Veteran Pakistani actor and director Javed Sheikh has shared the fascinating story behind the making of his blockbuster film Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa, revealing how an unexpected meeting with a stranger helped revive his struggling career.
In a media interview, Sheikh became emotional while recalling one of the most difficult periods of his life, when he was facing severe financial problems and unemployment.
He said that in 2000, his financial condition had deteriorated to the point that he had even sold his car. During that period, he performed in theatre plays in Lahore to make ends meet.
Sheikh added that some people had begun saying his film career was over, a remark that deeply hurt him.
He recalled that one day, during a theatre performance, he met a man named Akbar Khan, who was visiting from Belgium and originally belonged to Charsadda. Khan approached him with an idea to jointly produce a film.
When Khan asked about the estimated budget, Sheikh initially suggested around Rs9 million, based on the cost of an average Pakistani film at the time.
However, Khan told him he did not want to make an ordinary film but wanted a production with the quality and standards of Indian cinema.
Sheikh said he then took a chance and quoted a much larger budget of Rs50 million, an enormous amount for that period. Although he wondered whether he had made a mistake by suggesting such a figure, Khan immediately agreed and handed him an advance payment of Rs500,000.
With the financial backing secured, the team began work on the film, which featured a strong story, music and shooting at scenic locations in Switzerland.
After considerable effort, Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa was completed and released in cinemas in 2002.
Sheikh said that many critics had initially expected the film to fail, but its first successful show surprised everyone. The film went on to achieve major commercial success.
According to the actor, the movie earned approximately Rs130 million at the box office, a remarkable achievement at the time. He also said the production won eight Nigar Awards, including awards for Best Film and Best Director.
Sheikh described the project as a turning point in his life and a major success that helped give Pakistani cinema a new lease of life.