LAWYER TURNED LAUGHTER GURU
Faiza Saleem’s Unfiltered Story
By Abeeha Asad
By Abeeha Asad
10 years ago, Faiza Saleem made a big decision that changed her life. She just took a leap of faith and did what she had always wanted to do: become a comedian. She quit her successful career as a lawyer and as the head of the legal department at a Karachi public policy think tank, embarking on the journey of her dreams.
The Comedy Queen of Pakistan had a background in theater and her desire for personal fulfillment led her to transition from law to comedy. She bravely embarked on this new route of her dreams in 2014, putting her strong sense of humor on display for the world as she took the stage. Even though Faiza’s humorous skills were visible in television shows and movies like “Parchi,“ she continues to be selective and only takes on projects that align with her own style of art.
Faiza’s story is a shining example of creativity and the soothing power of laughter. Faiza believed that pursuing a career in comedy required more than just passion; it also required her determination to overcome cultural norms and stereotypes. As the founder and trainer of an all-female improv comedy troupe, “KHAWATOONS” she has been smashing barriers since 2016. Faiza’s jokes are meant to give you strength rather than be merely funny.
“Women are not seen as being great at comedy,”
Faiza claimed. She is aware that Pakistani women who want to be comedians face several obstacles. But by conquering those obstacles with Khawatoons, she proved to everyone that comedy is not a male-dominated space. Faiza encountered her fair share of challenges along the way.
“I’m still navigating the challenges of being a female comedian in Pakistan’s entertainment industry,”
she admits. Even with all her success, Faiza stays down-to-earth, knowing the weight of her influence.
”Be consistent and don’t be too preachy,”
she advises upcoming comedians. She understands the fine line between making people laugh and being aware of what you say. Faiza’s comedic style not only elicits laughter but also forges an instant connection with her audience, a quality that Gen Z often describes as relatable content.
“Sometimes we just discuss amongst ourselves if there’s something that is bothering us or something that we care for, and then that becomes the theme of our shows,”
She discloses. It’s this authenticity that connects her with her audiences, transforming her into more than just a comedian—she is a voice of change. Faiza Saleem is showing the people of Pakistan that comedy can be both respectful and entertaining with her clever jokes and understanding of our culture. She skillfully navigates the world of adult comedy, recognizing the diverse tastes of her audience and tailoring her material accordingly.
She highlights the value of artistic independence while recognizing that, particularly in a society where cultural norms define humorous boundaries, what works for one comedian might not work for another. As the youngest of four siblings, or as the baby of her family, she brings a fresh perspective to the comedy through her comedic style.
Faiza had an upbringing that was divided between Pakistan and Germany, which gave her a sharp sense of humor that cuts across boundaries. Faiza realizes the value of adaptability in the ever-changing arena of digital media.
‘Consistency is the key,’ she emphasizes, ‘and having a unique voice’.
Her ability to adjust has been the key to her success. She has made use of every site, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and even YouTube. Faiza Saleem showcases her loyalty to her art and her community at every performance.
“It’s my troop, so it’s my baby. I’ll do everything for it,”
She declares, expressing her intense sense of duty and pride for the position that she holds. By utilizing comedy to empower and amuse people, Faiza breaks social norms and motivates individuals to follow their dreams.
