We need to work on varied ideas in our dramas: Samina Ahmad

interview

Veteran actor and a powerhouse of talent who needs no introduction, Samina Ahmad remains one of the best actress of Pakistani film industry. Her career span has expanded over almost six decades and is still going on. Samina’s first love is television when it comes to acting, delving into various different roles and meaningful projects. Exploring her experimental side further, recently, she has done a feature film ‘Intezaar’, in which she played a woman suffering with Alzheimers while also on a treatment of ovarian cancer. This week, she is in conversation with You! sharing details about her role in the film and the overall situation of the drama industry in Pakistan…

You! What enticed you to take up the role of Salma Kanwal in ‘Intezaar’?

Samina Ahmad: First, I liked the script of the film written by Bee Gul and secondly, I thought the character of Salma Kanwal had a lot of margin of performance. It was not a usual or linear character. It was of a woman who was losing her memory and at the same time is ailing physically, as well. These types of characters are always a challenge for an actor where they tend to discover something new. They don’t come your way every day but give you a chance to explore and extend your abilities. Like for that particular character, I discovered how that woman would behave, keeping in mind her past and present. I really enjoyed doing this role.

You! Your film was supposed to release in March 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic. Do you think that if it had released then, it could have been better promoted?

SA: I think, yes. As at that time, our cinema was in a better position. More good films were being made and people were going to see them. But Covid has changed everything including the habit of cinema going audiences. So, I think if it had been released then when cinema was thriving, that would definitely have a positive effect on the publicity and promotion of film.

You! You have a very long and notable span of acting career. Why did you choose to do only a few films?

SA: I think, I never felt like doing films. I started my acting career with television and then did a lot of theatre, so I had developed an aptitude that was more into the characterisation and depth of roles. Moreover, I started at a very young age (early 20s), so in those days, I was offered the roles of a young romantic girl, doing typical filmy scenes and dancing and singing. So yes, that was the reason I wasn’t attracted to the big screen. It just didn’t feel like my cup of tea.

You! We see you advocating for many social issues. Do you think that inclusion of public figures like you benefit these causes?

SA: Yes, it does. The more the people go for a cause, the more it gets benefitted. It always helps. As far as I am concerned, when I see that my support and help would benefit the cause, then I always step forward. Supporting a cause while being an actor adds a something to it as people recognise you. When the public sees that a known personality is attached to or taking part in that cause, they are motivated to join it as well. But I believe that whichever cause you are attached to, it must be with sincerity and not with the intention to add to your publicity or boosting your career as an actor.

You! How was your experience of working in ‘Ms Marvel’?

SA: It was a wonderful experience. I had never worked on any international project before that. So, for me it was an entirely new experience. Going from Pakistan directly to Disney and working in one of their flagship projects was a great chance of observing and learning.

You! You played the daughter of Fawad Khan and Mehwish Hayat in ‘Ms Marvel’. How was the experience?

SA: (A big laugh) It was really fun. I asked them how they felt when I, who always played their mothers, appeared in the role of their daughter. We had a good laugh over it. It was fun.

You! You went through different eras of Pakistani drama. Where do you think our dramas are going with respect to its subjects, content and technique?

SA: There is always room for improvement in any creative work. Every creative individual perceives this improvement in a different way. Yes, I have experienced many phases and changes in our drama very closely. It kept changing. During PTV days, we didn’t emphasise much on the aesthetics or dresses of characters, sets and locations in dramas. Then, came the time when more attention was given to makeup and styling of characters. At the moment, I think we are doing everything except giving attention to content. As a creative person, I think it needs to be improved. Actually, we need to work on varied ideas instead of going for the same subjects again and again. We might have become lazy that we don’t bother to get out of our comfort zone to take the challenge of exploring new subjects.

You! Our dramas revolve around suppressed women. Do you agree?

SA: Yes, I think we are done with it. Now, we can at least work on how these women can get free from that suppression. We should also write about women who are lucky enough to not be victimised and repressed. It is not always the case that every woman is beaten by her husband or in-laws after getting married. Again, I would emphasise on the need to expand our content. In this age of digital media, there are many subjects being explored on YouTube channels and OTT platforms. If this trend continues, I am afraid our television industry would become irrelevant.