Daily Times

Pakistani drama serial “Ruswai” struck the right balance when it didn’t overdo a female character’s misery but also showed an equal concern for a young man living in a patriarchal society.

Written by Naila Ansari and directed by Rubina Ashraf, this ARY serial is about to reach its end. Since “Ruswai” travelled from being a hidden gem to becoming a highly popular project, Daily Times caught up with Osama Tahir, one of its performers, to ask a few questions celebrating the serial’s success.

The journey of “Ruswai” has been a successful one, especially in terms of the last few episodes. Did you have any idea that the serial would get so much attention when you began?

I had no idea. I don’t think anyone knew that it would become as big a success as it has. All of us are extremely grateful!

What inclined you to go for this role, since you seem to be very choosy about the characters you play?

Well, I guess it has to be the character; an elder brother who takes a stand for what is right and fights all odds to protect his family. The emotional journey which he undertakes owing to his sister, Sameera, was the key element. The aspect that he stands next to her when no one else does, was what sold the project to me.

‘The emotional journey which he undertakes owing to his sister, Sameera, was the key element. The aspect that he stands next to her when no one else does, was what sold the project to me’

The story’s focus shifted upon you in the last few episodes of the serial and told how men can also be the victims in a patriarchal society. What is that you learned about your society from all of this?

Unfortunately, events happen to everyone. Men are not exception to the rule. Men just stay quiet about it until they pop. Our society is unfortunately unforgiving, as it doesn’t listen to the real problems. We, as a society, have a very long way to go. Hopefully, through shows like these, we’ll learn to grow.

Relate an interesting moment from the sets. Did it all go smooth or did you ever get scolded by the director, Rubina Ashraf?

Well, Rubina Ashraf doesn’t like to be late. Safe to say that I got late once or twice and it wasn’t a very good start. I had to hug her the second time immediately to apologize, and I think that helped.

Did you ever feel nervous amidst all the veteran actors such as Muhammad Ahmad, Usman Pirzada, Seemi Raheel, Irsa Ghazal and Durdana Butt?

Oh, absolutely! It was a nerve wreck. My first scene with Mohammad Ahmed sahab was an emotional one and I didn’t know how it would go exactly. Thankfully, he’s extremely supporting, both as a person and as a co-actor, so it worked out.

After doing a strong script and enacting a strong character, how long will it take for you to snap out of the success of “Ruswai”?

The team and I gave it our all to make this show to what it is today. It’s never a one person’s job. I was just a cog in the giant machine. I’m extremely grateful and humbled that it has turned out to be a successful venture. My only hope is to do my job to the best I can in every production.

What kind of a response have you received for your character from the viewers?

Hamza has become more than I had ever anticipated. People have said wonderful things to me; I am at a loss of words for their praise. All I can say is that I hope the character of Hamza gives a few lessons for the society to learn. And I love you all for accepting him and titling him as “bhai ho to Hamza jaisa”.

Is there any message which you would like to send across?

Please be safe at home during these strange times which the entire planet is affected by. Be safe, be clean. Love, Osama.

The last episode of “Ruswai” will go on air this Tuesday at 8 p.m. on ARY Digital.

The writer is a freelance journalist and can be reached at m.ali_aquarius85@yahoo.com. He Tweets at @MuhammadAli_DT