You must have seen many pages on social media where the local culture of rural areas of Punjab is posted in the form of beautiful pictures and videos. One of the first youths to popularize this trend is Hasan Talal Towana.
Fields, canals, rivers, animals, birds, farmers and silent scenes of rural Punjab immersed in the evening color tell many stories in Hasan Tawana’s photography. Immerse yourself in the scene while looking at the picture of the past that is very close to your heart. Keep looking at Hasan’s pictures on Facebook or Instagram for a while, and suddenly your heart will want to leave everything behind and return to the world we left behind in the name of ‘progress’.
Hasan Tawana provides a window through which we can peer into the past, explore our childhood, and relive the world of the past.
Hasan Tawana received great acclaim not only in Pakistan but also abroad (Hassan Tawana).
Hasan Tuana belongs to village 58 North in Sargodha. Didn’t get formal training in photography, just became a fan of passion. Today, he has become so expert in his art that he teaches the nuances of photography to students in various universities and conducts workshops.
Talking to Independent Urdu, Hasan Tawana told about his trip that ‘from childhood he came to see the farmers, how they worked in difficult conditions, he wanted to show their lives and hard work to the world.’
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Do you click along the way or do you regularly plan and go to the same place over and over again? In response to this question, he said that ‘maybe I am so lucky that I went to a place for the first time and immediately took a picture, often I have to visit five or seven places and stop. Never felt nervous.’
Hasan Tawana was well received not only in Pakistan but also abroad. Several embassies have organized an exhibition of his photographs. He also decorated the PIA calendar with his pictures.
Hassan did not capture the disappearing scenes, but recreated the activities that have become part of the past and then preserved them with the eye of the camera (Hassan Tawana).
On the love received from cross-border Punjab, Hasan Talal Towana says, ‘When I started, the biggest response came from the Sikh community of Indian Punjab, the cricketers, singers, sectors and other people there got a lot of love. gave Maybe I’m more popular there than here. Most people start crying.’
His fans range from the common man to Indian celebrities like Sonam Bajwa and Shikhar Dhawan.
How to make pocket money with photography?
People buy prints of my photos, put them up in hotels, most of the buyers are Pakistanis living abroad. I recreate and show them what they saw in their childhood.’
He further says that ‘Life is changing very quickly, many things have disappeared before our eyes, I want to preserve them. Tools that have been a part of our farmers’ lives for the past hundred years, to suddenly throw them away now that a new machine has arrived hurts an artist. I want to preserve from the camera’s eye all the scenes that are in danger of being erased.’
Hasan not only captured the disappearing scenes but also recreated the activities that have become part of the past and then preserved them with the eye of the camera. For example, depictions of children flying kites from trees, or children engaged in various traditional sports.
Hasan Tawana’s photography universe is vast, emotional and full of quality. Visiting their wall is like having a therapy session, a relaxation that never comes back.
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### Interview with Hasan Talal Towana: Capturing the Essence of Rural Punjab
### Interview with Hasan Talal Towana: Capturing the Essence of Rural Punjab
**Interviewer:** Good day, Hasan! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss your incredible photography that highlights the beauty of rural Punjab. Your work has gained widespread acclaim both locally and internationally. Can you tell us what inspired you to start this journey?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** Thank you for having me! Growing up in village 58 North in Sargodha, I was surrounded by the lives of farmers and the beauty of nature. I saw firsthand the hardships they faced and their dedication to their work. This instilled in me a passion to capture their stories and share the unseen struggles and joys of rural life. I wanted to show the world the rich culture and history that is often overlooked in our modern society.
**Interviewer:** Your photographs evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and connection to the past. How do you approach capturing these moments? Do you plan your shoots meticulously, or is it more spontaneous?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** It’s a mix of both, actually. I often return to familiar locations that resonate with me, but I also love the spontaneity of discovering new scenes. Sometimes, I’ll visit five or six places before I find the perfect shot. I think my luck comes into play here; I might click a picture on my first visit that turns out beautifully. I never feel nervous about it; I just focus on the moment.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating to hear about your process! Your work has touched many people, especially in crossing borders with the Sikh community in India. Can you share what that experience has been like for you?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** The response has been overwhelming! When I first shared my work, I received an incredible reaction from the Sikh community. Many cricketers, singers, and ordinary people reached out, expressing their love and appreciation for my photography. It was humbling to see that perhaps I resonate more with them than even within my own community. People often tell me how my photos bring back cherished memories, some even moved to tears. It’s a powerful reminder of our shared heritage.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you didn’t have formal training in photography. How did you develop your skills over time?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** I’ve always been passionate about photography. I started by experimenting with my camera on my own and gradually learned through practice. Over time, as I became more confident in my skills, I began teaching students at various universities—this not only helps others but also deepens my understanding of the art. It’s been an inspiring journey of learning and teaching.
**Interviewer:** what message do you hope people take away from your work?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** I hope to inspire people to appreciate the simple yet profound beauty of rural life. My goal is to remind them of the importance of our roots and the stories that come from them. In a rapidly advancing world, I want people to remember where they came from and the values that define us.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Hasan, for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us today. Your commitment to preserving and showcasing the heart of Punjab is truly inspiring!
**Hasan Talal Towana:** Thank you for the opportunity. I encourage everyone to explore their surroundings and find beauty in the stories waiting to be told.
