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Everyone asks Nabeel Qureshi the same question: why does he only work with Fahad Mustafa? Since the original Na Maloom Afraad, Nabeel has made two more films (Actor in Law and Na Maloom Afraad 2) with Fahad, with a fourth film in the pipeline, leaving everyone wondering why the director and actor only work with each other.

“Even I ask other actors to try working with Nabeel. Please, do a film with him,” urged Fahad when we asked Nabeel this question at a blogger’s meet for their upcoming film, Na Maloom Afraad 2. “Recently at our music launch, an actor came up to me and shook my hand, praised my work, and then said, ‘Can I ask you something?’ I said sure. ‘Can you please also make a film without Fahad Mustafa?’ This is too much,” laughed Nabeel. “All of you always ask me this question!”

We urged Nabeel to answer the question and he finally revealed the real reason why he always casts Fahad Mustafa in his films. “Firstly, we both live in Gulshan. So it’s easy to just pick him up on the way to work,” Nabeel continued laughing. “Secondly, we are both poor,” chimed in Fahad. “No no, you are not poor,” quipped Nabeel. Both Nabeel and Fahad cracked up at this and it took a while for the laughter to die down.

Mehwish Hayat, Nabeel Qureshi, Fahad Mustafa and Fizza Ali Meerza during film promotions for Actor-in-Law

“No, I mean Fahad is a very good actor, he’s popular. He has a fan following. We are using him for his popularity,” laughed Nabeel again. “We’ve invested too much in him,” producer Fizza Ali Meerza also joined the laughter riot. “Yea, now that we have created our work of gold, why should we leave him in the market for others?” Nabeel completed Fizza’s sentence.

The laughter continued and it became very clear that the real reason they all continue to work with each other is because of the chemistry and comfort level that they’ve achieved while working together all these years. And this chemistry translates well on to the screen because every time this duo has gotten together in the past, the audience has been very happy. Let’s see whether the duo’s third collaboration proves to be just as successful.

Manal Faheem Khan

The author is Contributing Editor at Something Haute who has studied film and journalism from SZABIST. Will be found at the gym if not in the office.