Indian shows are far from reality: 'Humsafar' writer

Farhat Ishtiaq, the writer behind hit Pakistani show 'Humsafar', says Indian daily soaps are too glamorised and lack real content.
"Indian shows are way too glamorised and are far from reality. The content is not strong here, things look artificial. We survive on content and performances. We try to show stories which are not far-fetched," Farhat told PTI from Karachi ahead of Humsafar's premiere in India.
The novelist, however, feels Pakistani shows should take a cue from their Indian counterparts for the execution of intense scenes.
"I really like the intense scenes shot here. Be the writing or performances, the emotions just hit the right chord. It is something we can and should learn," she said.

Farhat is over the moon that 'Humasafar', which is based on her novel of the same name, will go on air in India soon.
"It is like revisiting the good old days. The show changed things for all of us. The whole team till today cannot believe that people loved the drama so much and that Indian audience will get to watch it is such a special and humble feeling," she said.

'Humsafar' follows the trials and tribulations of a married couple, but Farhat says the original story focused more on the relationship of father-daughter and she made changes in the story while adapting it into the drama to make it more watchable.

"The novel had more of father-daughter bond because I started it in the time line when the couple has separated but come together only for their daughter but when we began working on the drama, we thought it would be better to start with the love story so that people can relate to it more.
"I am happy that we changed it because romance was the essence of my novel and people could feel it," Farhat said.
'Humsafar' starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan will be seen on channel Zindagi.