Sanam Saeed says she'll wait for a Hollywood project that aligns with her values

Actor talks about depicting intimacy onscreen in Hollywood and why she refused some projects

Sanam Saeed's successful career is a testament enough to boast about her acting prowess. While the star has worked in limited projects, her work speaks for itself. From fearless Kashaf to conniving Zuvi, Saeed has managed to win the hearts of the audience with her brilliant ability to mold herself into her characters. 

With her blockbuster hit, Zindagi Gulzar Hai returning to the Indian screens, the Bachaana star has now opened up about her upcoming project with Fawad Khan and working in Bollywood. 

Speaking to Mid-day, Saeed shared, “I am grateful that something that was made a decade ago continues to be a hit. The show had a lovely Jane Austen vibe of a strong, independent woman, and was made from a female gaze. I am still attached to the character."

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sanam Mody Saeed (@sanammody)

Last year, Director Asim Abbasi took to his Instagram to share the first look of the actors from their upcoming web series, which is set to premiere on Zee5. The title is yet to be announced. Talking about the same, Saeed commented, “In this project, our dynamic is different [than Zindagi Gulzar Hai]." She went on to add, “Fawad is a delight to work with. He gives his co-stars space and integrity. We play off each other’s energy. It was a challenge for Asim to cast both of us and break the expectation of us being romantic. Sometimes, [after a shot], Asim would say, ‘No, this is looking romantic.’ This, when we were not even playing it from that angle. There is a strong hangover of our characters."

Adding on, the Cake star remarked, “Fawad was confused with Asim because he doesn’t praise easily. I have worked with Asim before in Cake, so I knew that even after a great take, all we would get is a nod. That took some time to acclimatise to.”

Saeed has previously spoken about working in Bollywood and in India. Sharing her thoughts on working in the Indian film industry, the actor shared with the publication, "When the political situation changed, a lot of things that were to work out did not. Over the years, the desire died for a lot of us. Bollywood is one of the largest industries in the world and has much-loved directors. I always wanted to do Bollywood and Broadway, but after the change in the political situation, the bubble burst for us. I am [grateful] for OTT platforms because they have helped us grow professionally.”

Saeed also shed light on how working in Hollywood is different for male and female actors. “Depicting intimacy in Hollywood is different from how we portray it," the actor said. "That’s often a factor we can’t get past and work around. In some projects that I [was offered], it was a requirement. There is a certain value system we have been raised with. I don’t want to have this dichotomy where Pakistan mein itne tehzeeb se kaam kar rahe hai, but wahan jaake sab bhool gaye. I will wait for a role where it is not required because eventually, I live in Pakistan. That’s home.”

Previously, Khan, making a reference to the TV channel Zindagi, said in a statement, “I think Zindagi is taking bold and brave decisions when it comes to storytelling. It’s naturally evolving into a platform that encourages diversity of opinion and inclusiveness for all filmmakers and material ranging from everyday mainstream to avant-garde and noir. I feel there’s a place for everyone in this artistic landscape.”

Saeed had also added, "I'm thrilled to be collaborating with one of my favourite directors Asim Abbasi again, this time for Zindagi. This new project embarks on a fantastical journey with some stunning performances by a very meticulously picked cast. I can't wait for everyone to see the magic that's been created in this beautiful limbo land."

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