By: Aayan Mirza
Shoaib Mansoor over the years has established himself as the most right authority on filmmaking with socially activated subjects in Pakistan. His Khuda Kay Liye in 2007 dealt with the subject of forced marriages and the overall state of Muslims and South Asians in United States post September 11, while in 2011, he released Bol and voiced the issue of population control in Pakistan.
With that established, today we report you that Shoaib Mansoor is once again on a new film. A new project, a highly deserving social subject and…well, his own distinct magic.
In a recent tweet by the iconic Junoon band’s lead singer; and perhaps the only member now, Slaman Ahmad, a picture was posted featuring him (Salman), eminent social activist Fouzia Saeed, and of course, Shoaib Mansoor (one of his rare). The text along with the picture announced that there have been discussions between the three regarding the idea of a possible feature film on Polio.
Very rare pic of @ShomanMansoor im discussing plans for a feature film on #endpolio with the legendary film director pic.twitter.com/RMGMlQNlkz
— salman ahmad (@sufisal) September 16, 2014
The association between Ahmad and Mansoor goes a long way back, more than twenty years back in fact, as Shoaib Mansoor used to be the torch bearer for another iconic band; and now defunct, Vital Signs. Together, Ahmad and Mansoor even did some TV work in late 90s and early 2000s, such as the reality show Gulls & Guys and mini TV series Dhundle Raste.
It is to be noted here that a few months after the release of Bol, Shoaib Mansoor had announced another untitled project which was said to be based on the topic of Indo-Pak conflict. The project is nowhere in the updates these days and not much can be said about its progress at the moment. That however, is pretty understandable when the great and the greatly discreet Shoaib Mansoor is behind the project.
Salman these days is settled in U.S. and pursues his music career there, he, however, also visits Pakistan regularly. Currently he is working with several local and international organisations on a campaign to end polio in Pakistan. Accompanying him in this campaign are his ex-band mates, Junaid Jamshed and Shahi Hassan, and few other known names as well.
We at Galaxy Lollywood sincerely hope this project succeeds in not only taking it’s desired shape but also in delivering its desired impact. #endpolio
