Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
A phone camera may be all that you need to break stereotypes, cross boundaries and open up topics for discussion. Produced through her phone and hosted on Facebook, Faiza Saleem started off with the determination to stir the waters while keeping the environment light with her comedy. The comedienne is responsible for Pakistan’s first all-girls comedy troupe, The Khawatoons, which she says is a first-hand course on sexism and gender stereotyping. Tackling subjects like body shaming and the “dress code” that women are expected to live by, Saleem is trying to push the Pakistani mindset on women into the 21st century.
From a lawyer to a comedian, how did people around you react when you switched careers?
People were surprised. Some thought it was a phase that I would eventually get over. Others believed I had great potential to excel in both fields. So, that was confusing.
What is the comedy scene like in Pakistan these days and what is the scope of stand-up comedy in the country?
It has grown a lot especially in the last five years. There is a lot of improv and stand-up happening. Social media has helped a lot too. The future of comedy in Pakistan is very bright In sha Allah.
YouTube was banned in Pakistan for quite a while. How did that affect your work?
Well, it limited our audience and our earnings to a great extent. But it’s back now so I am trying my best to catch up.
Do you write your own routines?
Of course! Who else can be as crazy?
Making people laugh is not easy! How do you deal with the pressure of being equally or more entertaining than your previous work?
I usually stress out a lot but that also pushes me to get out of my own comfort zone. I keep writing and I keep doing not so great work in order to learn to do better.
Heckling and trolling is part of the job. It doesn’t make it right, but you learn to deal with people with time and experience.
What do you do, and encourage others to follow, when you feel stuck creatively?
Group discussions. Talk to people. Listen to their stories.
It is ironic how comedy is used to address serious issues. How impactful it really is?
Very impactful I believe. Humour catches my attention. Comedy makes people laugh, but it also makes them reconsider their perspective of social problems and their solutions. At least that’s my opinion.
An ordinary person doesn’t take issues seriously unless they go through it themselves. Rape and molestation, for example, are still joked about. How do you change such mindset?
You simply don’t joke about it yourself. You take a stand against such mentality in your personal capacity first and then go public with that stance.
There are several South Asian social media personalities, particularly from the west, who have built a strong following. Does it make the competition difficult for those based in Pakistan?
Not really. I am not just a social media entertainer. Most Pakistani artists are great performers so they have that going for them. I don’t see other social media personalities as competitors. There are plenty of laughs to be shared by everyone.
Any retaliation you had to face after a gig or video?
Yes. Heckling and trolling is part of the job. It doesn’t make it right, but you learn to deal with people with time and experience.
What is the best compliment you have received so far?
That you are an inspiration for all women, not just women in Pakistan.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
The laughs. And the bond I share with people in different groups.
Tell us a bit about The Khawatoons.
The Khawatoons is my baby, a dream that has come to life. It’s Pakistan’s first all girls comedy troupe. In fact it is the first of its kind in most parts of the world. Some of the friendships that I have fostered through the Khawatoons are so incredible I feel lucky to be the troupe’s leader. We travel together, rehearse together and perform together. It’s magical.
Who are your inspirations in comedy and who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I try to draw inspiration from ordinary people, but locally I admire the work of Hina Dilpazeer, late Moin Akhtar sahab and Bushra Ansari. I think Melissa McCarthy is also amazing.
Any tips for someone who might want to pursue a career in comedy?
Just do it!
Any upcoming projects?
I am doing a cameo in a film called Parchi. It’s a gangster comedy film and it’s being made by the same team as Janaan. I play an “antagonist of sorts.” Apart from that, I’m doing a TV drama and shows with the Khawatoons and The Auratnaaks.
TIDBITS
What is your daily routine like?
Breakfast. Phone calls. Meetings. Rehearsals/shoots. Writing. Stressing. Dinner. Writing. Stressing.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
A night owl.
The last book you read?
Lolita by Vladimir Naboko
A song that is stuck in your mind?
I just called to say I love you.
An item on your wish list?
No item. Just a lot of travelling.
Your favourite store to shop at?
So many…Evans, Yours, New Look, H&M, Forever 21.
A social media celebrity you think is overrated?
Faiza Saleem.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Everywhere.
