In 2022 alone, major Pakistani artists have crossed borders and made global waves. The legend of heavy-duty action actor Maura Jat, starring actor Fawad Khan-Mahira Khan, scripted box office history, and the poignant drama Joyland found a place on the Oscars’ best international film shortlist. In music, Arooj Aftab became the first Pakistani artist to win a Grammy, while internet favorite musician Ali Sethi delivered the enchanting “Pasoori.”
Amidst the euphoria and attention, Pakistani star Sanam Saeed is proud of what his country has achieved. Her one of the biggest names in the industry and a beloved name in India, thanks to her hit show Zindagi Gulzar Hai, the industry in Pakistan is now “thriving,” she says Sanam Saeed. say.
The actor’s glee is also fueled by awards. Her Zindagi original show Qtil Haseenaon Ke Naam won the Gold Award for Best Anthology at the 2022 Promax India Awards and Asian Academy Creative Awards, with Pakistani actor Sarwat Gilani and Indian producer Shailja Kejriwal (Chief Creative Officer). – Special Projects, Zee Entertainment) and British-Indian director Meenu Gaur.
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Sanam discussed the importance of more cooperation between India and Pakistan, how politics destroys the beauty of art, the type of Indian content she grew up with, and I confide in what India learned very late, and perhaps even now. What is life like in Pakistan?
Edited excerpt:
What does this victory mean to you?
This was a big win because it was a cooperation between India and Pakistan. Her two similar mindsets, cultures and nations come together to tell a universal story made primarily by women. The fact that it came from these two nations is proof that when great minds come together, great things happen. Together we can accomplish a lot. It will be a great support for both teams his players. It was amazing, satisfying and humbling.
It’s sad that there are no more of these collaborations. Except Zindagi, nothing.
Honestly, we’re over it. There was a time when things like this happened a lot. There was the Kala Film Festival, Indian actors came to Pakistan, our actors went there, Bollywood opened its doors. It’s always hot and cold. We finally came to a place where we didn’t set our expectations too high. Each party is very happy with where they are in terms of the work they are doing.
It’s bonus points when they are given the chance to work together. There are other challenges and risks. It was certainly sad at first. Having politics in the middle of art is always crushing for any artist, for any human being. It’s like ‘yar ye kyu bna main aalah hai, we love these people. I would love to see more collaborations. Everyone feels its universal charm and sadness. So why and for what reason is this happening? I don’t know what to get out of it.
How did you get over your grief?
We have to accept the status quo as it is. Always be proud of what you are doing now, wherever you are.
But isn’t it heartbreaking not to get your hopes up too high?
was in the middle. When the door opened, I thought, ‘Oh, one day I’ll be working with some of my favorite directors, producers and actors. I was looking for who to cast from here.
But if you get shot down once, twice, or thrice, you’ll accept the situation and work with what you have. I kept my hopes high the first few times…but we’re talking 7-8 years ago. Now we are all grown up and understand the way the world works.
How much Indian content do you watch?
Personally, I’m a Hollywood binge watcher. But all of Pakistan, from our grandparents to us, grew up in Bollywood. We have seen all generations.We literally grew up consuming Bollywood, songs, dances, culture, the way they eat and do things poojaHum sab jaante hai Indian mein kya hota hai (we know what happens in India).
But India does not know what is happening in Pakistan. Kuch bhi nahi pata, hum log kis tarah daal chawal khaate hai, woh andaaz alag hota hai (Indians don’t know how we eat and how we eat). There are small differences, such as the way salwar kameez is worn, the way the hair is tied, and so on. We know the difference between Indian choti (braids), but I don’t think Indians know what a Pakistani choti looks like. When ZEE Zindagi was launched, India knew, ‘Oh, this is how they dress, this is how they interact’. It was interesting to watch.
Where does Pakistani industry stand today? Maula Jatt, Joyland and Ali Sethi top the music charts…
There are always ups and downs, but I think we are at the climax right now. Pakistani artists have been celebrated and recognized, including Arooj Aftab with her second Grammy nomination, Ali Sethi’s Pasoori with Shae Gill, Joyland’s Oscar Journey, and Maula Jatt. We are definitely thriving and booming. Drama is in its prime, music-wise his Coke Studio is entering his 15th year, and many of his web series have taken place. It’s definitely thriving.
What is it like to be an artist in Pakistan now?
It’s a great experience. The amount of love and respect we get from the masses, the number of opportunities… We are spoiled for choice whether we should do a movie, television or web series. I think it kept us all alive. Unlike Bollywood, we are not unattainable movie stars. Every day we are in the living room of their house with our family. We are part of their family. The public has a very deep connection with us artists because of the intimacy of connections thanks to the drama industry.
