Renowned French film director Robert Bresson, who was known for his spiritual, ascetic and aesthetic style, gave his wonderful thoughts as to what Cinematography means to him. He said “Hide the ideas, but so that people find them. The most important will be the most hidden”.
In the case of the recently aired Hum TV drama serial ‘Jugnoo’, these words certainly seem to be true. Directed by Farooq Rind and Produced by Momina Duraid, a major part of this scenic play was shot in Murree, which is an exurb of Islamabad. The mesmerizing mountains of Murree fall between the Margalla Hills and the Pir Panjal Range, some 60 kilometers northeast of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This beautiful hill station is a popular getaway destination not only for the people of Islamabad, but also people from all over the country. No one can deny the fact that Murree holds a unique position when it comes to tourist spots within Pakistan.
Historically, Murree has always remained an important administrative place. The early development of Murree was conducted in 1851 by the President of the Punjab Administrative Board, Sir Henry Lawrence. It was originally established as a sanatorium (medical facility for long-term illness) for British troops forted on the Afghan frontier. Later, the permanent town of Murree was constructed at Sunnybank in 1853. The church was sanctified in May 1857, and the main road known as the Mall Road, now known as Jinnah Road was built. Then the main commercial establishments like the Post Office, general merchants with European goods, tailors and millinery were established opposite the church. Apart from this, Murree was also the summer capital of the Punjab Province of British India until 1864. It is very imperative to mention here that until 1947, access to the Mall Road was restricted for “natives“ (non-Europeans).
Moreover, around Murree there are many famous Galyat, which make this region perfect for vacations. Galyat here refers to a narrow strip or area roughly 50 to 80 kilometers north-east of Islamabad, extending on both sides of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Punjab border, between Abbottabad and Murree. The word itself is derived from the plural of the Urdu word “Gali,“ which means an alley between two mountains on both sides of which there are valleys and it is not the highest point in the range. Famous Galyat around Murree are Ayubia, Bara Gali, Bhurban, Changla Gali, Nathia Gali, Thandiani etc.
As far as the play is concerned, the director along with the production team has chosen very selective locations of Murree, around which they have executed the entire shoot. However, the manner in which these locations have been presented is terrific to watch. For instance, there were very minimal shots taken of the Murree Expressway (N-75), also known as the Islamabad – Murree Expressway. Yet, the way they were presented not only added picturesque attraction to the serial, but it also gave the viewers a chance to explore some stunning views along the route.
Then, the shots in which the gorgeous sunset on the mountains is shown individually behind Zahid Ahmed and Yumna Zaidi, are surely a treat to watch. Additionally, showing the forestry and the mountains behind the conversation scenes of Rehan Sheikh, Saman Ansari, Saad Azhar, Laila Zuberi and Hina Mahvish gave a refreshing feel. All these factors lead us to believe that “Jugnoo = Reliving the Grandeur of Murree“.
Kluchit.com would like to mention some important names from the production team, who deserve tremendous applause for the outstanding execution of this play. The Producer of this serial Momina Duraid unquestionably is doing a fantastic job by producing dramas that depict the true exquisiteness of our nation. Then, the Director of this play Farooq Rind must also be appreciated for brilliantly handling the entire project. And finally, the D.O.P: Tamin Nizami, Assistant Cameraman: Jibran Rind, Production Managers: Waqar Baloch and Amir Shehzad, Assistant Production Manager: Saleem Soomro, Technical Supervisor: Tahir Anjum, Art Director: Mirza Zeeshan Baig, Set Department: Akbar Baloch, Manager Operations: Ghyas-u-Din, Chief Editor: Mahmood Mali, Editors: Sheraz Fyaz, Ikhlaq Ahmed and Muhammad Khizer, all worked tirelessly to make this show a complete success in every way.
Ahmed Raza is a frequent traveler and loves cricket. He is a graduate in Journalism and works as Assistant Travel Editor for Kluchit.com
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