Saba Qamar: Shows can change perceptions

Saba Qamar

The last we saw Saba Qamar was in Hindi Medium (2017), as she sparkled alongside the late Irrfan Khan. The India-Pakistan tension over the past few years might have kept desi fans away from Qamar, but the actor returns to Indian screens with Mrs & Mr Shameem. How does she feel about reconnecting with the Indian audience after five years? "I've always been told that art has no boundaries. I'm excited to be back after so long because the feedback and love that I've received from my Indian fans has been overwhelming," she begins.

The Zindagi series, to be aired on ZEE5, struck a chord with her immediately. With Nauman Ijaz playing Mr Shameem, the series challenges the archaic definition of masculinity. "Shameem's character is not transgender or gay; he is effeminate. He has the right to love, and probably knows the definition of love much better. The script and the concept caught my attention right away. An actor is known for taking on projects that are different from one another. The beauty of acting is that you're ready to take up newer challenges every day."

Saba Qamar and Nauman Ijaz in Mrs & Mr Shameem

Qamar is proud that Mrs & Mr Shameem discusses a woman's perception of what a man should be like. She believes stories like these are paramount to bring about a shift in the popular gaze. "Such shows can play an important part in changing the perceptions of our society, only if the society is ready to benefit from them. I hope we are ready to learn something new right now. The world is changing," she says, optimistically.

Before we part, we end the chat with the one question on our minds: As an actor who had a brush with Bollywood, does she miss working here? "Art should be free and should not have any boundaries. If things get better, I would love to work again for my fans across the border."