Pakistani actor and model Emmad Irfani recently shared insights on the enduring appeal of old-era stories in contemporary dramas while appearing on ARY Digital’s talk show The Buzz, hosted by Hassan Choudhury.
Irfani, a prominent figure in the industry for over 25 years, is known for his memorable roles in hit dramas such as Thora Pyaar Zyada Love, Tawan, Ranjish Hi Sahi, Mariam Parrera, Saaya-e-Deewar Bhi Nahi, Maah-e-Tamam, Titli, Cheekh, Kuch Na Kaho, Aik Thi Misal, Jaan-e-Jahan, and Jalan. His recent hit, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, broke viewership records, and he is currently praised for his portrayal of the complex character Jami in the drama serial Kafeel airing on ARY Digital.
During the interview, Emmad Irfani elaborated on why Zeba, a central character in Kafeel, remains entangled with Jami despite recognizing his major red flags. “Zeba is stuck with Jami because society’s norms were very different in that era,” Irfani explained. “Divorce, separation, or moving on were considered taboos for women. They were expected to prioritize household roles despite personal struggles. Our drama revisits this story to reflect on the many victims of that time who lacked freedom or independence.”
He added that the narrative of Kafeel resonates today because it carries important lessons about societal pressures and women’s autonomy, showing audiences how past social norms impacted personal relationships.
Earlier, Emmad spoke emotionally about the loss of his young son, Zaviyar Emmad. He shared that Zaviyar was a blessing for him and his wife, despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his passing. Emmad explained that he has always tried to keep his private life away from the public eye, but he wanted to highlight how fatherhood shaped his choices and priorities.
He recalled a period when he was working on the unreleased film Aasman Bolay Ga. The project kept him in Lahore for three and a half years. During this time, he refrained from taking on other work and avoided traveling to Karachi. Emmad considers this period a blessing in disguise because it allowed him to spend significant time with his son Zaviyar.
