We had the privilege to speak to Zanjabeel Asim Shah, the writer behind projects like Bashar Momin, Cheekh, Mein, and many more. In this FUCHSIA exclusive, Zanjabeel shared some insights and experiences, offering a deeper look into her creative process and the stories she brings to life.
Zanjabeel Asim Shah is a celebrated Pakistani screenwriter known for her captivating stories and strong character development. Her ability to address complex social issues through drama has set her apart in the entertainment industry. Among her most notable works are Fraud, Balaa, and Pyaar Ke Sadkay, each of which has received widespread acclaim. Zanjabeel’s unique style combines traditional themes with modern perspectives, making her stories relatable and thought-provoking.
Currently, she is ruling over our TV screens with her latest dramas Noor Jahan, Shiddat and Habil Aur Qabil. These shows stand out for addressing age-old narratives and long-standing social issues in a completely different and smooth manner, showcasing her versatility and creativity. Moreover, Zanjabeel is rumored to be the writer of the most-awaited drama serial starring Danish Taimoor and Sarah Khan. This highly anticipated project, produced by iDream Entertainment, is soon to be aired on ARY Digital.
We had an exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation with Zanjabeel Asim Shah about her current dramas and much more, read on:
Zanjabeel Asim Shah On How Noor Jahan Came Into Being
Mujhe likhne me itna maza nahi aya, jitna mujhe dekhne me ata hy. And the credit goes to the most intelligent director, Musaddiq Malek.
Zanjabeel Asim Shah Praising Musaddiq Malek For His Exceptional Directing Skills!
Zanjabeel Asim Shah shared with us the inspiration behind Noor Jahan. The concept was initially given by Nadeem Baig, envisioning a mother-in-law-daughter-in-law dynamic. However, Zanjabeel aimed to break away from conventional stereotypes. She wanted a story where the mother-in-law isn’t just dominant but also finds herself surrendering to her daughter-in-law’s qualities. This twist aimed to capture viewers’ attention differently.
For Zanjabeel, the challenge was to evolve beyond the usual narratives dictated by channels and market demands. She, along with Sanam Mehdi and Angabeen of Six Sigma Productions, collaborated closely with Nadeem Baig to shape the storyline. They aimed to elevate the narrative beyond a mere family drama, injecting a fresh perspective to it. For this, Zanjabeel added Noor Jahan and Mukhtiar Shah’s rivalry to give this narrative a different and never-seen-before feel in a drama landscape that is otherwise flooded with saas-bahu stories.
Zanjabeel credited director Musaddiq Malek for bringing her vision to life. She highlighted his exceptional skill in capturing the essence of Noor Jahan on screen, creating a compelling viewing experience. His direction, according to Zanjabeel, played a pivotal role in making Noor Jahan a success, with the narrative’s ability to touch viewers emotionally and intellectually alike.
Zanjabeel’s Message To Young Girls Beyond Fairytale Fantasies
Mein ek sirf message dena chahti hun. Especially un larkiyon ko jinko lagta hai kay ek hero ayega, Mercedes me, aur mjhe leke ek baray se mehel me chala jayega, Ye aapki boht barri bhool hai!
Zanjabeel’s Advise To Young Girls
Zanjabeel had a heartfelt message and a reality-check for young girls who dream of a fairy-tale romance. She emphasized that waiting for a hero in a Mercedes to whisk them away to a grand palace is unrealistic. Instead, she urged them to focus on personal growth and independence.
According to Zanjabeel, heroes don’t typically arrive at your doorstep, and even if they do, they might prefer a girl with a helicopter. Materialism isn’t solely the girls’ domain; even those riding in Mercedes aspire to reach greater heights. They too seek partners who can match their ambitions. Zanjabeel encouraged girls not to wait for a prince but to empower themselves through hard work and self-improvement.
Depths Of Shiddat: Zanjabeel On Mental Abuse & Real-Life Dynamics
Mujhse aksar log poochte hen kay aisa kahan hota hai? Magar dekhiye, aesa hota hai.
Zanjabeel Asim Shah While Talking About Shiddat & Mental Abuse In Relationship
Zanjabeel provided insights into the characters of Asra and Sultan in the drama serial Shiddat, which delves into mental health and abuse dynamics prevalent in real-life scenarios. She explained that the storyline was crafted to address pressing societal issues surrounding these themes.
According to Zanjabeel, Asra, depicted as a highly intelligent individual, grapples with self-doubt and manipulation under Sultan’s influence. Sultan, initially posing to be ideal, eligible bachelor, capable of being a positive life partner, gradually reveals a deteriorating personality, leading to Asra’s emotional turmoil. Zanjabeel emphasized the devastating impact of living with such an abnormal person, where normalcy becomes unattainable.
Drawing parallels to real-life situations, Zanjabeel highlighted that individuals like Sultan employ manipulative tactics to control and isolate their victims. This often begins with distancing the victim from their support network, such as family and friends, thereby preventing them from seeking help or voicing concerns. Such dynamics, she noted, are unfortunately common and perpetuate cycles of emotional and psychological abuse in relationships.
In her discussion, She painted a vivid picture of the psychological complexities and power dynamics involved in abusive relationships, both in fiction and reality. Her portrayal underscored the urgent need for societal awareness and support systems to empower victims and break this cycle of abuse.
Engaging with Zanjabeel Asim Shah is always a pleasure, especially because of her point of view on often overlooked or suppressed topics. She fearlessly addresses societal issues through her work, shedding light on themes worth covering.
Stay tuned for the full interview coming soon on FUCHSIA Magazine’s YouTube Channel!
