Based on the folk tale of Heer Ranjha, Ishq stars Ahsan Khan, Adnan Jaffer and Rachel Viccaji

Updated 09 Sep, 2017

New musical 'Ishq', starring Ahsan Khan, Adnan Jaffer and Rachel Viccaji, marks a first for London theatres.

Based on the folk tale of Heer Ranjha, the play is London's first Anglo-Punjabi production, according to the play brochure.

"The play is a celebration of 70 years of Pakistan and [hopes to spread] the Sufi message of love and peace," shared Ahsan with Images. Ahsan plays the titular Ranjha in the musical.

The play, which was presented by the Pakistan High Commission London, opened on September 7 and has its final show tonight. According to the High Commissioner Syed Ibne Abbas, the musical is one of a series of events being organised to commemorate 70 years of Pakistan.

About his London stage debut, Ahsan shared, "Theatre is by far the most rewarding experience for an actor. You rehearse a character for a few weeks and then one day, at 7.30pm, you start performing and nobody stops you. You act with your entire soul. Thank you London for being an overwhelmingly appreciative audience."

Here are some scenes from Ishq:

Heer Ranjha is the story of a man and woman from warring villages who fall in love

Adnan Jaffer during an intense moment of the musical

The play features Emu from Fuzon as composer and Suhaee Abro as choreographer. It has been directed by Farooq Beg, produced by Huma Beg and written by S. Mushfiq Murshed.

All photos by Lidia Crisafulli