Dawn Images

No, the bindis aren't a misplaced fashion statement.

Sarwat Gillani and Bushra Ansari have snagged roles in one of actor Adnan Siddiqui's first productions, Seeta Bagri, "a play on the Hindu minorities, the Bagri clan."

"I play Seeta, who believes in women's education and wants to promote it by giving classes to underprivileged girls of her community. She is the epitome of calmness and honesty," Gillani tells Images.

But there's more to the plot than Seeta's education ambition. There's also a love twist.

"Bushra Ansari plays a rich Hindu bangle factory owner named Nandani Daas, who comes into Seeta's house and marries Seeta's tenant/love interest, Ruttan Laal, played by Jibran. She wants to have a child with him soon as she never married and had kids. Meanwhile, Seeta's father Badri Naath (played by Qawi) takes Ruttan Lal and his cousin Mala Rani (Shameen Khan) under his wings and gives them a place in his house," explains Gillani.

She appreciates that this is a drama with a strong message.

"The story has many underlying messages and lessons for the viewers. Written and directed by Iqbal Husain, this beautifully knitted story is a breath of fresh air among the typical monotonous drama stories. Adnan Siddiqui's first ever production looks very promising. We all are very excited for it to go on air on TV1."

The drama is expected to air in September. The cast is currently hard at work.

"We have a Hindu girl Soorita teaching us Hindi and their traditional [customs]. Since Adnan is an actor himself, he truly knows how to pamper his actors and crew. We get what we need," added Gillani.