‘Want India and Pakistan on set together,’: Producer of Barzakh Shailja Kejriwal

Shailja Kejriwal, the chief creative officer at Zee Entertainment’s Zindagi channel, is on a mission to unite Indian and Pakistani artists and writers.
In a recent interview with Press Trust of India, Kejriwal expressed her desire to see more collaborations between talents from both countries, despite the challenges posed by political tensions.

Shailja Kejriwal said, “My ultimate desire, I don’t know whether it will happen or not, is that we collaborate… writers and artists from both sides should be on a set together. I am trying to follow that path. Hopefully, we will be able to do something because we flourish more if we are open and inclusive.”

It has been a journey of one step forward, two steps back for the producer who was instrumental in making Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, and Mahira Khan household names in India by showcasing dramas such as Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Humsafar through the Zindagi platform launched in 2014.

The channel Zindagi, led by Kejriwal, has successfully produced a number of projects with Pakistani actors and directors. Popular series like Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam, Churails, Mrs. & Mr. Shameem, and the new web series Barzakh starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed are among the noteworthy productions. The channel has aired iconic Pakistani dramas like ‘Thakan’, Shukk, Pyarey Afzal, Meri Beti, Mere Harjai, and Main Bushra.

Kejriwal highlighted her commitment

“I felt my work would be incomplete if I didn’t play a role in bringing these artists back. My ambition extends beyond just pan India. My dream is to unite South Asians and Asians through collaboration,” Shailja added.