A lawyer by training and a stand-up comedian by night, Faiza Saleem is a formidable talent. Having established an all-women comedy improv troop called the Khawatoons, Saleem is using her widespread fame to entertain people while creating social awareness at the same time.
InstepinterVIEW
The actor and comedian is set to make her film debut with Hareem Farooq’s Parchi.
A lawyer by training and a stand-up comedian by night, Faiza Saleem is a formidable talent. Having established an all-women comedy improv troop called the Khawatoons, Saleem is using her widespread fame to entertain people while creating social awareness at the same time. Addressing issues of classism and racism in her works as well as topics that are considered taboos, all in a comical manner, Saleem sees herself as a “humanist”, a tag that is not unworthy of her.
Her decision to star in a film is therefore, worth celebrating. The film that will serve as her springboard is called Parchi and is by the makers of Janaan. Imran Kazmi and Hareem Farooq are co-producing the project while Azfar Jafri has taken on direction duty. The cast, other than Saleem, includes Hareem Farooq, Ali Rehman Khan and Ahmed Ali.
In this interview with Instep, Saleem talks about why she signed on to star in Parchi, comedy in the digital age and social media stardom…
Instep: Azfar Jafri’s gangster-comedy, Parchi will mark your big screen debut. What made you select this particular film?
Faiza Saleem (FS): The team of Parchi approached me months ago when I was actually at a restaurant. Imran Kazmi (co-producer) was very persistent and wanted me on-board. Even though I have received multiple offers, I’ve always been a little iffy about turning to television and cinema. I don’t want people to see me in a certain role and typecast me that way. I want variation in my characters and even though I thoroughly enjoy comedy, I would love to do serious acting. I had done the Hina Dilpazeer Show a few years ago and I just didn’t see myself fitting in and so I’ve just been very careful ever since. Nevertheless, Imran had faith in me always. I have taken the plunge with Parchi primarily because of the team. The cast and crew were so welcoming and open, and I think all an artist wants is respect. By the time I was winding up my scenes in Islamabad, all of us had started hanging out together and they have all been very kind and obliging.
Instep: Tell us something about your character.
FS: It’s a cameo appearance, but it’s really fun. My character is basically that of an antagonist. It does have a comical aspect, but there is an element of seriousness to her as well. It’s very different from my usual stuff and I’m terrified to see the outcome, but I do know that I want to start off this way.
Instep: Even though social media is to be credited for your popularity, what do you think are the cons of being an internet sensation?
FS: People think if you’re a public figure and you’ve put yourself out there, you’re open to all sorts of criticism. I’m fine with constructive criticism, but when it gets personal, it does affect me. Trolling has empowered everyone. Social media has given me a platform to showcase my talent, but it has also given a lot of keyboard warriors the liberty to say whatever they want to and there’s nothing I can do about that. I believe such comments say so much about our society. Also, Facebook has now restricted the organic reach so that you pay, whereas it’s the other way around with YouTube. So you can’t financially depend on Facebook anymore.
Instep: Do you think stand-up comedy and social media stardom can provide financially stability?
FS: When you’re persistent and clear about what you want, you make things happen. I wasn’t desperate for fame or money, but I was intelligent, it didn’t mean that people could take me for a ride. I’ve always known what I deserve, monetarily or otherwise. If I’m a social media artist, it doesn’t mean I won’t charge, I’ve always made sure I get paid a decent amount.
Instep: Do you think your presence in the local comedy scene has inspired other women to pursue activities they’re passionate about?
FS: When I started stand-up comedy, I realized that women were not only absent from the comedy scene, but they were portrayed as stereotypes like how a woman is clingy and jealous. And of course then there are these biwi jokes… I feel the Aurat-naak show and the Khawatoons have enabled women to come forward. I’m not someone who is not accessible, I’m not a diva. A lot of people come up to me and tell me how real I am. I am who I am, that doesn’t mean I won’t work on myself, but I won’t let that become a hurdle for me. Initially, I was the only woman in the lineup during live shows. I’ve known so many women who are so funny; they have so much to say and are unable to. I’m glad to see that is changing. We now have all-female stand-up comedy shows and even if subconsciously I’ve helped someone in owning who they are, I think I am truly overwhelmed.
Instep: Lastly, what’s next for Faiza Saleem?
FS: Well, I still have to shoot Parchi for a day in its Karachi spell that takes place after July. I’m also potentially looking at a drama serial being made under the banner of MD Productions and by the looks of it, I think I’m going to do it because it’s slightly more serious then my other work and doesn’t typecast me in a certain role. Another film hopefully, which I had committed to even before Parchi and of course, Khawatoons is going stronger than ever.
