She is a fan of “mind-blowing” Bollywood cinema, but at the same time Pakistani actress Fatima Effendi takes pride in saying that TV shows produced in her homeland are not just high on content, but also realistic.
Effendi is currently wowing Indian audiences as Khushi in Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti, which was one of the inaugural shows of channel Zindagi, a first-of-its-kind initiative that has brought a bouquet of Pakistani shows to Indian viewers.
“I was expecting the positive response as far as quality of work is concerned and the feedback that I have got from the Indian audience has been overwhelming,” Effendi said when asked about the response to the show.
“Indian films are mind-blowing, but TV dramas are elongated and not reality based. So, I was confident that people would like it, but didn’t expect this kind of response.
“Our shows are based on reality and they are not just about one section of people. Our shows are about poor, middle-class and elite... everyone,” the actress and fashion designer said from Karachi.
Quite true.
The shows have successfully shattered a lot of myths and misconceptions about our neighbouring nation. Effendi said: “There has been a hate relationship between the two countries, but when I went to the fan site of the show, I was surprised to see the comments and I am glad that people are being expressive.
“Our cultures are almost the same, our food, attires are the same, except for the religion... [The] media shows a darker side of Pakistan, but we are also normal people and have a normal lifestyle like people in any other country. I am glad people are getting to know Pakistan,” she added.
Recalling a pleasant encounter with Indian fans in Thailand, Effendi said: “When I went to Bangkok to shoot, I met Indians and I established a good relationship with them and they were like, ‘Don’t you wear burkha?’ And I told them it’s not like that.”
Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti was Effendi’s first big break and while shooting for the social drama, she was also pursuing a fashion design course.
“I had done telefilms, shows and commercials, but my big break was Kaash Main Teri Beti Na Hoti and after the show I got married, then had a child and then I was on baby break,” said Effendi, who is married to Kanwar Arsalan, who also features in the show.
“I met my husband on the sets of Larkiyan Muhally Ki and we became friends and then we got married,” said the actress. The couple has a son.
