The cast of the comedy Punjab Nahi Jaungi spends a day with Afshan Shafi. In between wardrobe changes for the shoot, they spill the beans in an irreverent and insightful chat

Mehwish & Urwa wardrobe: Ammara Khan atelier

Hair & makeup: Toni&Guy

Styling: Ammara Khan

Photography: Ali Agha & Raza Ali

Humayun & Azfar wardrobe: Design Yard Studio

Jewellery: Karat Jewelry

Concept, coordination & asst. styling: Afshan Shafi

Residence: Amaad Lone

Humayun Saeed

What was the most fun part about shooting for this movie?

Sohail Ahmed is very funny. He used to add lines of his own to the script. He did that many times when in scenes with Ahmed Ali Butt and used to crack us up constantly with his ad-libs and spontaneous behaviour.

Who was the most fun to work with on set?

Ahmed Butt for sure!

What did you love/hate about the character you were playing?

I loved his attitude and his accent. Usually I don’t hate much about the characters I play. I usually sympathize with them. This character in particular is an admirable one.

If you could have one superpower what superpower would it be?

I would like to be a mind reader, and try to see what people are thinking. I wouldn’t mind having the power of mind control as well.

What is one thing that annoys you the most?

Backbiting

You and Mehwish worked together on Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. How was it like working together again?

Wonderful! We always have a great time working together because of our comfort level. We also did a play together after JPNA. People say we have great chemistry together, which is always a plus.

What is one thing you know now about your co-stars that you didn’t know before?

Well, I’m now attuned to Mehwish’s expressions and know exactly when to deliver a pause. There’s an ease in acting with her, which is a huge advantage.

Where would you go if you where invisible?

I won’t disclose that just in case I do one day acquire this power.

What is the worst job you could have?

Any 9-5 office job

Which celebrity annoys you the most?

Wouldn’t be gentlemanly of me to say

If you were stranded on a tropical island what two things would you want with you?

Family and friends

“I would like to be a mind reader and have the power of mind control”

What is the song you hear most often?

Kya yahi pyaar hai

Which is your dream car?

Range Rover sports

What makes you angry?

Backbiting

What’s your favourite country to visit?

Italy

Mehwish Hayat

What was the most fun part about shooting for this movie?

The rain sequence was really fun. We were shooting late and I was drenched completely. At one point, I literally felt like steam was rising from my body. It was really funny!

Who was the most fun to work with on set?

Honestly, I’ve been blessed with great co-actors. Everyone is very nice but Humayun and Ahmed Ali Butt are a laugh a minute.

What did you love/hate about the character you were playing?

I hate nothing about the character; I own it. What I love about her is that she’s a sensible girl but at the same time she knows where to take a stand and speak up for herself.

What do you think audiences will be surprised to see in this movie?

They will be amazed, mesmerized and more. It’s a fabulous production and a piece of art for viewers. Our dialogues are amazing since they’ve been written by the brilliant scriptwriterKhalil ur Rehman Qamar who is just unbeatable.

“It was really
fun filming the rain sequence”

What annoys you the most?

People lying about you and making assumptions about you when they don’t even know you.

You and Humayun previously worked together on Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. How was it like working together again?

We did a play called Dil Lagi between these movies, which was loved by audiences. We have good chemistry and I think people like to see our pairing. We look good on screen together honestly. He’s also generally so much fun and such a nice person to work with.

What is one thing you know now about Humayun that you didn’t know before?

That we both eat a lot! Even though we are on diets we still eat and eat.

Cats or dogs?

Always dogs!

What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe?

A few things that purchased in Soho, New York, and some in Turkey.

What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?

Do you really think I’ll tell you that? Haha

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

My mother

Are you a morning or a night person?

Night

Who is your favourite superhero and why?

Wonder Woman or Lara Croft

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day who would it be and why?

Lady Diana because she was Princess of Wales as well as an ideal mother and wife

What is the first thing you notice about someone when you first meet?

Their whole vibe or energy

What is the song you hear most often?

(Sings) You just want attention, you don’t want my heart.

Maybe you just hate the thought of me with someone new by Charlie Puth. This song is in my head all day long.

What fashion trend do you just not get?

Culottes

Beauty must have?

A lot of water and a good moisturizer

Azfar Rehman

What was the funniest part about shooting for this movie?

Well, we were shooting in a palace, and Mehwish thought it would be funny to convince me that this palace was haunted. Actually that wasn’t the case, but I was scared throughout.

Who was the most fun to work with on set?

It has to be Mehwish because she is a dear friend and is one actress who is great on screen and off screen. Director Nadeem Baig was also great fun to work with because I feel that to truly enjoy something you have to have a sense of humor and possesses that in spades. I think it was great working with both of them,

“This may sound sleazy, but I would like to be inside someone’s wardrobe when Invisible”

How would you describe Punjab Nahi Jaungi in one line?

Don’t take away my girlfriend haha.

What did you love/hate about the character you’re playing?

What I love about him is that this guy is natural, he’s not pretentious. What I hate about him is that this guy can be too practical and too stiff at times; he doesn’t really get the emotional side of people. Like you know they say that love is illogical, everything can’t be practical and logical all the time. Wasay, my character is very practical, posh and up to date, but he’s slightly unfeeling.

Where would you go if you where invisible?

This may sound sleazy, but I would like to be inside someone’s wardrobe when invisible. Now don’t ask me why. (Haha)

What is the worst job you could have?

A janitor

Which celebrity annoys you the most?

I think self proclaimed celebrities or people with a very limited body of work really annoy me. Your craft should be the most important thing about you.

If you were stranded on a tropical island what two things would you want with you?

A water bottle and my cell phone

What is your dream car?

They keep changing but right now it’s the Mini Coupe.

What makes you angry?

Superhero power I’d want to have.

What’s your favourite country to visit?

Too very different countries: Thailand and Turkey