The stunning Mahira Khan, known for her breakthrough role in Humsafar, will be returning to TV screens with her upcoming drama, Sadqay Tumhare, which airs on HUM TV from Friday (tomorrow), October 10.

In a telephonic interview with Dawn.com , Mahira talks about Sadqay Tumhare and the transition in her roles.

Mahira Khan as Khirad in 'Humsafar'

We know that Sadqay Tumhare will be a love story - what will set it apart from other dramas?

Mahira Khan: Yes, it is a love story set in the 70s, focused on two young lovers who try to be with each other against all odds. The drama has an excellent cast and is very character-driven and the story is well-written.

How different will Shaano be from Khirad in Humsafar or Falak in Shehr-e-Zaat?

MK: In Humsafar, Khirad is this naive girl who later becomes immensely courageous. Falak in Shehr-e-Zaat was an ignorant, rich brat who tries to find solace in material things, only to later seek the true purpose of her existence.

Shaano on the other hand is completely different from Khirad and Falak. She is innocent, cute and all she cares about is love. She sings at home and is very chulbuli, but there is another aspect to her character as well - she has good foresight and she can feel if something will go wrong beforehand.

You were away from television for quite some time. What had kept you away?

MK: Like all other actors, I get many offers for serials but my choice always depends on two things – the script and the time I can give. I am definitely an actor but that is not the only thing that I am. I have a personal life and I am dedicated to both. I can’t jump in and out of roles, and I am not so good at that (laughs). Honestly, I didn’t expect it myself with Sadqay, I am feeling as nervous about the audience’s response, just as I felt with my first drama.

Mahira Khan as Shaano in 'Sadqay Tumharay'

Mahira Khan as Falak in Shehr-e-Zaat

You said that the drama is set in villages. Where exactly has it been shot?

MK: We shot everywhere – Lahore, Karachi, Kotri, interior Sindh, and interior Punjab. It was hard, but our director Ehtishamudin made sure we did not lose our spirits. I feel Ehteshamuddin has done a tremendous job with Sadqay. This is his baby and he has gone the extra mile in terms of sets and location.

Setting was key because Shaano’s nanyal (maternal family) is in one gaon (village) and she herself lives in another. Had he not shot the drama in different villages the audience would have picked up on that; a lot of effort has been made to make the drama plausible.

In previous roles you were reticent (to some extent) but in Sadqay you are quite the opposite. Your dialog on laal jora is already being lauded by your fans. What is your take on that?

MK: I can’t be more thankful for this and I pray that people laud the drama as well. There are many, many such dialogs penned by the great Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. I just hope I can do justice to them because they’re absolutely gorgeous.

There is another dialog that moved my heart: “Agar muhabbat me ilhaam na ho tou fittay mu muhabbat ka.”

Adnan Malick has also made a comeback in the industry after at least three to five years. We have known him as a host and as a model, but how is he as an actor?

MK: Adnan is an old friend, and I was taken away by his dedication on the set! The whole experience was amazing. We all have been there with our first dramas or plays and I just wanted to be there for him and support him.

Recently it was speculated that you and Fawad Khan were signing a project together. Is there any truth to that?

MK: Speculation is there because Fawad had mentioned in some interview that he would like to work with me again and some people misinterpreted that as a sign that we were already working on something. Of course we would want to work with each other in the future, but for now there are no such plans.

Are there any more projects, film or dramas coming up?

MK: There is an upcoming project but there are no dramas lined up after Sadqay. This is more than enough for me (laughs).