Veteran actress Sania Saeed is known for taking on versatile and thought-provoking roles. Currently, she is making waves with her role as ‘Zarghuna’ in Sang-e-Mah.
Unlike the dowdy, docile woman we see her play as ‘Shameem’ in Sang-e-Mar Mar, we see a horse-riding, self-sufficient, and lone wolf ‘Zarghuna’ in Sang-e-Mah. Sounds like a daunting woman, no? However, such strong women aren’t as uncommon in tribal areas.
In an interview with BBC Urdu, the 49-year-old shared how such characters aren’t that unconventional in tribal communities. It’s just that we don’t highlight them as often.
“It will be a pleasure to watch because of the distinct portrayal of a tribal woman, … So it isn’t that unconventional, in retrospect. There are women like Zarghuna in tribal areas but we have developed a comfortable habit of only seeing covered up women who are rather voiceless in such communities.”
Sania Saeed narrated her personal encounters and how during her shoot in the valley of Bhogarmang, a short distance from Balakot, she found a woman like Zarghuna in a nearby village. She shared how that woman was someone who takes ownership and cares for her agricultural fields, shoots the gun, rides a horse, and other associated ‘masculine’ traits.
Have you encountered such strong women? Share your stories in the comment section.
