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.’
This section contains related reference points (Related Nodes field).
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.
#Photographer #capturing #scenes #Punjabs #rural #culture
How has Hasan Talal Towana’s work influenced perceptions of rural life both locally and internationally?
**Interview with Hasan Talal Towana – Pioneer of Rural Punjab Photography**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Hasan! Your work has truly captured the heart of rural Punjab. Can you share what inspired you to start this beautiful journey of photography?
**Hasan Towana:** Thank you for having me! My inspiration has always been rooted in my childhood experiences in my village, 58 North in Sargodha. I grew up observing farmers and their hard work in difficult conditions. I wanted to showcase their lives and the beauty of our rural landscape, which often gets overlooked in the name of progress. Photography became my means to tell these stories.
**Editor:** It’s fascinating how you convey such profound messages through your images. How did you develop your skills in photography, especially without formal training?
**Hasan Towana:** It’s been quite a journey! I discovered my passion for photography organically. I started capturing moments just for fun, experimenting on my own. Over time, my skills improved, and now I even teach photography at universities and conduct workshops. It’s rewarding to share what I’ve learned with others.
**Editor:** Your images depict the serene beauty of fields, animals, and the quiet life of rural areas. Do you often plan your shoots, or do you prefer spontaneous captures?
**Hasan Towana:** I believe I’m quite fortunate. Often, when I visit a location for the first time, I can immediately find the perfect shot. Sometimes, it takes several trips to different spots, but I never feel nervous. It’s all about being in the moment and capturing the right scene as it unfolds.
**Editor:** Your work has not only garnered attention in Pakistan but internationally as well. Can you share your experiences with the global audience?
**Hasan Towana:** Yes, it’s been overwhelming and humbling! I’ve held exhibitions in several embassies, which was a great honor. Interestingly, I found the strongest response from the Sikh community in Indian Punjab. Many people, including cricketers and singers, have expressed deep appreciation for my work. It’s touching to see how it resonates with them; often, they are moved to tears.
**Editor:** That’s really powerful. Your photographs seem to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. What do you hope your viewers take away from your work?
**Hasan Towana:** I want my viewers to take a moment to reflect on their own past and the simple joys of life that may have been left behind. Through my lens, I hope to create a window into a world filled with memories, beauty, and the essence of our everyday lives in rural Punjab.
**Editor:** Thank you, Hasan, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your work is a beautiful tribute to the culture and traditions of Punjab.
**Hasan Towana:** Thank you for the opportunity! It’s important to keep our culture alive and to appreciate the hard work that goes into our communities. I hope my photos continue to inspire others.
