‘Mann Jogi is a project close to my heart’: Sultana Siddiqui

The initial episodes of the HUM TV drama ‘Mann Jogi’ have captivated audiences, but they have also raised several thought-provoking questions. This drama sheds light on the aggression and injustices prevalent in society, exposing those who exploit innocent individuals for their own gain. By showcasing the devastating consequences of blind imitation, the drama serves as a warning against the destructive tendencies that can lead to the downfall of both individuals and society as a whole. Through its narrative, ‘Mann Jogi’ aims to educate viewers about the importance of preserving their individuality and not sacrificing their values and well-being for the sake of others’ interests.

The play sheds light on the alarming trend of anger and intolerance, which has become a ubiquitous problem in our society. Today, we witness individuals who, in their pursuit of power, exploit indecency and religion to ruin the lives of innocent people. The lines between politics and religion are blurred, and a certain segment of society supports their actions, regardless of right or wrong.

As a result, countless families and lives are destroyed, but this vicious cycle continues unabated. ‘Mann Jogi’ is a poignant tale of such individuals who use religion as a pretext to destroy the life of a woman. In this production, the powerful influence of politics is used to try to impose a ban on the legitimate relationship of a couple. The sensitive nature of this topic resonated deeply with Sultana Siddiqui, the renowned producer and President, HUM Network, who decided to produce this project.

Earlier, when the concept of exploring the multifaceted nature of a sensitive topic was initially presented to Ms Siddiqui, she felt that a single story would not be sufficient to convey the message effectively. To address this, the idea was divided into nine episodes, each tackling a different aspect of the topic. The first part, ‘Mann Jogi’, is currently airing and has received a positive response from audiences despite its sensitive subject matter. The second part ‘Banay Hum Nadan Kyun?’, directed by Mehreen Jabbar and written by Saji Gul, delves into the issue of quacks in underprivileged areas who prey on people’s emotions and interests by claiming to provide treatment through ‘duas’ and ‘taweez’. The third and final part of the series is directed by Saif Hassan and written by Mustafa Afridi, and focuses on the mental health and hobbies of today’s youth, presenting a light-hearted take on the issues faced by young people. The overall goal is to convey the importance of being mindful and thoughtful in addressing problems, rather than being controlled by others and that society can be protected from many ills, if problems are dealt with careful consideration and people must learn not to be used as pawns or tool for others’ personal gains and agendas.

Ms Siddiqui had been searching for a script that resonated with her values for a long time. When she finally found one, she took the initiative to produce it herself. “I wanted to do some positive work for the society,” she says, expressing her desire to create content that would addresses the issues plaguing society.

The script, which became the basis for the serial ‘Mann Jogi’, caught her attention because it tackled the misuse of religion and politics by individuals who prioritized their own interests over the well-being of others. “It’s a reflection of the general attitude of the people,” she explains, “those who use society for personal gain and bring forward mercenaries for their own purposes.”

The serial aims to highlight the negative consequences of these attitudes, including anger, intolerance, and injustice. According to Ms Siddiqui, “People don’t think it’s wrong to endanger the lives of others for personal gain, and self-interested individuals support such measures, leading to the destruction of many innocent lives.” Through ‘Mann Jogi’ she hopes to spark a conversation about the importance of considering the greater good over personal gains. By tackling these issues, she aims to create meaningful content that resonates with the audiences and inspires positive change in society.

According to her, plays can have a profound impact on society by raising awareness about important issues, challenging social norms, and inspiring positive change. She believes that responsible presentation of sensitive topics can lead to lasting effects on individuals and society. For example, dramas like ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’ inspired many girls to pursue a career in the Civil Service of Pakistan, ‘Marvi’ raised awareness on the brutal act of karo-kari (honour killing). Similarly, dramas like ‘Darr Si Jaati Hai Sila’ has tackled issues like domestic violence, sexual harassment in a responsible manner. “Today, thanks to the drama industry, people are more open to discussing and understanding their children’s problems. However, it is essential to present sensitive topics with subtlety and balance entertainment with the message, so that the positive effects are constructive and maintain the interest of the viewers,” she remarks.

Talking about the chances of ‘Mann Jogi’s success, she says, “When working on any script, we are mentally prepared for both – its success and failure. Developing a project on purpose is a challenging task. The harmony of ideas and the pursuit of common understanding between different creators often determines the outcome of a project and if the creation is successfully transferred to the screen, the chances of success are brighter.”

However she adds, choosing the right actors for their roles is also crucial. “We’ve kept the basics in mind for our serials and have done our best, and thankfully, we’re receiving very positive feedback.”

As a network that has always prioritized entertainment and training since its inception, HUM Network believes that other channels should also participate in this process as that will not only strengthen our local industry but also elevate our standards to compete with global benchmarks.