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Mehreen Jabbar, the celebrated filmmaker and writer behind dramas Daam, Doraha and Mata-e-Jaan and film Ramchand Pakistani, is back with a new drama — Nadaan.

We sat down with her to talk about her new show and what it was like to delve into more serious societal issues.

Images: Your latest short series, Nadaan, marks another addition to your collection of powerful, socially conscious stories. Given that you’ve spent the last two decades outside of Pakistan, how have you managed to stay relevant and connected to the local audience, despite being based in New York?

Mehreen: My creative journey has always been deeply rooted in Pakistan’s culture, people, and stories, and this connection has only grown stronger over the years. Though I now live in New York, my ties to Pakistan remain unbreakable — I still have family there, and I lived there for a significant part of my life.

Even though I’ve shifted from feature films and long-form projects to shorter series like Nadaan, my stories continue to reflect the heart of Pakistani society. Each project addresses topics that resonate universally but are authentically grounded in Pakistani issues and experiences.

I don’t feel disconnected; if anything, living abroad has enhanced my perspective, helping me see Pakistan’s social landscape with fresh eyes. My aim is always to create work that speaks to the realities of Pakistanis, whether they’re watching from home or abroad.

Images: You’ve primarily built a career around deeply resonant themes such as family, relationships, and marriage. But Nadaan explores serious societal issues. What inspired you to venture into this new, complex domain, and how does it feel to step out of your creative comfort zone?

Mehreen: My work has indeed been majorly about the themes that resonate with our audiences, focusing on family, relationships, and marriage. However, with Nadaan, I felt a strong urge to delve into serious societal issues that are impacting our communities today.

Over the past few years, the pulse of Pakistani dramas has shifted toward sparking awareness and fostering curiosity. There’s a collective push to encourage viewers to think more openly, so it felt like the right time to explore topics beyond my usual scope.

In Nadaan, I wanted to confront challenging issues like drug addiction, mob mentality, and the repercussions of misinformation through fake images — topics that are critical yet often overlooked.

This project is part of a trilogy envisioned by Sultana Apa (Sultana Siddiqui), who has always championed pushing creative boundaries.

For me, it’s been both refreshing and invigorating to experiment and step out of my creative boundaries. Exploring this complex domain has enriched my creative journey, and I hope it will leave an impact on the audience as well.

Images: Your body of work includes celebrated long-format dramas like Daam, Doraha, and Mata-e-Jaan. However, recent years have seen you focus on short series formats, like Jurm, Contractors, and now Nadaan. What influenced this shift, and are you aiming to connect with the newer generation of viewers who have shorter attention spans?

Mehreen: Yes, there’s been a conscious shift towards shorter formats recently, largely sparked by a desire to explore something new creatively. This change was particularly exciting with Jurm and Contractors. So, I wanted to offer unique storytelling opportunities within shorter frames.

While my earlier work in long-format dramas, such as Daam, Doraha, and Mata-e-Jaan, was incredibly fulfilling, I believe shorter series allow for a fresh, concise approach, especially when you are exploring the genre of thrillers, crime and suspense in storytelling.

Today’s younger audiences, who indeed have greater access to diverse platforms, are watching both long and short formats. Ultimately, it’s about engaging audiences with high-quality content, regardless of length.

Images: You’ve had the chance to work with some of the finest talents in the industry. How has the experience been working with the emerging stars like Ramsha Khan, Sabeena Farooq, and Wahaj Ali, especially given your strong history with established actors? It must come with its own set of challenges. Could you share how you navigated with how dynamics have changed in terms of star power?

Mehreen: Working with emerging stars has been a refreshing and exciting journey. Having spent a significant part of my career in the 90s and early 2000s working alongside established talents, I was accustomed to a certain rhythm and set of expectations. With newer talents, however, the dynamics have shifted in a unique and fascinating way.

They bring intense focus and dedication to their craft. They approach each project with meticulous regard for time, ensuring every day and every rehearsal is optimised. Knowing that my shooting schedule is often packed and carefully planned, they come prepared, demonstrating a professional commitment that is essential in the fast-paced environment of today’s industry.

Images: In addition to your work in Pakistan, you’ve also been involved with the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation. Could you tell us about the projects you’ve worked on with them and how this aligns with your vision for impactful storytelling?

Mehreen: I’ve had the honour of working with the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation on projects focused on minority families and issues like domestic abuse, aligned with my vision for impactful storytelling.

One campaign, shared in six languages — including Urdu, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Persian — aimed to reach diverse audiences and address these critical themes.

The Foundation’s mission is to empower women and families by promoting peace and resilience to foster unity and understanding, creating stronger communities.

Images: Pakistani dramas have historically been immensely popular, even across the border, often more so than films. What are your thoughts on this, particularly given that some popular dramas have content you might find problematic? Do you feel this influences or limits creative direction in the industry?

Mehreen: Pakistani dramas have captivated audiences at home and abroad due to their relatable narratives and cultural depth. However, while many are popular, not all content is great — some follow formulaic themes that can limit creative diversity, some are rather underrated.

This reliance on tried-and-true plots, while commercially safe, often overshadows experimental voices that could bring fresh perspectives to the industry.

Striking a balance by encouraging both popular and bold storytelling could help Pakistani dramas evolve, maintaining their appeal while keeping the art of storytelling vibrant and relevant.

Images: What is next for Mehreen Jabbar?

Mehreen: I am working on a project of 25 to 30 episodes and it will come out next year, so fingers crossed.