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Bringing nostalgia to curtain call

By Iqra Sarfaraz
Tue, 03, 20

Amna Ilyas has proved her mettle as an actress with her impactful performances in films like ‘Zinda Bhaag’, ‘Saat Din Mohabbat In’, ‘Baaji’, and ‘Ready Steady No’....

theatre

Theatrical adaptation of drama serials is now making its way to Pakistani art space. It is a much interactive way of storytelling and a source of instant public response. As Pakistani theatre plays are underrated, by producing spin-offs (if not the actual drama) one can attract audiences and promote Pakistani theatre art. Last year’s ‘Nach Na Janay’ by Anwar Maqsood – a prequel of ‘Aangan Terha’ – is an example of a popular drama being performed in theatres. The show was so successful that the producers had to extend its Karachi slot on public demand. This time again, KopyKat Productions is bringing up the theatrical rendition of Haseena Moin’s magnum opus ‘Ankahi’ with Amna Ilyas in the classic character of Sana from the ’90s hit serial.

With this, the ‘Baji’ actress is dabbling in theatre. Sana’s character was originally played by the popular Shehnaz Sheikh in the emotionally hard-hitting drama that became a massive hit at that time and is still known for its storyline under the direction of Shoaib Mansoor and Mohsin Ali.

Talking about her up-coming stint, Ilyas said, “I am both extremely thrilled and a little nervous about performing in theatre. This would be a completely new territory for me, but I am really looking forward to it, and I hope I can do justice to the role.”

Amna Ilyas has proved her mettle as an actress with her impactful performances in films like ‘Zinda Bhaag’, ‘Saat Din Mohabbat In’, ‘Baaji’, and ‘Ready Steady No’. From a supermodel to an acclaimed actress in both film and television, the versatile Amna Ilyas is all set to take over theatre now.

For all classic drama lovers and theatre goers, this will be a new and eventful experience to watch ‘Ankahi’ being performed live in front of them. The ‘90s generation will surely feel nostalgic for the gripping storyline and characters of this decades old play. Let’s hope that Ankahi’s theatrical adaptation is as good as the original TV series.

The play will be staged in Karachi in mid-March this year.

— Iqra Sarfaraz