Actor says her Cannes appearance aimed to showcase Pakistan’s culture, celebrate South Asian artisans and strengthen global recognition of Pakistani talent.
Image: NDTV
Actor Sanam Saeed has reflected on her Cannes Film Festival debut, online criticism and her evolving career in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Speaking during a recent appearance on PTV, Sanam said her visit to Cannes with designer Hussain Rehar was about more than fashion. She said they wanted to showcase Pakistan’s heritage and traditional craftsmanship on a global stage.
Sanam noted that many luxury fashion trends draw inspiration from countries like Pakistan. However, she said such influences often go unrecognised internationally.
She explained that their goal was to improve global perceptions of Pakistani talent. She added that the visit also celebrated South Asian women and the artisans behind traditional designs.
Discussing the festival experience, Sanam said Cannes required careful planning and strict scheduling. She said there was little room for mistakes, from arranging transport to managing outfits and travel plans.
The actor also addressed online trolling and criticism about her appearance. Referring to comments made about her looks, she said such remarks reflected criticism of the Creator rather than herself.
“I have a classic Pakistani face,” she said while responding to the negative comments.
Sanam also revisited her iconic role as Kashaf in Zindagi Gulzar Hai. She said the character remains relevant because it reflects social and economic divisions found in everyday life.
She noted that people from different backgrounds often face different challenges. Despite this, many share similar goals and aspirations.
Speaking about her recent project Kafeel, Sanam said portraying a mother of four was a new experience. She praised her young co-stars for their professionalism and strong performances.
The actor also discussed Mai Manto Nahi Hoon, her first project with Humayun Saeed and Sajal Ali. She said she intentionally avoided taking another intense lead role after returning to television.
Sanam described her character, Miss Maria, as warm, friendly and different from many of her previous roles.
The conversation also touched on possible future collaborations in television and film. Sanam hinted that audiences may see her working with familiar industry names again.
She concluded by reflecting on her journey across television, film and fashion. Sanam said her focus remains on meaningful storytelling and promoting Pakistani talent and culture worldwide.
