Here’s an exclusive interview of Nigar Nazar where she talks about her life and journey...
Nazar is the first woman cartoonist of Pakistan. She is a graduate of the Punjab University and later on did a correspondence course in cartooning from Glasgow, and many years later a Fulbright scholarship for professional upgrading in this field.
Her cartoon, Gogi, featured for the first time in 1970 in Karachi’s Institute of Arts and Crafts annual magazine and then Gogi appeared on PTV in 1971. Since then, Gogi cartoons have appeared for several years in a number of newspapers and TV programmes. Nigar has represented Pakistan in a number of countries including Turkey, China, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, UK and USA. She is one of the founding members of the Asian Youth Association for Animators and Cartoonists (AYAAC) with headquarters in Guiyang, China.
In 2005, The Government of Pakistan conferred on her The Fatima Jinnah Award for her contribution to art. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Gogi Studios and a leading member of STEER, an NGO. Along with the theme of Women’s month; here’s an exclusive interview of Nigar Nazar where she talks about her life and journey...
You! What inspired you to become a cartoonist?
Nigar Nazar: I was an avid comic book reader as a child living in D.C. and I missed them on return to Pakistan; hence till a long time I was reading ‘The Archie’ comics. ‘It would be nice if we had our own comics’, I would think; then finally I decided, ‘if it’s not happening then I shall make them’. The skill of drawing ran in the family so that was not a worry; I switched from Pre-medical and went to pursue fine arts. I graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Punjab, Lahore.
You! What skills are prerequisite for a cartoonist?
NN: To become a cartoonist, the first skill has to be good craftsmanship and a good sense of humour. A cartoonist needs to be observant; has to keep his/her ears and eyes open for ideas floating around all the time.
You! Your claim to fame is Gogi… how did you create this fictitious character?
NN: I decided the central character of my comics would be a young smart, educated woman who has the ambition to do something big. She should have the passion to contribute to nation-building while all along there should be everyday life humour in the comic strip. She should be the symbol of womanhood in Pakistan. Gogi is an urban Pakistani woman dealing with her frailties in the context of sexist social norms. I created Gogi in early ’70s.
You! What was the environment back in the ’70s for the working women?
NN: Back in the seventies, it was normal for women to go out and work, I would say it was an enlightened and liberal environment. I began my cartooning career with The Sun Daily. There were about five or six of us who were working in the newspaper office. The working conditions were not bad at all.
You! What are the biggest challenges for the women of today?
NN: The biggest challenges women are facing today is harassment on various levels and the problem of transportation.
You! Have you modified Gogi with changing times?
NN: Gogi has been modified according to the social changes as well as fashion of our times. Her dress has been changing from bell bottoms to straight pants to the hem going up or down according to the trend and in all that, she has not lost the polka dots on her apparel from day one.
As a person, she has moved from her fun and frolic days to advocacy on social issues to become an activist. She switched from comic strips to books incorporating social problems right from corruption to child safety so; yes, it has been changing all along.
You! Can you earn good money if you are a cartoonist?
NN: Not really; however, I have used cartoons in many formats: such as books, animation, hospital murals and bus wrapping.
You! Besides being a cartoonist, what are your other activities?
NN: Charity work, music, movies, gardening and touring and learning to make exotic dishes.
You! What is a typical writing day for you? Do you keep to a set schedule?
NN: I try to keep my writing day to a schedule, but it’s not always possible to stick by it. For example, CLF wants my participation, schedule changes; the Childhood Cancer Awareness Trust wants a programme from me, the schedule changes, a channel wants an interview for Women empowerment, the schedule changes and it goes on. Otherwise, a typical day consists of reading, writing, and follow up on the ongoing projects and home maintenance alongside the kitchen... One has to wear many hats with being a mother and homemaker.
You! How do you manage to keep coming up with fresh ideas?
NN: Most of the time, my inspiration comes from the ongoing events and happenings that need to be addressed. When I am stuck to create an idea then I sleep over it and by Fajr time something or the other comes to my mind which can be refined and developed further until it becomes acceptable.
You! What is the most important advice you can give to women?
NN: Find the power in you. Depend on no one but yourself for doing anything new. Be confident.
You! What is the most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far?
NN: Don’t depend and expect too much from people close to you. Focus and depend on your self-development, entertainment, and achievements without ‘crutches’. Just keep moving ahead.
You! What subject is close to your heart?
