Latest news with #MaulaJatt
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hamza Ali Abbasi admits fatherhood is 'intense'
Hamza Ali Abbasi has worn many hats in public life: actor, writer, and at times a politician. But in a recent podcast appearance, the Maula Jatt star spoke with warmth and vulnerability about a role he holds closest: being a father. "My son is turning five now," Hamza shared, calling fatherhood a "transformative" experience. "It's overwhelming in the best way. It changes you." Adding further on this life-changing experience, he said, "The only word I have for this experience is 'intense.' These are the most intense emotions I've ever experienced in my life." This is not the first time the actor has touched upon his fatherhood journey. In a separate interview last year, the actor described the early days of parenting as equal parts joy and learning curve. "When Mustafa was born, I felt a different kind of responsibility," he had noted at the time. "Every little decision suddenly mattered a lot more." While Hamza is known for sharing his personal beliefs with conviction, his focus now seems to be more inward, on fatherhood, writing, and building a meaningful life off-screen. However, despite stepping away from frequent TV appearances after becoming a father, Hamza clarified earlier this year that he never "quit" the entertainment industry. "I just became selective. I still act, I just don't take on everything," he had noted. Meanwhile, Hamza's wife, visual artist and actor Naimal Khawar, has also gone public about her family life. Last year, the artist discussed her take on motherhood with Zara Noor Abbas on the latter's podcast What MomSense?! "I had my baby at the age of 26 But I am the happiest person right now," remarked Naimal. Touching upon the importance of family planning and distributing responsibilities after a child enters the picture, she added, "We decided on the order of things before Mustafa came into our lives, and my advice to all couples out there is to be practical about this approach." Offering a window into how she and her actor husband divided and conquered after becoming parents, Naimal added that with Hamza being the family's breadwinner, she focused on managing the household and being the primary caregiver to their son. Naimal also advised viewers about the dangerous impact a volatile marriage can have on a child's mental health. "If things are not going well in a marriage, then the couple should part ways instead of keeping the kids in a toxic environment," she cautioned.
Khaleej Times
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
The Glassworker: Pakistan's first hand-drawn animated film
Usman Riaz, a young and dynamic artist, has turned his dream into reality by creating The Glassworker, Pakistan's first-ever hand-drawn animated film. A decade in the making, the film is a groundbreaking achievement, earning Pakistan's nomination for the Oscars and setting a new standard for animation in the country. A haunting and compelling story, The Glassworker captivates audiences with its breathtaking visuals and thought-provoking narrative. Every frame, meticulously hand-drawn, breathes life into the characters, pulling viewers into an emotionally rich experience. The film's exquisite cinematography, coupled with a deeply moving script, showcases the dedication and skill poured into its creation. A Journey of Passion and Perseverance From an early age, Riaz displayed an innate talent for drawing and music. At just 21, he was invited to the TED conference in Edinburgh as the youngest participant, later earning a scholarship at Berklee College of Music. Despite opportunities abroad, Riaz returned to Pakistan, determined to pursue his passion for animation and storytelling. 'There were many challenges as Pakistan is still raw when it comes to film production. Though recent hits like Maula Jatt have been produced, the industry still lacks financial support, technical expertise, and production skills. The government needs to step in to help the industry grow.' Undeterred by these obstacles, Riaz built Mano Animation Studios, bringing together like-minded artists who believed in his vision. Key collaborators, including Maryam Paracha and Khizer Riaz, stood by him, sharing his passion despite skepticism from many in the industry. A Decade of Hard Work To refine his animation techniques, Riaz travelled to Japan, immersing himself in the art of hand-drawn animation. Once Mano Animation Studios was established, the real work began — relentless hours of drawing, refining, and perfecting each frame. Over time, talented artists from Japan, Thailand, Korea, and Spain joined his ambitious project, adding a global touch to the film. The film's carefully crafted dialogues, soul-stirring music, and beautifully detailed scenes came together after ten years of dedication and passion. The final product is not just a movie — it's a work of art. 'No one has ever attempted a film like The Glassworker in Pakistan. A fully hand-drawn feature film is a rarity, and I have poured my heart and soul into it for almost a decade.' A New Era for Pakistani Animation Beyond its artistic brilliance, The Glassworker carries a powerful message: 'Bloom wherever you are planted.' This philosophy reflects Riaz's own journey - overcoming challenges, defying expectations, and creating something truly extraordinary. With The Glassworker, Pakistan has taken its first step into the world of hand-drawn animation. The film's international recognition proves that, with the right support and investment, the country has the potential to thrive in the animation industry. Usman's journey is a testament to perseverance and artistic passion, inspiring a new generation of Pakistani filmmakers to dream big and push creative boundaries.
