KARACHI: The film “Mera Lyari” featuring actress Ayesha Omar has been officially selected for the 28th edition of the UK Asian Film Festival, where it will be screened on May 2.
The film revolves around the sports culture, local traditions, and women’s empowerment in Lyari, presenting a more positive and diverse image of the area.
Originally titled “Behnaz,” the film was later renamed “Mera Lyari” following the release of the Indian propaganda film “Dhriender.” The name change brought the project significant media attention.
The Government of Sindh described the film, directed by Abu Aleeha, as a response to the Indian film perceived as anti-Pakistan.
Sindh’s Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon had earlier indicated in January that the film would be released across Pakistan, although that release did not materialize at the time. It is now scheduled for nationwide release on May 8.
The film also marks the acting debut of Dananeer Mobeen. The cast includes Nayyar Ejaz, Samia Mumtaz, Adnan Shah, and others.
In addition to acting, Ayesha Omar also serves as an executive producer. She previously entered the film industry as a producer with “Tich Button” in 2024.
It is worth noting that director Abu Aleeha previously won the Best Director award at the same festival in 2022 for “Javed Iqbal,” while actor Yasir Hussain received the Best Actor award for his lead role in the same film.
