THIS drama changed everything for Kashif Mahmood

Actor Kashif Mahmood has made a lasting impact with amazing performances in several Pakistani productions. There, however, is one drama in particular, that “changed everything” for him.

Appearing as a guest on Mazaq Raat, the Jeevan Negar actor has shared the inspiring story behind one of his most iconic dramas and the efforts he put in to make it a success.

“The person who didn’t even have money to buy a liter of petrol for his motorbike, planned to make a drama that would cost 22 lac rupees. How would he do it? He must have been a warrior… not an ordinary man,” he said while talking about Ashiyana, his hit drama serial from 1997.

When asked how Kashif managed to fund the project he said he mortgaged his house and his mother’s jewelry.

“I raised funds for it in every way possible. I mortgaged my house and my mother’s jewelry. I did so much for it… and by the grace of Allah, He preserved my honour. I still remember borrowing one lac rupees for the [drama’s] pilot,” the Mehroom actor said.

He also shared the struggles of pitching Ashiyana to a major channel.

“When I went to sell that drama, there was a big man sitting there. I told him about the drama, what it had, its cast, everything. He kept saying ‘so what?’ to everything. Frustrated, I handed him a cassette with the pilot and said, ‘If it’s worth it, play it; otherwise, throw it away’,” he said.

The breakthrough came when industry veteran Badar Khalil finally watched the pilot episode, Kashif added.

“After watching it, she called me and said, ‘Kashif, where are you? What a masterpiece you’ve created!’ After that, we discussed some 15-16 points before signing the contract. I signed a contract for 4.5 lakh rupees per episode”

However, the struggle wasn’t over, the Heer Da Hero actor said and added, “They wanted four episodes, but I had already borrowed money to make the first one. How was I supposed to make three more? Somehow, we managed to produce them. The drama was a massive hit.”

Despite the drama’s success, the channel shut down and Kashif did not receive the payment he was owed.

“When it aired, the channel it was on shut down. Though the channel reopened, I never got the payment I was owed. Eventually, I marketed it myself and aired it on PTV. I managed to pay off all my debts and with the money left, I started my own business,” he concluded.