Express Tribune
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hamza Ali Abbasi talks evil characters, acting methods
Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi recently sat down with Ahmed Fozan's podcast to discuss his career, his acting methodology, and his nuanced portrayals of morally complex characters. Best known for his roles as Afzal in Pyarey Afzal and Noori Nath in The Legend of Maula Jatt, Abbasi reflected on the similarities between the two characters, the lessons their arcs impart, and how he approaches emotionally demanding roles while maintaining a clear boundary between performance and reality. The Pyarey Afzal star believes himself to be unlike actors who immerse themselves in their roles months prior to acting and can't seem to detach themselves from their fictional characters for months after the shooting finishes. In a direct comparison, the podcast host brought up Indian actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui who, in an interview with The Scholar's Avenue in 2014, spoke about his acting method. "I'm not a computer, I can't just switch myself off. The way we, as actors, take from the character's life, the character takes from our life – and it's hard work," said Siddiqui. Abbasi responded to the comparison with admiration but expressed his own ease in coming out of character the moment the director calls cut. "I respect actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who live in their characters for months," he said. "But for me, the deeper I dive, the more I fumble. I need that clear separation." All he needs is a rough character map. The Maula Jatt star believes this technique is particularly beneficial when playing morally ambiguous roles like Afzal and Noori Nath. "If I let my characters seep into my life, it would be exhausting. Noori Nath is ruthless, and I have to leave that energy on set." Written by Khalilur Rehman Qamar and directed by Nadeem Baig, Pyarey Afzal is a widely celebrated Pakistani drama that aired in 2013. The serial follows Afzal Subhanullah, a small-town boy who becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld due to unfulfilled love and misplaced loyalty. Initially introduced as an innocent romantic, Afzal is soon swept into a world of violence and crime, leading to his tragic demise. On the other hand, a cinematic juggernaut, The Legend of Maula Jatt was released in 2022 and became Pakistan's highest-grossing film. Helmed by writer-director Bilal Lashari, the film reimagines the cult classic Maula Jatt (1979) with a contemporary touch, boasting a massive budget and an ensemble cast that includes Fawad Khan as the titular hero, Mahira Khan as Mukkho, and Abbasi as the menacing antagonist, Noori Nath. "Afzal committed murders, having become a gangster and of course, so did Noori Nath," Abbasi shared on the podcast, "but they both met tragic ends, and that's what I appreciate about their arcs." Throughout the discussion, Abbasi emphasised the importance of portraying antagonists with depth rather than labeling them as outright evil. He argued that the best-written villains are those driven by ambition rather than innate wickedness. Noori and Afzal both made terrible choices but to Abbasi, but their motivations weren't black and white, which makes them interesting to him. Moreover, both Pyarey Afzal and The Legend of Maula Jatt ultimately deliver cautionary tales. Afzal meets a tragic end, and Noori Nath's unrelenting hunger for power leads him down a path of destruction. According to Abbasi, it's this moral reckoning that makes the characters successful. For Abbasi, acting is about exploring human nature while maintaining personal boundaries. "I love what I do, but at the end of the day, I leave my characters on screen," he concluded. "That's how I stay grounded."
