Tag: mrs. & mr. shameem

‘Want India and Pakistan on set together,’: Producer of Barzakh Shailja Kejriwal

Shailja Kejriwal, the chief creative officer at Zee Entertainment’s Zindagi channel, is on a mission to unite Indian and Pakistani artists and writers.
In a recent interview with Press Trust of India, Kejriwal expressed her desire to see more collaborations between talents from both countries, despite the challenges posed by political tensions.

Shailja Kejriwal said, “My ultimate desire, I don’t know whether it will happen or not, is that we collaborate… writers and artists from both sides should be on a set together. I am trying to follow that path. Hopefully, we will be able to do something because we flourish more if we are open and inclusive.”

It has been a journey of one step forward, two steps back for the producer who was instrumental in making Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, and Mahira Khan household names in India by showcasing dramas such as Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar through the Zindagi platform launched in 2014.

The channel Zindagi, led by Kejriwal, has successfully produced a number of projects with Pakistani actors and directors. Popular series like Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam, Churails, Mrs. & Mr. Shameem, and the new web series Barzakh starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed are among the noteworthy productions. The channel has aired iconic Pakistani dramas like ‘Thakan’, Shukk, Pyarey Afzal, Meri Beti, Mere Harjai, and Main Bushra.

Kejriwal highlighted her commitment

“I felt my work would be incomplete if I didn’t play a role in bringing these artists back. My ambition extends beyond just pan India. My dream is to unite South Asians and Asians through collaboration,” Shailja added.

August 3, 2024
From ‘Man Jogi’ to ‘Mrs. &Mr. Shameem’

The Current recently had a conversation with Saji Gul, the writer of the drama ‘Mrs. & Mr. Shameem’ where details about why the title changed from its original name ‘Man Jogi’ have emerged.

Gul revealed, “Initially, we named it ‘Mann Jogi,’ but later we found ‘Mrs. &Mr. Shameem’ to be more appealing. We wanted a title that highlighted both lead characters, and ‘Mrs. &Mr. Shameem’ resonated better with Zee.”

Reflecting on the first title, Gul said, “While ‘Man Jogi’ sounded funny ‘Mrs. &Mr. Shameem’ just fit the story and characters better.”

He also noted that Man Jogi was tricky to pronounce, so choosing Mrs. and Mr. Shameem was simpler for viewers.

Mrs. & Mr. Shameem is a 2022 web series released initially on ZEE5 on March 11, 2022. Written by Saji Gul and directed by Kashif Nisar, it was co-produced by Misbah Shafique.

The web series revolves around Umaina, an independent woman residing in a Lahore hostel. Shameem, the elder brother of Umaina’s friend, faces ridicule from society due to his effeminate nature.

Circumstances compel Umaina and Shameem to live together and enter into a marriage of convenience. As their relationship unfolds, they gradually develop feelings for each other, navigating the challenges that life throws at them.

On April 26 2024, ‘Mrs. & Mr. Shameem’ became available on the Zindagi YouTube channel, with two episodes releasing weekly on Tuesday and Friday.

Saji Gul is a renowned screenwriter of television industry, he has writeen drama serials include ‘Ilteja’, ‘Pyari Bitto’ and the award winning ‘O Rangreza’, which was a massive success in 2017-18 and brought him critical acclaim.

Currently he is the head of content at Green TV entertainment and general secretary screenwriters association of Pakistan.

July 4, 2024
Trailblazer: Saba, Naumaan hit it out of the park with Zee5’s bold ‘Mrs. & Mr. Shameem’

Pakistani A-listers Saba Qamar and Naumaan Ijaz are set to feature in the latest Zindagi original series “Mrs & Mr Shameem”. Touted to be an “unconventional love story”, the show will premiere globally on ZEE5 on March 11.

The series is directed by filmmaker Kashif Nisar, who has helmed dramas like Raqeeb Se and O Rangreza.

Stellar performances

Both Saba and Naumaan have gotten into the skin of their characters, essaying their roles to perfection. A special mention to Naumaan for not making his character a caricature with over the top nuances or dramatic body language. Even supporting cast members are impactful and promising going by the trailer.

Theme

The theme of the series is a trailblazer for Pakistan, the male protagonist is an effeminate man, supposedly from the Queer community who has been presented as colourful and brave rather than a victim. Also their is an angle of an illegitimate child which has been dealt with maturity.

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India said the upcoming drama marks the continuation of their collaboration with Zindagi to present “real and relevant stories but with a twist”.

“It’s an unconventional love story explored through a new lens as it shatters age old gender roles and boundaries defined by the society. It also has a stellar team behind it, and we are excited to bring this forth to our viewers across 190+ countries,” Kalra said in a statement.

Shailja Kejriwal, Chief Creative Officer, Special Projects, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. said “Mrs & Mr Shameem” aims at “redefining the meaning of true love” and challenges society’s preconceived gender biases.

“It is an uncommon bond of two people based on nothing superficial,” she added.

According to director Kashif, the show follows the story of Shameem, who “embodies effeminate traits” while Umaina, played by Qamar, is “outspoken and bold in her ways”.

“Despite their significant personality differences, there develops a beautiful bond between them of love, respect and companionship”.

It is written by Sajjad Gul (Saji), who said the series is a “contemporary story” which traces the journey of Umaina and Shameem discovering love in its “unusual ways”.

“The show challenges the gender barriers that exist in society. We hope that the audience connects with the story as it presents a fresh perspective on love,” the writer added.

March 5, 2022