KARACHI: It was short, sweet and to the point. Perhaps that’s how all film events should be. Ace film-maker Syed Noor should be praised for making the launch of his new film Chein Aey Na — which is just going into production — at a hotel on Monday evening just as long as the ceremony required it to be.

Another good thing about the programme was that it did not take too long to start. Yes, it did not kick off on time, but the hosts were waiting for the arrival of senior film stars Nadeem and Mustafa Qureshi to arrive. So let’s overlook that because both deserve respect. The first one to reach the venue was actor Behroz Sabzwari, who displaying his usual cordial demeanour, met with all those present.

Addressing the media Mr Noor made it clear at the outset that there would be no questions and answers on the occasion. He said he would only introduce the team that’s going to take part in filming Chein Aey Na. The film, he said, was ‘romantic’.

Mr Noor said the cast of the movie included legends of the Pakistan film industry who to date were ruling the roost and had no substitutes. Alongside them, he said, there were youngsters who represented the “legacy” of the film fraternity. He said no attention was paid to these young people; had that not been the case, they would have played an important role in the revival of cinema in the country.

Mr Noor then called on stage, one by one, members of his cast. They were: Mustafa Qureshi, Nadeem (his inspiration), Behroz Sabzwari and Atiqa Odho. Among the youngsters (that he referred to as “legacy”) he invited Adil Murad (son of Waheed Murad), Shehroz (son of Behroz), Danish Nawaz (son of Farid Nawaz) and Sehrish Khan (granddaughter of Sabiha Khanum).

The ceremony ended after Salma Murad (widow of Waheed Murad) gave the ‘first clap’ of the film.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2017