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. Many embassies have organized exhibitions 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 Punjab across the border, 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 from 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. The implements that have been part of our farmers’ lives for the last 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 inspired Hasan Talal Towana to focus on capturing the essence of rural life in Punjab through his photography?
**Interview with Hasan Talal Towana: A Glimpse into Punjab’s Rich Rural Heritage**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Hasan! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your work has captivated many people, both in Pakistan and abroad. Can you tell us how you first got started in photography?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** Thank you for having me! I belong to village 58 North in Sargodha, and my journey into photography began from a deep appreciation of the rural landscape around me. Growing up, I spent a lot of time observing farmers and their hard work. I wanted to showcase their lives, the animals, fields, and the simple yet profound beauty of our culture. I didn’t have formal training; instead, my passion drove me to learn and experiment with photography.
**Interviewer:** Your photos beautifully capture the essence of rural Punjab. What emotions or memories do you hope to evoke in your audience with your work?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** My goal is to create a narrative that resonates with people’s nostalgia. When viewers see my photos, I want them to feel as though they are stepping back into their childhood, reliving those serene moments in the countryside. The colors, the silent scenes, and the depiction of daily life are all intended to remind them of a past that many feel is fading away in our hustle for progress.
**Interviewer:** Some people say your imagery can evoke a longing for a simpler life. Do you think that reflects a broader sentiment in today’s rapidly changing world?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** Absolutely! Many people, especially those who have migrated to cities, feel disconnected from their rural roots. The fast pace of life can create a sense of longing for the simplicity and tranquility that nature offers. My photographs aim to bridge that gap—to bring back memories and emotions that people may have lost touch with.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that much of your initial support came from the Sikh community in Indian Punjab. Can you elaborate on that experience?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** The response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from the Sikh community across the border. Many cricketers, singers, and ordinary people have shown immense appreciation for my work. It’s heartwarming to see how art can transcend borders and cultural differences, evoking shared feelings of love for our homeland. Some viewers have even shared how my pictures made them cry, which shows the deep emotional connection they have to their roots.
**Interviewer:** Beyond capturing images, you also teach photography at various universities. What do you emphasize in your workshops?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** In my workshops, I focus on the basics of capturing authentic moments. I encourage students to look for stories in ordinary scenes, to appreciate the beauty around them, and to develop their unique perspective on the world. It’s about more than just technique; it’s also about seeing life through an artistic lens.
**Interviewer:** what future projects or goals do you have in mind?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** I’m working on a series that further explores the intersection of traditional rural life and modern influences. I hope to exhibit this work internationally to share the charm of Punjab’s culture and landscape. Ultimately, my aim is to preserve these precious memories through photography and to inspire others to appreciate their heritage.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Hasan, for sharing your insights and experiences! Your work is truly a treasure that highlights the beauty and resilience of rural Punjab. We look forward to seeing more of your captivating images.
**Hasan Talal Towana:** Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey!
