In an exclusive interview with BBC News Urdu, renowned Pakistani veteran performer Shehnaz Sheikh—once a major star of iconic television serials like Ankahi and Tanhaiyaan—gave her honest observations about her successful career and the changing entertainment environment.
When Shehnaz looked back on her early career days, she remembered the meager pay she received for her breakthrough parts. The 61-year-old performer talked about her time as a cast member of the popular 1982 drama Ankahi, saying, “I remember when I did Ankahi, I would make Rs800 per episode.” We would pay for our own food, clothing, and transportation.” But three years later, as Tanhaiyaan became popular, her pay increased somewhat to Rs 1000 each episode—a price that at the time was thought to be the highest for A-grade actresses.
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When asked about her decision to revisit Ankahi on the small screen, Shehnaz said, “Asim Tiwana is a very nice boy and he loves us a lot, but honestly, I did not want to do this initially.” He persisted in urging me to complete my assignment and take action.” Given the transient character of life in her advanced years, the actor claims that Ankahi with Shehnaz Sheikh became a means of reestablishing contact with her colleagues in the entertainment industry. She continued by highlighting how production standards have changed over time, especially with regard to cosmetics, hair, and overall production values. “It changes,” Shehnaz thought to herself. Both positive and negative developments are taking place. Everyone agrees that modern performers get large salaries. Most of them, but not all of them. Whether or not they deserve that money is a topic for another discussion.
In 1980s Pakistani television, hair and makeup were a basic affair, compared to now when they are an exacting staple in television and film shoots. The Balila actress was beloved by Ankahi fans for her understated elegance and her lack of concern for beauty standards even back then. “The role held greater significance for me than my appearance,” she said.
Few can argue that Pakistani television’s great age helped to establish the foundation for its ongoing appeal today. Many, however, will be saddened by the absence of these works’ more realistic examinations of life and the human condition.
“Back then, the play’s writer, performers, and other participants would all be chosen by our producers. These days, the big businesses who sponsor content make all of these decisions,” Shehnaz said, assigning some of the blame to those in positions of power in show business. “Marketing executives who sell toothpaste, tea, or detergents have completely different perspectives on content. They take into account what they require to market their goods.
The progressive heroine that dominated the media scene thanks to authors like Haseena Moin may no longer exist, but the seasoned actor who played such parts maintained that the change was not forced. Regressive characters “crying and hitting each other” taking center stage, according to Shehnaz, is in keeping with what the audience wants to see. “Why are they watching these plays when, in contrast to us in the past, you have an option? We as a country love to cry. I believe that sitting and crying allows for a lot of catharsis, which is beneficial.
She said, “I think every daughter-in-law’s wish is this: stories with a mean mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law plotting revenge. So this is in demand, you know.”
The conversation delves into her choice to turn down a 2012 offer to return to Tanhaiyaan Naye Silsalay. Shehnaz clarified, saying, “Haseena wasn’t the author. Second, I don’t think you should try to build a crappy version of something that has been done so brilliantly. You have an equivalent writer and everything, unless you have selected directors of the same caliber. Then, in a way, you might render justice.
Shehnaz discussed the main difference between “then and now,” outside the obvious variations in income and output in showbiz. Shehnaz pointed out that social media has become ubiquitous. “I’m glad we didn’t have all of this during our time,” she said candidly. Completely without cell phones. The type of life we have had are unimaginable. We never had to worry that someone may be filming us since we were acting so carelessly. A camera would reveal its presence to everyone in the room.
Nevertheless, even though the actor is aware of the dangers the internet has brought with it, he cannot resist the allure of this contemporary technology. “Your privacy is finished and gone these days. But take a look at all the data you receive. I adore social media, and I cannot imagine my life right now without it. She stated, “It’s so much fun to watch TikTokers and reels. Just scroll past anything you don’t like.”
Regarding her future plans, Shehnaz expressed her wish to work on projects that complemented her vision while bemoaning the lack of interest from colleagues in the sector. In the end, she is still upbeat about accepting retirement on her own terms.
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