PROFILE
Sana Shahnawaz
Mann Mayal ’ s producer who set to take Pakistani drama industry to new heights
Text By Saneela Jawad
Pakistan ’ s entertainment industry has hit off well in the past few years , and as new entrants , be it actors , directors , writers , or producers make their way into the industry it is only meant to boom further .
One such entrant is Sana Shahnawaz , wardrobe stylist and a producer , mostly known for her debut production ‘ Mann Mayal ’ starring Hamza Ali Abbasi and Maya Ali .
Coming from the power family of Humayun Saeed and Samina Humayun Saeed , Sana Shahnawaz has taken the Pakistani drama industry to a whole new level with her projects like ‘ Khuda Mera Bhi Hai ’ and ‘ Sadqey Tumharey ’ to name a few . She was even a part of the production team for ‘ Jawani Phir Nahi Ani .’ If things continue at this pace , Sana will take the industry to new heights soon , hopefully .
GLOSS chats with the young producer herself to know how she got into production and her current projects .
Tell us a little about yourself . My family has been in this business for over 20 years , so this is something that has always been a big part of my life . However , the transition to becoming a producer was the most natural thing for me , as it has been my passion .
I love designing a project and bringing the story I believe in , and a story I would love to share with the audiences , to life .
Tell us how and why you got into production from styling ? I love reading books , watching movies and dramas . It ’ s like I am naturally tilted towards hearing or watching a good story unfold . Being a fashion graduate helped groom my natural flair for designing that helped me transition into becoming a producer . It ’ s what makes the journey more fun and exciting every single day .
How did you end up taking Mann Mayal as a project ? How was the journey producing the much-loved drama serial ? Mann Mayal was my debut project as a producer . Samina Humayun Saeed had already produced her first drama serial Sadqay Tumharay . She wanted to continue doing productions , that ’ s when I stepped in .
I used my skill set to design the entire project regarding the story , the cast , the look and the feel . I obviously had great support from Samina as well as Momina Duraid . Being the youngest producer , does it get overwhelming managing the work and family ? It has been a wonderful journey so far , a fantastic learning experience . It does seem like a challenge sometimes , but then what ’ s life without a few challenges ?
As far as being the youngest producer is concerned , my seniors and my peers have never made me feel that even in the slightest . I have received nothing but encouragement .
What sets your work apart from the others ? What has been the aim of each project that you did ? I don ’ t think I need to set myself apart from others . My only motive is to be able to tell a good story . Something that resonates with the audience . A story that has a message and is heartfelt . Hence , as a producer , I design it in such a way that helps the narrative come to life beautifully .
Producing serials like Sadqey Tumharey , Mann Mayal and Khuda Mera Bhi Hai to name a few , which has been the most memorable one and why ? I believe the purpose of a commercial project like Mann Mayal is to provide pure entertainment whereas a project like Khuda Mera Bhi Hai , grates one ’ s conscience .
It makes people pay attention , listen and understand . It also makes them aware of things they might not otherwise pay attention to . So , to take on a project that is pure entertainment is relatively easy .
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