Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed, renowned for her role alongside Fawad Khan in the hit show “Zindagi Gulzar Hai,” has garnered a significant following in India. Saeed likens her Indian fans to “long lost siblings,” though she has yet to visit the country for work. She remains hopeful that the exchange of talent between the two nations will soon resume.
Saeed has returned to the limelight with Zindagi’s new drama, “Barzakh,” reuniting with Khan after 12 years. The Zindagi channel has played a pivotal role in bringing Pakistani shows to Indian audiences. “The feedback has been quite overwhelming and exactly what we hoped for—mesmerized, blown away, and proud,” Saeed shared regarding the audience’s reaction.
The actor noted that viewers have been captivated by various aspects of the show, including cinematography, color palette, costumes, and acting. However, she acknowledged that some find the show challenging to follow, needing to pay close attention to the unfolding story. “It’s not a show you can binge-watch; it demands focus and attention,” she explained.
“Barzakh” centers on a reclusive resort owner who invites his estranged children to his third wedding. The twist? His bride-to-be is believed to have died long ago. The show, released on July 19 on Zindagi’s YouTube channel and ZEE5, follows the family’s journey as they confront their past and present demons.
For Saeed, the show has been deeply personal. “Love conquers all,” she said. “Family is all you have. Forgiveness is essential, and staying connected to family is crucial. These are the lessons I took away from working on this show.”
Saeed expressed her affection for her Indian fans, describing them as kindred spirits. “We grew up in different homes but share the same roots,” she said. “It was eye-opening, especially for Indians who are less familiar with Pakistani culture.”
Despite the strained cross-border relations post-2016’s Uri attack, Saeed remains optimistic about future collaborations. “I never got to work in India, so I can’t say I miss it, but I believe things will change,” she said. She highlighted the significance of Zee’s collaboration with Pakistani artists and the presence of Pakistani shows on Indian OTT platforms as steps in the right direction.
Saeed concluded with hope, recalling past cultural exchanges and expressing confidence that art and culture will soon bridge the gap between India and Pakistan again.
