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Actress Sarwat Gilani has revealed that both she and the entire Joyland team were aware that the film’s story was controversial and that it was never intended for Pakistani audiences, but rather for international viewers and film festivals.

In a recent podcast appearance with Talha Ahd, Sarwat spoke candidly about her background, career choices, and the state of Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

She shared that her paternal side of the family originally came from Iraq and migrated to Peshawar before the creation of Pakistan. Her maternal family hailed from one of the princely states in India and moved to Karachi after Partition. Sarwat clarified that although many assume she’s Pashtun, she is in fact a Syed but speaks fluent Pashto. She was born in Karachi, where her father, an army officer, had moved from Peshawar.

Talking about her family, Sarwat said they don’t really follow her work. “My family has no interest in what I do,” she admitted.

Reflecting on her career, she described her experience working in the Indian web series Churails as incredible. She said she learned a lot, and after the project, the producers sent her personalized gifts and a framed portrait of her character — something no Pakistani director or producer had ever done for her.

Sarwat criticized Pakistan’s film industry for its lack of structure and professionalism. “We don’t have proper institutions, and films are often directed by TV drama directors, which makes it less exciting,” she said. She also highlighted the lack of technical skills within the industry. However, she praised films like The Legend of Maula Jatt and Joyland as examples of what Pakistani cinema can achieve if given the right tools and support.

When asked why she hasn’t appeared on TV much since ChurailsSarwat responded that after giving 20 years to Pakistani showbiz, she now wants to focus on international projects. She added that many TV dramas portray weak female characters, which she refuses to represent. “I want to play strong, independent women who reflect modern-day Pakistan,” she said.

Sarwat further claimed that much of Pakistan’s entertainment sector is driven by businesspeople, not creatives, which limits originality and innovation.

Regarding Joylandshe admitted that the team was fully aware that the film’s controversial subject would face backlash in Pakistan. “It was made for Cannes, and we achieved our goal,” she said proudly. Joyland was screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and won the Queer Palm award for its story centered on a romantic relationship between a young man and a transgender dancer in a dance club.

The film was originally scheduled for release in Pakistan on November 18, 2022, but was banned due to its content. Alongside Sarwat Gilani, the cast included Sarmad Khoosat, Alina Khan, Ali Junejo, Sania Saeed, and others. Notably, Ali Junejo also won Best Actor at the São Paulo Film Festival.

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