I want to change mindsets, but also make people laugh: Faiza Saleem

Legal eagles don’t usually indulge in comedy — not intentionally at least — but Faiza Saleem is that rare combo. The Pakistani lawyer-turned-standup comic is the founder of an all-girl improv troupe called The Khawatoons, which has been making waves in that country. Saleem, who raises issues of sexism, gender stereotyping and body-shaming through theatre, impromptu acts and satirical videos, tells Himanshi Dhawan that breaking through the comfort zone is what she thrives on
What made you give up a fairly lucrative profession like law to take up a risky one like comedy? Was there pressure from family and others to change your decision?
It’s pretty simple actually.I was not happy as a lawyer and always wanted to pursue comedy and acting. I was trying to juggle both for sometime but that left me restless. My father’s passing away was the last straw and I decided that I will chase after my dreams since life is too short to keep living in a box that’s clearly not fit for you.
Most people were shocked. Others thought it’s a phase and that I’d come back to my senses. It’s been two years since I took up comedy full-time and that still hasn’t happened. I’m still the crazy girl who quit law for comedy. It doesn’t matter though — eventually everyone has had to accept me as I am because they know there’s no convincing me otherwise.
All-girl improv troupe called The Khawatoons.
Do you often receive criticism for taking on established norms, and for raising issues like body-shaming and rape?
Quite frequently. But other than that, I feel people tend to over-analyse my work and expect my comedy to send a message all the time. Of course, I want to change mindsets with my comedy but I also want people to have a good laugh for no reason sometimes.
You have written a very emotional blog, ‘For Fatties With Love’, on appearances and the pressure on women not to be fat. How much of the satire comes from cruel experiences in real life?
My work, whether it is my writing or my acting, comes from the heart. I have had my fair share of memorable experiences but I also observe things around me. I know numerous people who are great in many ways but suffer from insecurities due to their bodies being scrutinized all the time. In my blog, I spoke for myself but I also spoke for them.
You’ve taken pot-shots at Pakistani men and how they prefer Aishwarya Rai and Angelina Jolie but steered clear of sexually explicit stuff. Why?
My comedy is more relevant to the culture around me and revolves around things a lot of people would relate to. So far, I have not felt the need to make sexually explicit jokes. Obviously, sometimes comedy does tend to become a little vulgar but I like to keep any such references to the minimal. Having said that, apart from a few things I say whatever I want to.
All-girl improv troupe called The Khawatoons.
How did your improv troupe come about? You are all from diverse backgrounds; what would you say is common amongst you?
What is common amongst us is our love for being onstage. We become different people in our performances and are pushed out of our comfort zones which is something we all thrive on.
Do you feel the group and your work has created a space for women in Pakistan? What has been the response so far?
The response has been overwhelming. We get invited to perform in different places all the time, our shows are packed and our audience loves us. I couldn’t have asked for more.
What are your views on the shrinking space for liberal voices in Pakistan? When people speaking for freedom are being shot down or threatened, do you feel stifled?
I’m not going to lie, it throws me off a little. But then I pacify myself by remembering that no one lives forever anyway and what’s life without a few risks?

You have said you steer clear of religion’ when you are performing. Why?
I believe that religion is something you mostly inherit from your family which is why it is so close to your heart. It is a very personal aspect of one’s life and I would want to avoid going there.
Do you fear that you and your troupe may be targeted for raising uncomfortable questions?
Sometimes. But we are not a direct threat to anyone, so being targeted for our work would be unfair. But oh well ...
Is it tougher for female artistes to work and challenge norms than men?
I can definitely say it’s not easier. Women are at a disadvantage in most societies anyway. However, there are also many men struggling to challenge norms and it is no mean task for either gender.
Any plans to come to India to perform?
Well, we’d love to come but keeping the current situation in mind ...