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Renowned Pakistani writer and dramatist Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar has opened up about casting acclaimed actress Sajal Aly in his new drama Main manto nahin hoonexplaining why she was chosen over other big names in the industry.

Speaking during his appearance on Sheikh da podcastQamar shared detailed insights into the development of the project, casting decisions, and his admiration for the actors involved. He revealed that he began writing the script for Main manto nahin hoon back in 2021. Initially, the story was being developed as a film titled Ishq The Heartbut the concept was later transformed into a drama series in 2023. The script was then rewritten to fit the television format.

During the conversation, Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar mentioned that some characters in the drama were not written with any particular actors in mind, yet the performances ended up exceeding his expectations. He specifically praised veteran actress Saima and singer-turned-actor Azaan Sami Khan for their impressive portrayals, stating that their performances left a strong impact on him.

When asked about the casting of the lead female role “Mehmal,”Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar disclosed that his first choice was actress Maya Ali. However, he later felt that Sajal Aly was a more fitting choice for the character, particularly because the role required someone who could convincingly portray a college student.

He clarified that actress Mehwish Hayat was never considered for the role, as she did not suit the image of a young student. “Sajal Aly looks like a college student, and that’s what we needed for the role,” Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar said. “She is also an exceptionally talented actress, and I had a personal desire to work with her.”

He emphasized that casting Sajal was a conscious decision to stay true to the essence of the character, and that her on-screen presence perfectly aligned with the story’s requirements.

With the hype surrounding Main manto nahin hoonfans are eagerly anticipating how the collaboration between Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and Sajal Aly will unfold. The drama is expected to bring strong performances and a compelling narrative, staying true to the writer’s signature style of thought-provoking storytelling.

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