Pakistani TV shows are closer to reality: Mikaal Zulfiqar

Published December 8, 2014
Mikaal Zulfiqar - photonews.com
Mikaal Zulfiqar - photonews.com

Ever since the Zindagi channel started airing Pakistani television shows across the border, our celebrities have paved their way into the hearts of Indian audiences. Mikaal Zulfiqar is one such actor, who quickly became a fan favourite because of his performances in Dhoop Chaaon and Aaina Dulhan Ka.

According to IBN Live, Zulfiqar believes Indian producers and directors should adopt a more realistic approach towards their shows, perhaps even making them shorter. The actor explained, "Pakistani serials are more inclined towards reality and it's our strength. It's not necessary that murder or infidelity will only add drama to the serials.

He further adds: "In our country, serials narrate about small household issues. For instance, it's not necessary that the business deal should be of Rs500 crore, it could be of Rs10 lakh as well. I feel there's no need to go into such elaborations."

Zulfiqar proposes the theory that television in India is inspired by Bollywood.

"Indian TV is probably influenced by Indian cinema, which is larger than life. But in case of Bollywood, such portrayal works. Cinema is to entertain and it exudes a feel good factor if it is full of songs and dance sequences."

Would the Paani Jaisa Pyar actor be open to working in Indian television?

The actor, who is no stranger to Indian cinema having worked in Godfather (a Pakistani-Indian movie) and Shoot on Sight, shared, "I would love to do Indian shows, provided the script is good."

However, he confesses that Pakistani cinema is not nearly as bold as Hindi cinema and he might not be able to keep up.

"Call me old-fashioned, but I will be hesitant to kiss on-screen. It will take some time for the boldness to find a place in Pakistan. At the end of the day, we are an Islamic country and it's a sensitive topic."

Opinion

Editorial

Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.
Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...