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Amidst the plethora of TV plays on air, there are a few that stand out for their aesthetic sensibilities in storytelling. However, while finding a good play is still relatively feasible, finding an actor who understands the director’s vision is yet another story. Fortunately, one can find the perfect mix of both in the upcoming drama Aangan starring Ahsan Khan. 

Directed by Ehtishamuddin of Udaari fame, the show reportedly stars a stellar cast which includes Ahsan Khan, Ahad Raza Mir, Sajal Aly and Mawra Hocane.

“After Udaari, I received many scripts for TV but, I was busy in completing my two films, Rehbara and Chupan Chupai, and then I left for theatre in the UK,” Ahsan said, talking about why he took his time to choose his next TV project. “I did not find anything interesting and different to choose from. I like things that are not run-of-the-mill and are worthwhile; things which I can enjoy,” he added.

 

Ahsan Khan on the sets of Rehbara, one of his two upcoming films.

 

When questioned about why the actor chose a period play, which in many ways has been considered to use the same ingredients and a formulaic narrative, the actor disagreed about the genre being obsolete.

“I feel making a period play is a difficult task, and I don’t think it’s obsolete. To create an era for TV is a difficult job,” Ahsan explained. “The ‘drawing room’ dramas we watch usually on TV are quite easy to make, but, those who actually elevate the drama industry with their hard work – without thinking about the ratings – we need to appreciate them.”

Apart from upcoming Aangan, the actor has also acted in the popular period drama, Daastan.

“Whenever a period play has been made, the audiences have loved it because people want to watch and listen to good stories,” the actor said about the genre. “I remember I was associated with Dastaan – which to date, is one of my favourite plays – and I think that the kind of feel that the show had, has not been created yet in any other play.”

Under the banner of MD productions, the show will begin its shoot soon. However, an official announcement about the play has not been made yet.

Shahjehan Saleem

The author is Contributing Editor at Something Haute as well as a professor in the Media Sciences department at SZABIST, Karachi. Socio-cultural theories and geography fill up the rest of his time.