There is nothing surprising about me launching lawn: Aamir Liaquat

The TV host talks to us about his shows and much more

KARACHI: Popular TV host Aamir Liaquat has always been in the news for a variety of reasons, each more controversial and colorful than the ones before. The Express Tribune recently interviewed him to talk about how he has added his own touch to everything that he has had a hand in.

Speaking about morning shows, Aamir Liaquat strongly believes that he has changed the dynamics of the genre, in Pakistan as well as abroad. "If you watch my show, you will see a complete family package with something for everyone. My introductory note is the most viewed segment of the show. I pick on anecdotes which have political relevance in terms of current affairs or historical value. Initially, people are reluctant to accept it. However they accept with time the format of my show."

Promotional poster for Aamir Liaquat's morning show

He added that his TV shows have received an extremely positive response outside Pakistan, particularly in the United States. "I have conducted bigger shows in California and Florida, and I have found that outside Pakistan, expats value Pakistani traditions more so than we do here in the country."

Aamir Liaquat was quick to rubbish allegations of copying Tariq Aziz's style in his game show Inaam Ghar, "That's a myth. We have innovated throughout. In his shows, there was no comic relief or games, nor did families bond." He did however acknowledge Tariq Aziz's role in Inaam Ghar. "Yes, Tariq Aziz was and remains an inspiration. He is a big name but his show was only an inspiration."

Screengrab of Pakistan Ramazan transmission aired on Express Entertainment 

Talking about how he has totally turned the concept of a morning show around, Aamir Liaquat referred to his own show Subh-i-Pakistan. "I really like hosting it. I have tried to focus on family values in the show, which I believe should be the primary image that we need to focus on, instead of naach gana! No matter what sort of family you come from, no one would like to begin every day with song and dance. There is a specific time for everything."

He further said, "When we first started Subh-i-Pakistan, we had a hard time coming up with ideas. The primary perception of a morning show in Pakistan is that it will be empty-headed, propagating false ideals and would not provide any food for thought. I have tried to be different. We have stressed on family values that need to be highlighted."

Aamir Liaquat on the sets of Subh-i-Pakistan

Talking about his current venture into the women's lawn brand Aanchal in collaboration with Ghulam Shabbir textile mills, Aamir Liaquat said that there was nothing to be surprised about. "I was already doing the Kurta range for men, you must be aware of that. But I have always had a large female following. Ghulam Shabbir is a big textile mill, and I have always been a creative man. That's all there is to it. They took it forward like I wanted them to. There will be no copy of it. Lawn should be for the masses. I am not getting any profit out of this venture."

Read: Move over Sana Safinaz, Aamir Liaquat's 'Aanchal' is here

He shared the rationale behind the name that he had chosen. "For me, an aanchal is a symbol of respect, and this is the value that I have tried to embody in the name I have chosen for my brand. In our society, there are some aspects in which a woman needs to dominate. We as a nation must respect womanhood altogether. My Aanchal is symbolic of a mother who takes her son under her wing, a sister who prays for her brother, and a wife who prays for the long life of her husband. Since my mother has passed away, and I don't have a sister, I feel that there is a huge void in my life and this is what Aanchal is all about."

Sample prints of Aanchal lawn

Aamir Liaquat stressed that he is a strong proponent of women's rights and stated, "I personally believe women issues need to be addressed. No disrespect should ever to be shown to them. My shows are based on reality, and I try to present ethical issues upfront."