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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In what ways does Hasan Talal Towana’s work contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the rural experiences of Punjab?
**Interview with Hasan Talal Towana: A Window to Rural Punjab**
**Editor**: Welcome, Hasan Talal Towana! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your work has profoundly resonated with many, capturing the essence of rural Punjab through your photography. Can you tell us what inspired you to start this journey?
**Hasan**: 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 dedication of farmers under challenging conditions. I wanted to show the world their stories and the beauty of their daily lives.
**Editor**: Your photographs evoke strong emotions and nostalgia. How do you achieve that connection with your audience?
**Hasan**: I believe it’s about authenticity. I focus on genuine moments and scenes that reflect the simplicity and beauty of rural life. For example, fields, rivers, and even the animals tell a story when captured in the right light and moment. I strive to recreate memories that resonate deeply with people, reminding them of their roots and their past.
**Editor**: You’ve gained a lot of acclaim, not just in Pakistan but also internationally. How does it feel to receive such recognition, especially from the Sikh community across the border?
**Hasan**: It’s incredibly humbling. When I first started sharing my work, the Sikh community in Indian Punjab responded overwhelmingly. Their appreciation—and the emotional impact my work had on them—shows that we share a common heritage and experiences that transcend borders. It’s heartwarming to hear how my photographs can evoke such powerful feelings in people.
**Editor**: Your rise to acclaim is remarkable, especially considering you didn’t have formal training in photography. How did you hone your skills?
**Hasan**: It’s all about passion and practice for me. I began taking pictures simply out of love for the art. Over time, I learned through experimentation and by observing the work of others. Nowadays, I also teach photography at universities, sharing my knowledge and encouraging new talents to explore their craft.
**Editor**: As an artist who documents the fading scenes of rural life, do you feel a sense of urgency to preserve these moments?
**Hasan**: Absolutely. My aim is not just to capture moments but to recreate and preserve activities that are becoming part of our past. The world is changing rapidly, and I want to ensure that the beauty and struggles of rural life are not forgotten. Each photograph is a reminder of where we come from and the values that underpin our culture.
**Editor**: Lastly, what’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or exhibitions?
**Hasan**: Yes! I have some exhibitions planned, and I’m continuously working on new collections that highlight different aspects of rural Punjab. I also hope to engage more with audiences through workshops and collaborations to inspire others to explore the beauty of their environments.
**Editor**: Thank you, Hasan, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your work not only captures the beauty of rural Punjab but also serves as a bridge connecting communities through shared memories and experiences.
**Hasan**: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to discuss my passion, and I hope to continue inspiring others through my work.
