Popular TV actress of Pakistan Sahira Kazmi is an actress, director and producer but for many women she is also a source of inspiration. She is one of the few ladies who dared to live their lives the way they wanted in an age when women meekly followed their husbands.
An authoritarian figure Sahira always wanted to be a director. She joined the television as a newscaster in 1968 and then switched over to acting. In the course of acting she came across women from all social backgrounds and being a sensitive soul she realized and understood their problems.
She did a serial “Hawa Kay Naam” in which problems faced by women were highlighted. However the serial that gave her stardom was Teesra Kinara. Parchayian is also one of her memorable plays. After making her mark as an actress, Sahira then moved over to her first love “direction”. Initially she directed the musical programs; the song “Huma Huma” featuring Mohammed Ali Shayki and Allan Faqir was a beautiful blend of pop and folk.
She later progressed to directing plays and with intelligent direction gave Pakistan television message oriented plays which were also a commercial success. Sahira was aware that TV was a powerful medium through which awareness among people could be created.
Sahira raised many issues concerning women through her plays. Zaibun Nisa dealt with domestic violence, Aahat was about family planning and Tapish depicted how political parties used students to their selfish ends. Nijat and Hawa ki Beti are other dramas portraying struggles of women.
The themes of her dramas have been bold and being a perfectionist she made sure that her plays were flawless as well. Sahira has done some light romantic serials as well such as Dhoop Kinaray starring husband and popular TV actor of Pakistan Rahat Kazmi and Marina Khan.
Sahira has many long plays, drama serials and plays to her credit and has won the best director award several times. Recently in recognition to the services rendered, Sahira was presented with the Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2012.
