Sana Shahnawaz
Mann Mayal’s producer who set to take Pakistani drama industry to new heights
Pakistan’s entertainment industry has hit off well in the past few years, and as new entrants, be it actors, directors, writers, or producers make their way into the industry it is only meant to boom further.
One such entrant is Sana Shahnawaz, wardrobe stylist and a producer, mostly known for her debut production ‘Mann Mayal’ starring Hamza Ali Abbasi and Maya Ali.
Coming from the power family of Humayun Saeed and Samina Humayun Saeed, Sana Shahnawaz has taken the Pakistani drama industry to a whole new level with her projects like ‘Khuda Mera Bhi Hai’ and ‘Sadqey Tumharey’ to name a few. She was even a part of the production team for ‘Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.’ If things continue at this pace, Sana will take the industry to new heights soon, hopefully.
GLOSS chats with the young producer herself to know how she got into production and her current projects.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My family has been in this business for over 20 years, so this is something that has always been a big part of my life. However, the transition to becoming a producer was the most natural thing for me, as it has been my passion.
I love designing a project and bringing the story I believe in, and a story I would love to share with the audiences, to life.
Tell us how and why you got into production from styling?
I love reading books, watching movies and dramas. It’s like I am naturally tilted towards hearing or watching a good story unfold.
Being a fashion graduate helped groom my natural flair for designing that helped me transition into becoming a producer. It’s what makes the journey more fun and exciting every single day.
How did you end up taking Mann Mayal as a project? How was the journey producing the much-loved drama serial?
Mann Mayal was my debut project as a producer. Samina Humayun Saeed had already produced her first drama serial Sadqay Tumharay. She wanted to continue doing productions, that’s when I stepped in.
I used my skill set to design the entire project regarding the story, the cast, the look and the feel. I obviously had great support from Samina as well as Momina Duraid.
Being the youngest producer, does it get overwhelming managing the work and family?
It has been a wonderful journey so far, a fantastic learning experience. It does seem like a challenge sometimes, but then what’s life without a few challenges?
As far as being the youngest producer is concerned, my seniors and my peers have never made me feel that even in the slightest. I have received nothing but encouragement.
What sets your work apart from the others? What has been the aim of each project that you did?
I don’t think I need to set myself apart from others. My only motive is to be able to tell a good story. Something that resonates with the audience. A story that has a message and is heartfelt. Hence, as a producer, I design it in such a way that helps the narrative come to life beautifully.
As far as being the youngest producer is concerned, my seniors and my peers have never made me feel that even in the slightest. I have received nothing but encouragement.
Producing serials like Sadqey Tumharey, Mann Mayal and Khuda Mera Bhi Hai to name a few, which has been the most memorable one and why?
I believe the purpose of a commercial project like Mann Mayal is to provide pure entertainment whereas a project like Khuda Mera Bhi Hai, grates one’s conscience.
It makes people pay attention, listen and understand. It also makes them aware of things they might not otherwise pay attention to. So, to take on a project that is pure entertainment is relatively easy.
But, projects like Khuda Mera Bhi Hai was challenging, in terms of casting as no one was ready to play the transgender character and the transgenders mother.
It all worked out in the end. A few months after this serial was aired the Government of Pakistan issued its first passport to a transgender. Not only that, a lot more is being done in order to elevate their position in our society.
So, even if we contributed a little bit, like sparking a debate as to how we can make a difference in peoples lives, is one of the most fulfilling rewards.
You worked on movies as well, how is it different from TV serials?
I have only worked on movies in terms of styling the songs and a little bit of consultation.
I haven’t produced a film as yet, but the stakes are so much higher for a movie when it comes to the budget and strict timelines.
What sort of planning and work goes into starting a project? How long does it usually take to start and finish a project?
The first and foremost thing is the story and script. That’s like laying the foundation of a project.
Months go by into developing a well-written script after discussions with the writer and the channel.
The next step is to identify the right director for the project and the cast fit for the roles.
Casting and designing overall, plays a huge part in making or breaking a project. Devising a good marketing strategy is also a very critical part of this process.
If a good project is not marketed well or played in the right time slot, it can cause a lot of damage and can risk it going unnoticed.
The rest depends on the audience and how well they connect with the story and the characters. Every step in producing a serial is very crucial.
What is the deciding factor behind the cast, director, and writer for a project?
Every writer, director and actor have their strengths. For example, when there is a sensitive, slightly offbeat story my choice of the director would be Shahid Shafaat; as, he is good at translating that sensitivity and sensibility onto the screen.
If it is a complex love story, Khalil ur Rehman Qamar would be the perfect writer to approach. Similarly, if its a complex performance like that of Mahgul’s character in Khuda Mera Bhi Hai, no one else could have delivered this performance like Ayesha Khan.
Thus, getting a project together entails considering the strengths and sensibility of everyone in the field and in terms of what they can deliver.
How do you think the TV serials of Pakistan have evolved in the past decade?
Pakistani television has really evolved since the past 10 years. Look at all the subjects and content that is being produced.
It isn’t just about simple love stories and saas-bahu sagas. TV series like Khuda Mera Bhi Hai, Ilteja, Udaari focus on social issues that the families are faced with and affected by.
In this day and age, it isn’t just about a woman being the damsel in distress, rather strong, confident and independent women who can speak their minds like the women of Dillagi and Besharam are getting noticed.
This does not mean that the typical stories have completely stopped being produced, but the shift and change in storylines have to be gradual. We have to present a drama which is within the parameters of our prevailing culture.
There is still a long way to go, and the drama industry will continue to strive towards giving the audiences some good content that they can learn from.
What’s in the pipeline for Sana Shahnawaz?
Our latest project Khudgharz aired in December on ARY Digital, written by Rida Bilal and directed by Yasir Nawaz. It stars Syed Jibran, Aamina Sheikh, Sami Khan and Mansha Pasha.
The second serial Khasara, penned by the amazing Maha Malik and directed by Shahid Shafat stars Meekal Zulfiqar, Junaid Khan, Sonia Mishaal and Sarwat Gilani. Khasara will go on air on ARY in January.
Anything you would like to tell the aspiring producers?
In my opinion, the most important principle is to respect the elders and our seniors.
We are so lucky to be around them and get a chance to learn from their experiences. We should learn to value their presence in our lives.
Moreover, learn from your mistakes because mistakes can help guide you on a better path. You only get one life, so live it to the fullest. For me, my mantra in life ‘I can, and I will’ is what keeps me going and has motivated me always. So, always have faith in God in all that you do.
