The last we saw Saba Qamar was in Hindi Medium (2017), as she sparkled alongside the late Irrfan Khan. The India-Pakistan tension over the past few years might have kept desi fans away from Qamar, but the actor returns to Indian screens with Mrs & Mr Shameem. How does she feel about reconnecting with the Indian audience after five years? “I’ve always been told that art has no boundaries. I’m excited to be back after so long because the feedback and love that I’ve received from my Indian fans has been overwhelming,” she begins.

The Zindagi series, to be aired on ZEE5, struck a chord with her immediately. With Nauman Ijaz playing Mr Shameem, the series challenges the archaic definition of masculinity. “Shameem’s character is not transgender or gay; he is effeminate. He has the right to love, and probably knows the definition of love much better. The script and the concept caught my attention right away. An actor is known for taking on projects that are different from one another. The beauty of acting is that you’re ready to take up newer challenges every day.”