The sought-after Pakistani actress Shazia Naz Khan is known for her mesmerizing screen presence and strong opinions. Bin Roye a stellar hit, catapulted Shazia to fame, Kuch Na Kaho and Tum Meri Ho followed. She has also been part of a Pakistani film Josh: Independence Through Unity. In her recent video that features Mahira Khan as her sister, Shazia breaks away from social norms and comments on celebrating second marriages as joyfully as the first. The video shows a progressive perspective of liberating socially shunned women. We met up with the star for an exclusive interview as she shed light on skewed perceptions of second marriages.
1- Why did you feel the need to address a subject like this one?
Honestly speaking this is a brain child of Mahira Khan and the team because we believe there is an absolute need to put breaks on contradiction and hypocrisy of our society regarding this issue.
2- What according to you is the cause for people to degrade women celebrating second marriages? Is it the lack of exposure or superstitious beliefs?
I believe it’s a “control mechanism” and “power play” that benefited and continues to benefit the select few in our society. It has impacted generations and incepted a regressed culture and mindset on this issue. Superstition and lack of exposure are just few reasons but it’s the “control factor and benefit for few” that resides behind these issues.
3- Why do you think our society looks down on celebrating second marriage?
Simply because women are considered a second-grade species not only in our culture but the majority of the world. Celebration is an evolved stage. In our society acceptance of second marriage is at an extremely nascent stage. For us a second chance for women is unthinkable. Come to think of it, we are still struggling to give a fair first chance. Inequality and fair playground for women in our society is still not accepted, it is a buzzword but actual implementation is rare.
4- What’s the role and responsibility of professionals working in the media industry in rectifying such subjects especially when most narratives always lead and subconsciously teach you that happy marriage is the happy ever-after?
Exactly what the video has done, incept REAL conversations in the minds of the existing and new generations. So their real actions are different from the previous generations. Women who lead content and media houses (be it digital or electronic) are paving the way for responsible, fair content and conversations.
5- What’s your favorite part of this video? How did this idea come about?
“Jo beet gayi so beet gayi. Pehli inning ke baad match khatam thori ho jaata hai,” said by the Naani “voice of older generation” who reassures and gives confidence to daughters that change is possible and its coming
6- How was your experience working with Mahira Khan, Sheherzade and the team?
Competent culture, creative content and super talent with an intent and heart to change mindsets was the mood throughout on the set. It was a unique, rewarding and heart touching experience.
7- What was your creative input for this particular project?
My emotional and physically energy, the rest was the entire Team.
8- What was the duration of the shoot? What’s your hope and aspiration from this content?
The shooting of the video was completed in 24 hours. If this video can change one life and one family, that would be my minimal hope from this project. My aspiration however, would be for this video to begin the change in mindset and culture for second marriages, not just in our country but also beyond Pakistan.
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