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.
Speaking to Independent Urdu, Hasan Tawana told about his trip that ‘from childhood he came to see farmers, how they work 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 sometimes I am so lucky that I went to a place for the first time and immediately took a picture. 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, children flying kites from trees, or depictions of 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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What is Hasan Talal Towana’s approach to capturing the essence of rural Punjab in his photography?
**Interview with Hasan Talal Towana: Capturing the Heart of Rural Punjab**
*Host*: Welcome, Hasan! It’s great to have you with us today. You’ve made a significant impact by showcasing the beauty of rural Punjab through your photography. What inspired you to embark on this journey?
*Hasan Talal Towana*: Thank you for having me! My inspiration comes from my childhood experiences in my village, 58 North in Sargodha. Growing up, I witnessed the hard work and challenges faced by farmers in the fields. I wanted to share their stories with the world and show the beauty of their lives, which often go unnoticed.
*Host*: Your images evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for many. How do you think your work resonates with people both in Pakistan and abroad?
*Hasan*: It’s interesting—when I started sharing my photos online, the response was overwhelmingly positive, especially from the Sikh community in Indian Punjab. They felt a deep connection to the images, prompting many emotional reactions. I believe my work serves as a bridge between cultures, allowing people to reminisce about their shared heritage and rural roots.
*Host*: You taught yourself photography without formal training. How did you hone your skills?
*Hasan*: I’ve always had a passion for it, and over time, I learned by practicing and experimenting with different techniques. Today, I teach photography at various universities and conduct workshops, helping the next generation learn to see the world through a creative lens.
*Host*: Your photography not only captures scenes but also tells stories. Can you share your process when you’re out in the fields?
*Hasan*: Every outing is a mix of planning and spontaneity. Sometimes, I’ll visit familiar places, but there are moments when I’m lucky enough to stumble upon a perfect scene unexpectedly. I just try to be open to whatever the day brings, always with my camera ready.
*Host*: You’ve had the honour of exhibiting your work both locally and internationally. How does it feel to have your images showcased in embassies and featured in projects like the PIA calendar?
*Hasan*: It’s truly humbling! It feels like a validation of my passion and hard work. Each exhibition is an opportunity to share the stories of Punjab with a wider audience, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from people at home and abroad.
*Host*: Lastly, what message do you hope to convey through your photography?
*Hasan*: I aim to inspire people to appreciate and reconnect with their roots. In an age of rapid modernization, it’s easy to forget the beauty of simpler lives. I hope my work encourages reflection on tradition and the values of our past.
*Host*: Thank you, Hasan, for sharing your journey and insights with us today. Your work is a remarkable reminder of the beauty found in our heritage.
*Hasan*: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure sharing my story.