Nadeem Baig on Casting Sajal Aly and Asif Raza Mir in Main Manto Nahin Hoon

Acclaimed director Nadeem Baig is back with a powerhouse project Main Manto Nahin Hoon, and it’s already making waves—even before its release. What’s stirring excitement (and curiosity) among drama fans is the casting of Sajal Aly and Asif Raza Mir, who share a very public real-life history as former daughter-in-law and father-in-law. Their pairing in a high-profile drama seemed unlikely, but Nadeem Baig has now opened up about why he chose them and how the two stars responded with professionalism and grace.

The Casting Decision: Sajal as Student, Asif as Her Father

According to Nadeem Baig, the character of Sajal Aly’s father was written with Asif Raza Mir in mind. The director shared that he reached out to Asif, explained the role, and asked if he’d be comfortable working with Sajal. Without hesitation, Asif accepted, stating, “We are all professionals, and there is no issue.”

Nadeem then contacted Sajal Aly, who also agreed without any reservations. For Baig, this was a refreshing change in an industry where personal grievances often affect casting decisions. Their mutual understanding has set an example for fellow artists, showing how true professionalism can rise above personal history.

Sajal Aly Was Always the First Choice

Baig didn’t just randomly cast Sajal—he had envisioned her in this role from the beginning. In Main Manto Nahin Hoon, she plays a university student, a role quite different from her recent performances. Although she wasn’t a part of his previous projects like Kuch Ankahi or Sinf-e-Aahan, Nadeem was always keen to collaborate with her. Once the drama gained momentum again, Sajal was quickly brought on board.

Managing the Star-Studded Cast

The drama boasts a massive ensemble, including Humayun Saeed, Saima Khan, and more. Baig shared that managing such high-profile actors’ schedules was initially a logistical challenge. But once everyone aligned their timelines, the process became smoother.

One of the surprises was veteran actress Saima Khan, whom Baig had been trying to cast for years. She had declined his offers multiple times, but this time, he was determined. After a lot of convincing—and even getting legendary filmmaker Syed Noor involved—Saima finally agreed. Baig expressed that Saima’s talent had long been underutilized, and he was proud to finally give her a role worthy of her caliber.

What to Expect from Main Manto Nahin Hoon

With Khalil ur Rehman Qamar penning the script, and Humayun Saeed leading the charge, Main Manto Nahin Hoon is shaping up to be a thought-provoking and emotionally rich drama. The return of the hit-making trio—Nadeem Baig, Humayun Saeed, and Khalil ur Rehman—only raises expectations.

The drama’s bold casting decisions and powerful script promise a compelling narrative that challenges stereotypes and brings unresolved emotions to the surface. Whether you’re a fan of powerful storytelling or just excited to see former in-laws sharing the screen, this is one drama you won’t want to miss.