Actor Imran Abbas tells Divya Kaushik that the content of Pakistani shows have changed over the years to reflect complexities of modern relationships and other serious issues
In the last few days, Imran Abbas has become a familiar name in India. The Pakistani actor, who has been promoting Zee’s new channel Zindagi that goes on air today, is hopeful that the Indian audience will appreciate Pakistani content on the small screen. One of his shows, Mera Naseeb, will also be a part of the channel. “Our shows are different than Indian shows. They are finite series, not exceeding more than 25 episodes, shot like films. The presentation of shows is different and the subjects that they touch upon, too, are different. But they are simple stories. After watching them, you will feel like you are watching something which is a part of your own life. Since the show has to wrap up in a few episodes, it is shot in a focussed way, with story moving at a fast pace. Pakistani drama reflects reality. Also, our shows have original soundtracks. We write, compose and sing songs for these dramas. There are famous musicians working to come up with excellent soundtrack for our TV shows,” said the actor.
Imran is a known name in Pakistani TV industry. He has acted in several dramas and has appeared in several telefilms. The actor says that content of Pakistani shows has gone through a change over years. “Technically, our shows were always one of the best. They were shot at locations across the globe and the presentation is stronger than our films. The content of our TV dramas has also changed over the years to reflect on the modern complexities in relationships. We have extra-marital issues and even some serious and hard-hitting social and political issues. But I feel there are certain issues that should not be highlighted too much through TV shows,” said Imran.
The actor feels that Zindagi is a good platform for Pakistani artistes to showcase their talent in India. It will encourage healthy exchange between the two countries. “The Indian audience has responded very well to our shows. Our series like Dhoop Kinare was loved immensely by the audience here. We want to change the mindset of the audience with our finite series. We want to convey it to them that it is not necessary for a good drama to extend and stretch for years,” said Imran.
The actor turned down Sanjay leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish, Mohit Suri’s Aashiqui 2 and Anthony D’Souza’s Boss because it conflicted with the shooting schedule for his Pakistani projects and “I was bound by my contracts.” But he is a firm believer in destiny. He says that “maybe it was not in my destiny to do those films.” But this year Imran will be seen in three films. Vikram Bhatt’s Creature 3D is one of them. “It is shot like a Hollywood film and has every ingredient to make any film a hit. By the end of this year, three of my films will be releasing and I am really looking forward to them,” he ended.