The makers of Pakistan’s first digital Sindhi feature film, MARVI, have signed acclaimed actor Farrukh Aslam for one of the film’s most significant and challenging roles.
Announcing the casting, Umar Khitab Khan, the writer and director of MARVI, described the character as one of the most complex in the film, requiring an actor with exceptional range and strong theatrical experience.
“I was searching for a seasoned performer because this character has many shades and emotional layers. It is a demanding role that, in my opinion, could only be convincingly portrayed by an actor with a solid theatre background,” Khan said.
According to Umar Khitab Khan, the search for the right actor involved numerous auditions and meetings with talented performers, but none fully matched the vision he had for the character.
“The breakthrough came unexpectedly when I came across one of Farrukh Aslam’s reels on Facebook. I explored his profile and immediately invited him for a meeting,” he recalled.
Khan revealed that he knew Farrukh Aslam was the perfect choice the moment the actor walked into his office.
“The instant he entered my office, I felt this was the actor I had imagined while writing the character. Farrukh jokingly asked if I wanted to take an audition. I told him that after watching his performances and listening to his voice in his reels, I had already made my decision.”
During the meeting, Khan also discovered a personal connection with the actor’s family.
“It was a pleasant surprise to learn that Farrukh Aslam is the son of my old acquaintance, Aslam Bhutto, who was one of the prominent stars of Sindhi and Urdu dramas during PTV’s classic era and continues to appear on screen even today.”
While acknowledging Farrukh Aslam’s extensive work in television, Khan praised the actor’s deep commitment to theatre.
“Despite having considerable television experience, Farrukh’s true passion remains theatre. That unwavering dedication to his craft is what impressed me the most. It reflects his commitment as an artist and as a professional.”
Expressing confidence in the actor’s future, Khan said he believes MARVI will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Farrukh Aslam’s career.
“I am confident that after MARVI, audiences will see Farrukh Aslam in a completely new light. I also hope this will be the first of many collaborations between us in the years ahead, God willing.”
MARVI, Pakistan’s first digital Sindhi feature film, is currently in the final stages of casting and is expected to enter production soon. The film aims to present Sindh’s culture, heritage, and storytelling through a contemporary cinematic vision.
