Javed Sheikh and Ayesha Omar

Sultana Siddiqui returns to directing for television with Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Hum TV’s new drama serial that will be aired every Friday night during the prime time slot. The cast of the serial includes Fawad Khan as Zaroon and Sanam Saeed as Kashyap, with the rest of the cast comprising Samina Peerzada, Ayesha Omar, Mehreen Raheel and Javed Sheikh among others.

The story of ZGH revolves around two university-going students. The girl belongs to a middle class family who has seen deprivation and rejection while the boy belongs to a well-off family. The script is by Umera Ahmed and produced by Momina Duraid.

The heartthrob of Humsafar fame Fawad Khan plays the lead role here while the OST of ZGH has been performed by Ali Zafar and Hadiqa Kiyani.

According to Sultana Siddiqui, the subject of this drama serial is of utmost importance to her as it brings into focus a society where men find it hard to give women their independence. Moreover, she said that Momina Duraid and Umera Ahmed are the ones responsible for getting her back in the director’s chair.

“It was a refreshing experience working with Sultana Siddiqui as it has made me a much better performer,” said Fawad Khan.

When asked about the co-relation of the story with real life, he said that it is the responsibility of the media to educate the masses and provide possible solutions to problems plaguing our society.

About the kind of roles he prefers, Fawad said, “There isn’t a formula, really but if I feel comfortable with the cast and if the story is strong then I don’t have any issues becoming a part of it.”

Playing the female lead role, Sanam Saeed said she along with the team worked hard on her linguistic skills and she thinks she has done well.

According to Samina Peerzada, she doesn’t have any doubts about the success of ZGH as it has everything from the best director, writer and cast. Imran Abbas said that the Pakistani drama industry had lost its strength but with the return of Sultana Siddiqui, hopes are high about regaining it.

Umera Ahmed conveyed her best wishes for the drama serial. She said that it was the biggest honour of her life to work with Sultana Apa.

According to Javaid Sheikh every person in the cast and crew has given his/her best shot, and fingers are now crossed in anticipation of the audience’s reaction.

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