

Co-stars Adeel Hussain and Shehryar Munawar

“This is a very different type of film, with a lot of heart. Everyone involved has out their hearts into this film” says Adeel Hussain.

Actress Mahira Khan in an Elan skirt and MANGO T-shirt, an ensemble that fits her character Maneezay

Mahira Khan claims that she is such a fan of director Asim Raza’s work that she would have done any “tiny little role” that was offered. This script, however, was something that appealed to her as an actor too.

“My character Maneezay is outspoken, confident and very different from many of my previous roles. There were times that her reactions were very different from mine and it was interesting to portray such an unapologetic, fun character.”

The actors explained how they all spent a month or so together prior to filming so they could bond. They have an easy camaraderie that should translate well onto the screen.

The leading lights of HMJ backstage before the event

The film also has plenty of interest in terms of peripheral characters. Bushra Ansari plays one of the boys’ mums while Shehryar’s father Munawar Siddiqui, an ex Air Force officer who’s never acted before, was roped in by Asim to play the role of Shehryar’s father on screen too.

Nimra Bucha who plays Mahira’s mother

Bushra Ansari is a fan of Asim Raza’s work

All the actors commented on how Asim was reason they wanted to do the movie before they even saw the script. Asim himself comments,

“Our film industry is evolving fast but we don’t have the infrastructure in place to make film making easy. Making this movie was a labour of love by many people. We all have a vision of how Pakistani movies should be and we’re striving to get there.”

A still from Ho Mann Jahaan

The styling is an example of the attention to detail that has been put into the film. Hina Khalid is the overall art director but there are several great designers on board too. Umar Sayeed was responsible for the look and feel of much of the wardrobe. Feeha Jamshed designed Mahira’s western looks while Ismail Farid was responsible for the western menswear.

Part of the set that was built at Frere Hall

More of the gorgeous set at Frere Hall

Ho Mann Jahaan hasn’t quite wrapped up its filming stage yet – there is one song left, which will be shot in the Northern Areas. The film is aiming for an Eid ul Adha release – which is some time away, but understandable since editing can make or break a film. Here’s hoping that Ho Mann Jahaan delivers something special to Pakistani cinema.

The Vision Factory Films Team