Photo credit: www.news18.com
Sanam Saeed expresses optimism for Indian and Pakistani artistic collaborations
In a recent conversation, Sanam Saeed highlighted her reunion with Fawad Khan, her co-star from the popular drama Zindagi Gulzaar Hai, for their latest project, Barzakh. Their previous work had resonated strongly with audiences in India, a phenomenon that continues with their new series. Fawad Khan, thanks to his roles in Bollywood hits like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Kapoor and Sons, boasts a considerable fan base in India. In contrast, Sanam Saeed has yet to make her debut in the Indian film industry, a situation that stemmed from the restrictions imposed on Pakistani artists following the 2016 Uri attack.
With the easing of bans on Pakistani artists working in India, Saeed reflects on her aspirations. She stated, “I never came to India to work, so I cannot say that I miss it because I haven’t experienced it. But with time, things will happen.”
She regards the collaboration with Zee, an Indian media company, as monumental, marking a significant step in cross-cultural exchanges. “The fact that we are available on Indian OTT platforms is quite a huge feat in itself… As actors from the other side of the border begin to feel secure and confident enough to collaborate with us, that exchange will undoubtedly occur,” she noted.
Looking back at past interactions, Saeed expressed hope for the future of artistic collaborations, stating, “It has happened before when Indian actors participated in festivals in Pakistan and our stars have acted in India. Time will ultimately allow art and culture to merge once again.”
Despite her lack of experience working in India, Sanam expresses a deep sense of cultural kinship, saying, “Indians are like my long-lost siblings. We grew up in different homes, but essentially, we share the same land and heritage.” This sentiment echoes the connection she aims to strengthen through Barzakh.
She further elaborated on the cultural exchange facilitated by the series, noting that Pakistanis are more familiar with Indian culture through Bollywood and television dramas, while the reverse hasn’t been as pronounced until recent years. “It was this enriching exchange through Zindagi that opened up Indian audiences’ eyes to their long-lost siblings,” she remarked.
Saeed also shared her gratitude for the response to Barzakh, calling the feedback “overwhelming” and “positive.” She noted, “The adjectives I’ve heard – mesmerized, blown away, and proud – reflect exactly what we hoped to achieve.”
The series has been praised for its artistic elements, including cinematography, color grading, and costuming, which Saeed believes have captivated audiences. “Viewers are intrigued and curious. They are beginning to realize that this is not merely a show to binge-watch; it demands their attention and engagement,” she concluded.
Source
www.news18.com