Noorpur ki Rani to highlight social issues

As someone who has spent a lot of time in the Pakistani TV industry as an actor and a producer, how would describe the transition that has taken place over the years?
It has been an incredible journey. Back in those days, there was hardly any competition. In early 1990s there were only two channels featuring Pakistani dramas in our country. Pakistani drama industry has grown by leaps and bounds. It can be conveniently compared to the Indian film industry. I run about two-three production companies myself. The quality of production, the content has immensely improved. Today, we have a lot of young talent in the industry enriching the quality of our dramas.

What in your opinion marked the revival of the industry?
Pakistani film/drama industry was almost finished, but it bounced back and how! The era changes every five-six years with newer talent joining the industry. Our entertainment industry is reviving and bettering itself with each passing day.

Through Zindagi, Pakistani content is now be aired in India. How do you feel about this?
Zee has given us a great opportunity to connect with Indian audience and I am glad that I am a part of this revolution. The relationship between both the countries is going to improve for sure. It's like a dream-come-true for every Pakistani artist. Also, it will be very easy for us to connect with the Indian audience because I have been to India quite a few times and trust me the life there is not very different from that of a common man in Pakistan. Since Pakistani series are not fiction-based, Indian audience will now get a true picture of how life is on the other side of the border.

Did you always want to become an actor?
I am a lawyer by profession and I wanted to be a news anchor for the longest time. I went to audition for a news channel, but the director said that I was too young to be a news anchor and that I could be great at acting. That's how it began and I am glad it did.

How are Pakistani television series different from Indian television series?
I would say Pakistani television series are very close to reality. We produce a wide range of shows and the crux of these shows is mainly to highlight social issues. Since our content is largely based on reality, our goal is to connect with the audience. Also, Pakistani serials are time bound and don't have a long run time. We are sure that Indian audience will love this new format of shows.

Do you think Noorpur ki rani will be a hit in India as well?
1600 movies are released in India, out of which 10-15 movies are big hits. So I would be surprised if Noorpur ki Rani gets a mixed response in some markets. However, I believe in the quality of the show and I am sure people in India are going to love it.

How popular are Indian series in Pakistan?
At the advent of the era of drama series, Indian soaps were very dominant in Pakistan. Gradually, Pakistani content started pacing up to match with Indian content. Pakistani content has evolved and has gone far from showing lavish homes, and women decked up in make-up on screen. People here enjoy Indian content a lot.

What is your forecast for the Pakistani entertainment industry?
I think it has a bright future because our industry is full of talented youngsters. We really have a long way to go. Our dramas are really popular in Pakistan and now even Indian audience is also loving our content. Talking of the Pakistani film industry, with the cooperation of government, we are sure to bloom.

What is your take on the Indian audience?
Indian audience is very powerful. We are glad that our talent and work will now be showcased in India. Language is not a barrier and we are hoping that our dramas will be well accepted by Indians.

Watch Norrpur Ki Rani every Monday to Sunday at 8.55 pm only on Zindagi!