Pakistani actor Amina Sheikh feels that the airing of shows made in her country in India has been a blessing for the talent there. "India has always been open to talent from across the world, but Pakistanis didn't make much of an impact in the past. Now, Fawad (Khan) and Ali Zafar's movies have changed that, in terms of Indians' impression of us," she says.
With Pakistani shows getting a good reception here, Amina feels the market for her and her compatriots has opened up. She adds, "Our actors are willing to explore new platforms and make a mark internationally. Fawad has made us proud, and has paved the way for all of us. I hold him in high regard."
Initially, Pakistani shows stood out in India for being toned down in terms of grandeur, but soon, the similarities were evident with the underlying theme of a woman in distress, making sacrifices for her loved ones.
Amina says, "As actors, imagine the battles we have to fight with our writers. I deal with this on a daily basis. We try to urge producers to take a risk and stop running shows on victimised women, abuse, affairs and divorce. They have been harped on a lot. We need to show more contemporary and progressive topics."
After Maat and Aaina Dulhan Ka, Amina is looking forward to another of her shows " which is about love, marriage and fragile relationships " that will air in India soon. She says, "As actors, we crave variety and challenges. Usually, social subjects on TV are executed in a dry, in-your-face manner, which is not appealing. This show has a commercial appeal, while sending out a message too."