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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**How does Hasan Talal Towana’s upbringing in a rural setting influence his artistic vision and approach to photography?**
**Interview with Hasan Talal Towana: Capturing the Heart of Rural Punjab**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Hasan. Your photography showcases the beauty and authenticity of rural Punjab, and it has truly resonated with many. Can you tell us what inspired you to begin this journey?
**Hasan Towana:** Thank you for having me. My journey actually begins in my childhood, growing up in village 58 North in Sargodha. I was surrounded by the hardworking farmers and the landscapes that defined our way of life. Witnessing their resilience, especially in challenging conditions, ignited a desire in me to share their stories with the world. Photography became the medium through which I could do that.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you didn’t undergo formal training in photography. How did you develop your skills?
**Hasan Towana:** It was purely a passion-driven journey. I started taking pictures just for fun, but over time, I became fascinated by the art of photography. Through practice and a keen eye for detail, I improved my craft. Now, I even teach photography at various universities and conduct workshops, sharing insights with students who are eager to learn.
**Interviewer:** Your work has received acclaim not only in Pakistan but also internationally. How does it feel to have your photographs exhibited by embassies and included in projects like the PIA calendar?
**Hasan Towana:** It’s incredibly humbling and gratifying. The positive response from both local and foreign audiences has been overwhelming. My goal was always to depict the rich culture and heritage of Punjab, and it’s heartening to see that my work resonates with so many people beyond borders, especially within the Sikh community in Indian Punjab. Their emotional reactions—many have even teared up—reflect a deep connection with the images, which is what I strive for.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of connections, you often capture scenes that evoke nostalgia. How do you approach your photography? Is it spontaneous or planned?
**Hasan Towana:** Interestingly, it varies. Sometimes, I stumble upon a scene that strikes me immediately, and I’m fortunate to capture it in that moment. Other times, I may revisit locations to find the perfect shot. There’s a certain joy in both approaches, and I’ve found that being open to inspiration often yields the most authentic results.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you hope viewers take away from your photographs?
**Hasan Towana:** I hope to inspire a sense of appreciation for our rural culture and heritage. In our fast-paced, modern world, many have disconnected from these roots. Through my photographs, I want to evoke feelings of nostalgia and a longing to revisit those simpler times. Ultimately, it’s about reconnecting with our past and understanding the beauty and struggles of those who keep this culture alive.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Hasan, for sharing your insights and the beauty of your work. We look forward to seeing more of your captivating photographs.
**Hasan Towana:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to share my journey with you.