P R O F I L E
But, projects like Khuda Mera Bhi Hai was challenging, in terms
of casting as no one was ready to play the transgender character
and the transgenders mother.
It all worked out in the end. A few months after this serial was
aired the Government of Pakistan issued its first passport to a
transgender. Not only that, a lot more is being done in order to
elevate their position in our society.
So, even if we contributed a little bit, like sparking a debate as to
how we can make a difference in peoples lives, is one of the most
fulfilling rewards.
You worked on movies as well, how is it different from TV
serials?
I have only worked on movies in terms of styling the songs and a
little bit of consultation.
I haven’t produced a film as yet, but the stakes are so much higher
for a movie when it comes to the budget and strict timelines.
What sort of planning and work goes into starting a project?
How long does it usually take to start and finish a project?
The first and foremost thing is the story and script. That’s like
laying the foundation of a project.
Months go by into developing a well-written script after discussions
with the writer and the channel.
The next step is to identify the right director for the project and
the cast fit for the roles.
Casting and designing overall, plays a huge part in making or
breaking a project. Devising a good marketing strategy is also a
very critical part of this process.
If a good project is not marketed well or played in the right time
slot, it can cause a lot of damage and can risk it going unnoticed.
The rest depends on the audience and how well they connect with
the story and the characters. Every step in producing a serial is
very crucial.
What is the deciding factor behind the cast, director, and writer
for a project?
Every writer, director and actor have their strengths. For example,
when there is a sensitive, slightly offbeat story my choice of the
director would be Shahid Shafaat; as, he is good at translating that
sensitivity and sensibility onto the screen.
How do you think the TV serials of Pakistan have evolved in
the past decade?
Pakistani television has really evolved since the past 10 years. Look
at all the subjects and content that is being produced.
It isn’t just about simple love stories and saas-bahu sagas. TV series
like Khuda Mera Bhi Hai, Ilteja, Udaari focus on social issues that
the families are faced with and affected by.
In this day and age, it isn’t just about a woman being the damsel
in distress, rather strong, confident and independent women who
can speak their minds like the women of Dillagi and Besharam are
getting noticed.
If it is a complex love story, Khalil ur Rehman Qamar would be the
perfect writer to approach. Similarly, if its a complex performance
like that of Mahgul’s character in Khuda Mera Bhi Hai, no one This does not mean that the typical stories have completely
else could have delivered this performance like Ayesha Khan.
stopped being produced, but the shift and change in storylines
have to be gradual. We have to present a drama which is within
Thus, getting a project together entails considering the strengths the parameters of our prevailing culture.
and sensibility of everyone in the field and in terms of what they
can deliver.
There is still a long way to go, and the drama industry will continue
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