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.
Speaking to Independent Urdu, Hasan Tawana told about his trip that ‘from childhood he came to see farmers, how they work 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 sometimes I am so lucky that I went to a place for the first time and immediately took a picture. 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, children flying kites from trees, or depictions of 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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How does Hasan Talal Towana’s background in rural Punjab influence the themes and subjects of his photography?
### Interview with Hasan Talal Towana: Capturing the Essence of Rural Punjab
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Hasan! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your work in photography has really brought the beauty and stories of rural Punjab to a wider audience. What inspired you to start this journey?
**Hasan Tawana:** Thank you for having me! Growing up in village 58 North in Sargodha, I was always surrounded by the lives of farmers—watching them work tirelessly in fields and dealing with the challenges of nature. I wanted to share their stories and the vibrant culture around me. It all started as a passion, and I think that genuine love for our roots has allowed me to connect deeply with my subjects.
**Interviewer:** Your photographs evoke a sense of nostalgia and peace. Can you share your approach to capturing these scenes?
**Hasan Tawana:** I believe that every moment has its own story. Often, I venture out to new locations and let the environment guide my lens—sometimes I just get lucky and capture magical moments on the first try! It’s about being in the right place at the right time and feeling that connection. I don’t just want to document—I’m interested in recreating those past activities and preserving them through my camera.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating to hear how you blend spontaneity and intention. You’ve gained recognition both in Pakistan and abroad. How does it feel to have your work appreciated internationally?
**Hasan Tawana:** It’s incredibly fulfilling. The love I’ve received, especially from the Sikh community in Indian Punjab, has been overwhelming. Many people have told me how my work resonates with their memories, sometimes bringing them to tears. This connection across borders is what motivates me to continue.
**Interviewer:** You’ve also conducted workshops and taught photography at various universities. How important is it for you to share your skill and passion with others?
**Hasan Tawana:** Teaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Photography is not just about technical skills; it’s about looking at the world through a different lens—seeing beauty in the mundane and preserving our culture. I want to inspire the next generation to explore and capture their own narratives.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, Hasan, what do you hope people take away when they view your work?
**Hasan Tawana:** I hope they feel a sense of connection to their own roots and a glimpse into a simpler, more soulful way of life. In a fast-paced world, I want my photography to be a reminder of where we come from and the values we should cherish.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Hasan! Your passion is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work.
**Hasan Tawana:** Thank you! It was a pleasure to share my thoughts with you.
