Actor Sanam Saeed has stated in a recent interview, that Pakistanis grew up on Bollywood while Indians aren’t really aware of Pakistani culture bits.
Sanam in an interview with Indian Express talked about how generations in Pakistan are aware of Indian culture. She said, “Personally, I am more of a Hollywood binge-watcher. But the whole of Pakistan has been raised on Bollywood, from our grandparents to us, we know Madhubala, Kareena Kapoor stuff to now Deepika Padukone. We have seen all the generations. We have literally grown-up consuming Bollywood, the song, the dance, the culture, the way they eat, and the way they do pooja. We know what happens in India. But India doesn’t know what happens in Pakistan.”
She further added, ‘Indians don’t know how we eat, how we are). The way we wear salwar kameez, tie our hair, there are these small differences. We know the difference between what an Indian choti (braid) is, but I don’t think India knows what the Pakistani choti is like. These small nuances are there. When ZEE Zindagi launched, then India saw, ‘Oh this is how they wear their clothes, this is how they interact’, how independent women are here also. That was interesting to see.’
Last year she opened up about her desire to star in Bollywood movies after the political situation changed between India and Pakistan.
In an interview with Mid-day, the Cake star was asked about her interest to work in Bollywood after Zindagi channel is reinstated.
The actor replied, “When the political situation changed, a lot of things that were to work out did not. Over the years, the desire died for a lot of us. Bollywood is one of the largest industries in the world, and has much-loved directors.”
“I always wanted to do Bollywood and Broadway, but after the change of political situation, the bubble burst for us. I am (grateful) for OTT platforms because they have helped us grow professionally,” she added.
Talking about Zindagi Gulzar Hai’s return on Indian TV screens, Sanam said, “I am grateful that something that was made a decade ago continues to be a hit.”
She continued: “The show had a lovely Jane Austen vibe of strong, independent woman, and was made from a female gaze. I am still attached to the character.”
Earlier this year she spoke about her Bollywood plans during the trailer launch of Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam.
“I am open to working in Indian films, not television. I prefer TV on this side of the border. There are so many genres of films I want to work in, so many actors I would like to collaborate with.” She added, “But to start with, Aamir Khan is someone I would like to work with.”
“We know how India is, we have watched their films. But they didn’t know how we look and what our lives are like. So it was eye-opening for them. We look the same, eat the same food, we are practically brothers and sisters,” she shared further.
Earlier the Zindagi Gulzar Hai diva was invited to Mumbai to audition for Raees opposite Shah Rukh Khan which she didn’t as she was getting married. The role was then bagged by Mahira Khan.
The Deedan diva however sent a digital audition.
I wasn’t offered Raees, I auditioned for it, along with several other films from across the border. I have no qualms with working in Bollywood. If the script is substantial and the team top notch in the game, only then I’ll take up a project.
