Mahesh Bhatt, a prominent name in the Indian film industry, is all set to adapt the popular Pakistani drama Humsafar into a stage play. The original TV show, which starred Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, was a massive hit in Pakistan and gained a significant following in India as well. Fans loved the drama so much that Mahesh Bhatt decided to bring it to the Indian stage, reimagining it for live performances.
Imran Zahid to Play Fawad Khan’s Role
Actor and theatre artist Imran Zahid will take on the challenging role originally played by Fawad Khan. Imran is known for his roles in films like Jannat 2 and Ab Dilli Door Nahin. In a recent interview with Navbharat Times, Imran shared his excitement about stepping into such a well-loved character. He acknowledged that he would be compared to Fawad Khan but is focused on preparing for the role in a way that suits the stage performance.
Imran explained that adapting Humsafar for the stage is a significant task. “Some time ago, the High Court ruled that cultural activities should not be restricted by political boundaries. Following this, Mahesh Bhatt and I approached Hum TV’s President Sultana Siddiqui to discuss the rights for a stage adaptation,” Imran said. He added that discussions also included the show’s creative head, Momina Muraid. They detailed how the play would be presented, and now preparations are underway. Although the official announcement is still pending, the work on adapting Humsafar is already in progress.
Bringing Cultures Together
The stage adaptation of Humsafar is not just about presenting a popular drama but also about fostering cultural harmony between India and Pakistan. Mahesh Bhatt’s initiative aims to use art to bridge the gap between the two nations. Imran Zahid, who is also the creative head of the play, emphasized that this project is a step towards promoting peace and understanding. The play is planned to be performed in five major cities across India.
Imran Zahid also mentioned that there were previous attempts to adapt other Pakistani shows, such as Milne Do, but those efforts were hindered by the political climate at the time. Now, with Humsafar, Bhatt and Zahid are hopeful for a successful cross-border cultural exchange.
The Role of Fawad Khan
For Imran Zahid, playing Fawad Khan’s role in Humsafar is a dream come true. He shared that after performing various roles on stage, he was eager to tackle a deep and emotional love story. When he discussed his interest with his mentor, Mahesh Bhatt, Bhatt suggested the stage adaptation of Humsafar. Imran expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and is looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved character.
What to Expect
The stage version of Humsafar promises to be a unique experience for audiences. It will retain the essence of the original drama while offering a new way to experience the story. The live performance format will add an extra layer of intimacy and engagement, allowing audiences to connect with the characters differently.
As the team behind the adaptation continues to work on the play, fans of the original Humsafar are eagerly awaiting this new rendition. With Mahesh Bhatt’s vision and Imran Zahid’s dedication, the stage adaptation is set to be an exciting addition to the cultural landscape, bridging gaps and celebrating storytelling across borders.
