Indian TV was more versatile in the ’80s and ’90s: Fawad Khan

The Pakistani star says he is a “big fan of what’s happening on western TV shows”; is not sure about working in Indian serials.

Fawad Khan’s stint on Pakistani TV started in 2010. The actor then gained popularity with shows such as Dastaan, Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai. Ask him if he’d take up work on Indian TV, and he says such “comparisons are unfair as every industry has its strengths and weaknesses”.

Fawad Khan says he would like to see a re-enactment or retelling of Alif Laila (based on the tales from the Arabian Nights) as such “stories are native to us”. (Hindustan Times)

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“In Pakistan, the TV industry is in the foreground and the film industry is in the background. Since television is only visual medium of entertainment that reaches millions, it has evolved and offers different genres of storytelling. As for Indian TV, it has seen success and is still successful, but it was more versatile in the ’80s and ’90s,” says Fawad.

The Pakistani star adds that “there was a time when Pakistani audiences devoured Indian TV content”. “Saas-bahu dramas such as Kasautii Zindagi Kay arrived on the scene. The Pakistani TV industry was also facing a tough time,” he says.

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But Fawad adds that “films always had a preference over TV in India, so you see versatility in movies”. Does that mean no TV for him? “I don’t know. I’d like to tell stories in a different manner. I am a big fan of what’s happening on western shows such as Fargo and True Detective. I am a fan of Fargo in particular. These are the kind of stories we can tell,” he says.

Fawad adds that “we have great stories to tell on TV”. “I just don’t talk about them as I don’t want anyone to steal my ideas (laughs). I would like to see a reenactment or retelling of Alif Laila (based on tales from the Arabian Nights). These stories are native to us. I’d like to work on that kind of TV content. If something like that comes my way, I won’t ask questions (and sign up),” he says.