Bollywood vs Pakistani Music: Farhan Saeed On Karak With Mahreen

A deep, honest conversation on music, culture, “Khat,” Lahore’s influence, and the realities of the Pakistani industry. We talk Urdu vs Punjabi, why “Lahore Lahore Aye” hits, and the fears artists have investing in themselves. He opens up about fatherhood, social-issue dramas, and the lines that shaped him. Plus a fun guessing game and industry truths only insiders know.


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Our incredible guest:


0:00 – Introduction
1:53 – What was the biggest culture shock he felt when coming to Dubai?
4:31 – Can he share details about the new music and album he is launching?
6:50 – Does he get inspiration from Lahore for his music?
7:30 – What is the meaning behind the new song "Khat"?
14:02 – Is there a lyric or line that he finds particularly powerful and resonates with him?
16:16 – Why does he think that specific line resonated with people so much?
20:26 – Which city does he associate with the best music?
25:33 – What is unique about the Pakistani music industry that makes it work so well?
32:50 – What are the biggest differences between the Pakistani and Indian music industries?
34:46 – Why are people often scared to invest in themselves within the industry?
36:24 – How does he feel doing songs in Urdu versus Punjabi, and is there a difference?
37:34 – What is his perspective on the phrase "Lahore Lahore Aye"?
38:17 – What is his favorite cultural aspect of Pakistan that sticks with him when he travels?
39:47 – Why can he not live outside of Pakistan for more than a few days, and what does he miss?
42:58 – What does he wish to happen for Pakistan?
44:05 – Why did he want to go to the US as a teenager?
48:43 – How important is it to do dramas that spread awareness on social issues like child abuse?
51:22 – Why is it important to address social issues in dramas despite the need for entertainment?
54:14 – Does he think Pakistan is not ready to address certain issues, making it hard to create such dramas?
55:01 – Why does he avoid misogynistic roles, and are they common in the industry?
57:29 – What does he mean by "paying the price" for playing a negative character?
59:50 – How has the experience of being a father been for him?
1:01:50 – What is the biggest realization he has had about himself since becoming a father?
1:02:50 – Has fatherhood made him stronger, more responsible, or softer?
1:03:48 – What would he want his daughter to think of him as?
1:06:35 – How did he feel seeing his sister-in-law get married?
1:08:29 – How was the experience of working with Hania Aamir?
1:11:44 – What criteria does he use to choose which dramas to act in?
1:12:53 – What is something outsiders might not understand about the Pakistani entertainment industry?
1:15:11 – Is there a specific topic or type of drama he wishes to see in the future?
1:17:41 – Does he feel that industries outside of Pakistan are generally more restrictive?
1:19:48 – Can the drama audience eventually trickle down to movies?
1:22:40 – Is there a quote or lyric by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan that he really likes?
1:25:47 – Game: Can he guess the song from its English translation?
1:29:50 – What does he think are the top five most viewed Pakistani dramas on YouTube?
1:33:03 – Outro