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Here's why Indian actor Deepti Gupta loved working in Pakistani dramas

Here's why Indian actor Deepti Gupta loved working in Pakistani dramas

Pakistani dramas were like an oasis, says the Manay Na Ye Dil actor
Updated 21 Nov, 2016

Remember her from TV drama Manay Na Ye Dil?

Deepti Gupta has become quite a known face in Pakistan after starring in a number of local television serials.

She made her way into Pakistani dramas following Mehreen Jabbar's Pehchaan and has since been grateful for having been a part of stories that deviate from the regular saas-bahu TV serials being produced across the border.

"Sultana Siddiqui, who owns Hum TV, saw Pehchaan. The channel officials called me and said they really liked my work and they had another serial in Australia for me (Manay Na Ye Dil). Given how things were in Hollywood, this was refreshing," Deepti told Indian Express.

"Most of my work has been for Hum TV, and I have the greatest regard for Siddiqui and Momina Duraid, the creative mind there. They’ve held on to great, poetic story-telling, unlike Indian TV serials. I don’t know if I could have found a similar space for myself in Indian serials."

Having worked in Pakistani dramas, she realised they offered her more room to explore her acting talent.

"It was only after I left India and became a part of minority communities in Singapore and the US that I realised my privilege back home. The roles I wanted and didn’t get made me aware of the stark racial politics in the US.

"In this milieu, Pakistani dramas were like an oasis. They allowed me to play characters that are complex and full, and that have arcs — a character who has a small moment, like making chai, and then a big dramatic scene. This is why these dramas are so dear to me."

However, Deepti adds, there was no escape from the general stereotypes: "I mostly played the wife who will be scorned for a prettier girl. Nevertheless, I decided very early that I am going to play these parts from a place of strength. This gave me something exciting to play with, sometimes working against the script."

And like all actors who have worked across borders, Deepti too felt right at home when working alongside Pakistani actors.

"I never felt any tension with the Pakistanis I worked with. The people who carried out the attacks on Mumbai were Pakistanis and Muslims, but that does not speak for the entire Pakistani or Muslim peoples. By the same token, all Hindus should be condemned for the RSS’s actions. And if Hindus can say they don’t all endorse the RSS, why don’t Muslims or Pakistanis get the same pass?

Deepti's dramas have also been viewed in India, as her dramas Malaal, Ijaazat and Neeyat have aired on Zindagi channel.

Comments

ALTAF Ahemed Ansari Nov 21, 2016 01:52pm
If , she is happy to work in Pakistan, and have no problems , that shows the maturity of fellow actors, producers and directors.
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IMTIAZ ALI KHAN Nov 21, 2016 02:44pm
Deepti Gupta is beautiful, full of amazing Dravidian features with a good head on her shoulders Wish you all the success.
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Sameer Nov 21, 2016 05:54pm
She should have acknowledged the fact that India currently has an unofficial ban in place for PK actord while she is welcomed here.
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A. Mangal Nov 21, 2016 07:14pm
Music, talent and languages shouldn't have borders, and must not be mixed with politics. All of the above are there to enrich humanity! Politicians come and go away yet bitterness follows for generations after their bad decisions! Wishing Ms Deepti Gupta good luck to use her talent to the fullest devoid of any boundaries!
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Syed Nov 21, 2016 07:19pm
You are welcome warm heartedly in Pakistan.
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West Asian TAlents Nov 21, 2016 08:40pm
No doubt talented actresses like Deepti Gupta are more than welcome in Pakistan their second home. The best possible way to promote love and friendship between the people of both countries ,is to re- write the hate speech law. Nobody should be allowed to express negativity by way of speech ,against any religion,caste,creed , or any person of different culture,any person of different nation,simply all Indians & Pakistani must not create hate against each other. Once implemented things will change to better peaceful environment .
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DERVAISH KHAN Nov 21, 2016 08:55pm
Why was it needed to mention Bombay attack perpetrators and the RSS..
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Imran Nov 21, 2016 09:26pm
Pakistani DRAMAS Funny looks like newton gravity law.. its called TV serials majority copied techniques from Indian serial
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Eskay Nov 21, 2016 09:47pm
Who is Deepti Gupta? Is she an American, Indian or a Pakistani national?
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Joe Nov 21, 2016 10:14pm
I have never heard of her
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S. A. M. Nov 22, 2016 12:59am
it's a global village. wherever there is a possibility to work it should be availed.
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Akil Akhtar Nov 22, 2016 03:47am
Why are we hiring indian actresses when our average girls are better looking...
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Nilesh Nov 22, 2016 08:30am
Earn and come home :)
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raya Nov 22, 2016 08:43am
@DERVAISH KHAN Why not?
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indian Nov 22, 2016 10:55am
when indian actors/actress failed in bollywood they turn to regional cinema or tv.
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Vinod narang Nov 22, 2016 06:49pm
I totally agree with Miss Gupta. I love watching Pakistani Dramas for the substance acting and direction. Some of the dramas I have seen keeps me glued to the TV. I have not watched even one Indian drama because of the same old Sass Bhu and fight of the money.
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vinod narang Nov 22, 2016 11:42pm
@West Asian TAlents Absolute excellent Analysis
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NowNow Nov 23, 2016 04:39am
Great actor, good views. Good luck and keep up the good work..
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GQureshi Nov 23, 2016 10:51pm
@indian : Failure in one avenue does not mean a person has no talent. By successfully acting in Pakistani dramas, Miss Gupta has proved that she has acting talent. We should encourage and not discourage her.
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