Daily Times

I am super excited for the release of my film ‘Gumm’ on 11th of January, for a number of reasons. I still remember the first time someone told me that two film directors, Ammar Lasani and Kanza Zia who are foreign graduates of film-making, are looking to get in touch with me. It was shocking and exciting for me at the same time. Kanza called me and we discussed the idea and I loved it. They were debutant directors but were very clear about what they wanted. For the role of Dua, they auditioned a number of girls and saw numerous showreels as they wanted a fresh but a very strong performer. It was somebody else’s showreel in which they saw my glimpse. I auditioned for the role and was casted. I am very honored for a chance to work in a feature film at the very start of my career. It is a privilege to work in a film and that too one which has such strong, refreshingly different content. ‘Gumm’ is not only strong in content; it is very well executed as well. It was a great experience to work with such talented and amazing directors as well as such a cooperative and good co-star like Sami Khan.

‘I will always be thankful to Ammar and Kanza for giving me that push and making me step out of my comfort zone and yet somehow making it such a comfortable journey’

They provided me a comfort zone and gave space to work which cleared all the hesitation I had before starting the project. I thoroughly enjoyed working at every aspect in this film as my role had a lot of diversity. As an actor it was very challenging and exciting for me, and I was lucky to have Kanza and Ammar as my directors in my debut film. I learnt a lot from them, which has made this experience so much more meaningful for me. It became about more than just opportunity, it became a life changing experience I will forever cherish and grow from. Never did I imagine scoring such a well written script, with a character that could explore everything I had to offer. Of course, the credit has to be shared with the directors who saw enough potential to trust me with this project in the first place. In all honesty, I could even go as far as to confess they saw what I could do long before I really saw it myself. It’s not easy to jump to the big screen, especially not when your character is under a lot of spotlight. As an actor I had to step out of my comfort zone and try out something I wasn’t sure I was ready for at a relatively early point in my career. I will always be thankful to Ammar and Kanza for giving me that push and making me step out of my comfort zone and yet somehow making it such a comfortable journey. ‘Gumm’ and the character I have had the privilege to play (Dua) will always hold a special place in my heart, because they have taught me so much in such little time. Maybe it was fate or luck, either way being a part of this project is one of the best things that have happened to me and I take complete pride in being associated to ‘Gumm’.

Published in Daily Times, January 10^th 2019.