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. On the other hand, the cricketers, singers, sectors and others there gave a lot of love. 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 techniques does Hasan Talal Towana use to capture the essence of rural life in Punjab through his photography?
**Interview with Hasan Talal Towana: Capturing the Heart of Rural Punjab**
**Editor:** Welcome, Hasan! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Your photography has told many stories about the rural culture of Punjab. To start, can you share what inspired you to begin this journey of capturing the beauty of your homeland?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** Thank you for having me! Growing up in village 58 North Sargodha, I was surrounded by the hard work and resilience of farmers. I saw them toiling in the fields, often under harsh conditions. I wanted to showcase their lives and the rich culture that is often overlooked in the rush of modern life. I believe that every photograph tells a story, and my aim is to share those stories through my lens.
**Editor:** That’s truly inspiring! Your images evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to the past. How do you feel your work resonates with people, especially those from the Sikh community across the border in India?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** The response has been overwhelming. When I started, the Sikh community in Indian Punjab embraced my work wholeheartedly. Their emotional reactions to my photographs often touch me—many say they feel a deep connection to their roots and childhood when they see my images. It’s a reminder of our shared culture, and I’m grateful that my work can evoke such strong feelings, often bringing people to tears.
**Editor:** In your approach to photography, do you prefer spontaneous captures or meticulously planned shoots?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** That’s a great question! I think there’s beauty in both. Sometimes, I find myself in a location for the first time and manage to snap the perfect shot without any planning—maybe I just got lucky! Other times, I revisit places to capture the same scene in different lights and moods. The key is to remain open to the moment and let inspiration guide me.
**Editor:** You teach photography at various universities and conduct workshops. What advice do you give to aspiring photographers looking to capture their own cultures?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** I always encourage them to connect with their surroundings and let their passion drive them. Photography should tell a story; it’s important to immerse yourself in the culture you wish to capture. Equipment is secondary to vision—don’t be afraid to shoot what resonates with you, even if it seems ordinary. Authenticity is what makes your work stand out.
**Editor:** Your work has clearly reached audiences both domestically and internationally, including exhibitions at embassies. How does it feel to see your photographs recognized globally?
**Hasan Talal Towana:** It’s humbling. Knowing that my photos can transcend borders and speak to people from different backgrounds is incredibly fulfilling. I always strive to show the beauty of Punjab and its people, and if my work can create that connection, I consider it a success.
**Editor:** Hasan, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. Your passion for preserving the essence of Punjabi culture through your photography is commendable. We look forward to seeing more of your work!
**Hasan Talal Towana:** Thank you for the kind words! It was a pleasure to speak with you.