NN: I feel for children. They need better character building, civic sense and healthy entertainment. My mission is that they should all get their right to education so in my own small way I keep making attractive picture books. I am proud that I am slowly collecting testimonials to the success of my books such as the ‘Garbage Monster’ being selected for thesis and projects by two Universities and ‘Fruits of learning’, that got a village girl going back to school.
You! What were your favourite cartoon characters when you were growing up?
NN: Richie Rich, Little Lulu, and Dot.
You! Who are your favourite local and international cartoonists?
NN: I like the Libyan cartoonist Zawawi whose work was so impactful that I would enjoy it even though I didn't understand the Arabic text. Then there is the Canadian comic artist Lynn Johnston, (For better or worse comics), Calvin and Hobbs and Peanuts. As far as locals are concerned, we have mainly editorial cartoonists who comment on politics alone. I like the drawing style of Sabir Nazar, Shujaat, Zahoor, and the newcomer Tariq Afridi.
You! What did you like to read when you were a little girl?
NN: Comic books of ‘Archie’, the British ‘Schoolgirls’ and just about any picture books. Pictures are a grabber I feel and they make books easy to read.
You! Do you agree that cartoon is a strong tool to change the mindset?
NN: It certainly is and I have testimonials to prove it such as Tahira’s story, the village girl who went back to school after reading my book. The good thing about cartoons is they can amuse, engage and educate.
You! Can you recall how many Gogi books and cartoons have you created so far?
NN: Gogi compilations are three in number but the number of cartoons accumulated after that can easily run into three more books. Never counted the cartoons.
You! What do you love most about what you do?
NN: Children and audience who admire and appreciate my work; when they laugh and get amused with my cartoons (at presentations) then it’s music to my ears.
You! Can you highlight some of your achievements?
NN: Refurbishing a school in Africa which was in a dilapidated condition with the help of friends who assisted me in raising funds; representing my country as a Fulbright visiting specialist. I had Gogi cartoon exhibitions, three presentations a day in schools, universities, church and Air force Base in Colorado Springs. A village girl in Chakwal went back to school after reading my comic-book on Girls Education.
You! When you’re not working, what are some of your favourite ways to relax?
NN: Movies, music, and socialising with friends. It’s Covid, otherwise I would love to travel and tour; haven’t done enough of touring. We have a rich cultural tourism – waiting to be discovered.
You! You also do illustrations for books. We have come to know that Gogi books are going to be circulated on a mobile library in Balochistan on two camels. Can you elaborate?
NN: Yes, we are excited about that. Imagine a camel treading in the desert of Balochistan with Gogi books to share with children. Wow! They are also being placed on Cycle rickshaws in Lahore as well as chingchi rickshaws. We are also supporting the Ali Laila Bus Library. So, awesome.
You! In this age of technology and social media, do you think that there is a place for the traditional mode of cartoons?
NN: Well, the cartoons continue to be created; format changes somewhat in the preparation i.e., software, scans, and techniques of rendering as well as placing online. Traditional mode stays but process and placement have evolved to being digital.
You! Are there any other female Pakistani cartoonists besides you? Do you think there is still scope in this field?
NN: I believe there are a couple like Sadia Gardezi, published in Nation. Fauzia Minallah used to do cartoons but I have not seen her published recently. She too is doing cartoons for books.
You! Your philosophy of life:
NN: We rise by lifting others.
You! Any lessons learnt the hard way?
NN: Yes, don’t ever hand over your original work for review with the client. By the time it is returned to you after a week it’s been copied and pirated.
You! Can you tell us a bit about your latest campaign – ‘Cartoons for a Cause’?
NN: The set of seven Gogi books got me on to the donation drive of pushing corporates and sponsors to join the ‘Cartoons for a Cause’ for the underprivileged. Slowly but surely, I am getting the support; it’s a huge task and I cannot do it alone. (If anyone wants to donate contact me at gogistudios@gmail.com).
One little booklet just got released recently; it’s to teach children about road safety and the rules to follow. This time Gogi plays the role of the friendly traffic policewoman with the male Top Cop. It has been created for the Department of National Highway and Motorway Police. It’s a colouring book to be distributed at toll plazas, the kids will love it and learn from it too.
You! What’s next on your agenda?
NN: I have three books in the pipeline which may turn into four if our assignment for a children’s book on the environment is approved. In-house we are coming to the end of ‘The Tree Book’. I am also about to be moving forward with the activity and picture book on the cultural tourism of Pakistan. If only there were more hours in the day, we would start illustrating the manners and character-building book for children.
Erum Noor Muzaffar is the editor of You! magazine. She can be contacted at iram29@hotmail.com
