GUSTAKH ISHQ
ZAHID AHMED AND IQRA AZIZ

The drama industry has blossomed into a talented bouquet of people. One of the picks of the crop is Zahid Ahmed, who is currently making waves on TV with one hit serial after another. Not only has he bagged awards for his strong acting talent but also immense love and appreciation of the audience.

Moreover, we have the charming Iqra Aziz who graces the television screens with powerful performances, her chirpy personality and adorable looks. The two are soon coming together for a drama serial, Gustakh Ishq.

Amidst the backdrop of verandas and alleys of Hyderabad, we will see Najaf (Iqra Aziz) living in a humble milieu with her father Quddos (Firdaus Jamal), step-mother Khalda (Ash Khan) and two younger sisters. The bright student’s life is turned upside down following a clash with the handsome, Sikander (Zahid Ahmed) and she is forced to leave Hyderabad for Karachi. In her new settlement, she is faced with hardship and distress, and just when things couldn’t get any worse for Najaf, her father passes away. Between the various twists and turns in the serial, a surprise in the form of Maliha comes across Najaf. Maliha played by Noor Khan is the biological sister of Najaf and fiancée of Sikander, who was adopted by Sikander’s aunt upon birth due to difficult circumstances.

With all the unforeseen chaos in her life, her equation with Sikander remains at the crossroads. Will it change for the better or for worse, only time will tell.

Gloss staff writer Sadaf Hassan got a chance to catch up with Zahid Ahmed and Iqra Aziz about their upcoming project.

Tell us about your characters in Gustakh Ishq?
ZA: Sikander is rich, powerful and stubborn. He has lost his mother and has a very tense relationship with his father. His niece is the only love in his life. Because of this, he has developed a very hard and unforgiving outer self, but deep down the audience will see he still has the ability to love.
IA: My character is a woman who has a strong sense of belief and values. She wishes to be on the righteous path. She loves her family and is passionate about education, learning and life.

What pulled you to sign this serial?
ZA: The story. I liked the beauty and the beast feel of the play and obviously, I loved playing the beast.
IA: I decided it way back when the discussions were going on that I will do this project as the character is so spiritual and challenging. I have already worked with Moomal Entertainment previously with Deewana, so I felt it will turn out to be amazing.

How is this serial different from what you have done before?
ZA: My role is very different from any of my previous roles in the sense that Sikander is a very stubborn, rude and an arrogant man who eventually changes.
IA: This story is different as compared to what I have worked on previously in a way that this is about tough love. We both have our clashes and difference in priorities.

How was the experience of working with Moomal Entertainment and Furqan T. Siddiqui?
ZA: Moomal Entertainment is home to me. My debut drama Mehram was Moomal’s first serial, so I was very comfortable with the team. Furqan was very easy and accommodating to work with. We mutually agreed on how scenes would play out.
IA: Furqan sir is an amazing person to work with. He gave us enough room to not only discuss the role but also to input our ideas of how the role can be portrayed. It was definitely a good learning experience.

Any fun or interesting on set experiences?
ZA: Iqra hid my rather expensive watch and I was about to kill her.
IA: Yes! Zahid got a little upset when I pulled this prank on him and hid his watch. I think it worked!

Describe Iqra in 3 words.
ZA: Fun, quick learner and sincere

Describe Zahid in 3 words.
IA: Ambitious, mentor and an amazing friend

The drama from Moomal Entertainment is written by Mustafa Ayub, produced by Moomal Shunaid and directed by Furqan T. Siddiqui for URDU1. The first episode will air on 7th July 2017 at 8 pm.