Leading up to and throughout Ramadan, we’ll be highlighting the filmmaking process for “Ramadan America”, Rifelion Media's first-of-its-kind film anthology written by, directed by and starring American Muslims. Our series on “Ramadan America” will include interviews with the cast and crew — many of whom are Muslim American — who brought the film to life.
Saman Hasan was born in Quetta, Pakistan. She is an actress, and currently resides in NYC. Hasan grew up in Dhahran Saudi Arabia and continued her education in Bahrain. She was later trained as an actor at the William Esper Studio along with other studios in NYC.
Hasan plays Ayesha in the “Ramadan America” short “Nani’s Biryani”.
(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
Fann Staff: Tell us about yourself.
Saman Hasan: I am originally from Pakistan, but I grew up in Saudi Arabia. My upbringing was unique because I lived in an international compound called Aramco. As an expat living in a compound with people from all walks of life, my friends became my family, and I had the privilege of seeing the world from a different perspective. This allowed me to have greater acceptance and tolerance towards others.
Fann Staff: What do you do for fun when you're not acting?
Saman Hasan: I feel energized and joyful when I'm learning a new skill. In the last two years, I have committed to practicing yoga and meditation every day, even when I don't feel like it. I love the feeling of challenging myself to do something that scared me before.
I found a connection with Ayesha's character because like her, I believe it is our responsibility to preserve our roots and traditions, no matter where life takes us.
Fann Staff: Did you fall into acting or was it always a passionate pursuit for you?
Saman Hasan: During my childhood, I always loved drawing and painting, but was very shy when it came to performing. However, after moving to New York and feeling a bit lost, I enrolled in drama school and immediately fell in love with acting and the way it challenged me. I continued my education at William Esper Studio and worked on various projects, but it wasn't until I saw myself on screen as a lead in my first Lifetime Network TV feature film that I had a realization. That moment truly felt like I had earned the right to call myself an actor. Making art has always brought me a deep sense of fulfillment.
Fann Staff: Do you have an idol in the world of theater, film or television?
Saman Hasan: I don't have any idols but I am inspired by people who lead with a purpose and a vision. It's always fascinating to see how artists can express their unique point of view through their work.
Fann Staff: Why were you interested in the “Ramadan America” short in which you featured? What role did you play and what drew you to that character?
Saman Hasan: I am a Muslim American, and I understand it is crucial to have representation in the entertainment industry. I portrayed the character of Ayesha in the short “Nani's Biriyani”. I found a connection with Ayesha's character because like her, I believe it is our responsibility to preserve our roots and traditions, no matter where life takes us. For instance, we can do so by passing down family recipes for generations or sharing the stories of our ancestors with the next generation. Identity is something that I feel deeply connected to.
Fann Staff: How did it feel to work on a set mostly made up of Muslim Americans?
Saman Hasan: I loved the entire cast and crew, it felt like a little family in such a short time.
To combat harmful narratives [of Muslims in the media], we must amplify our voices through the medium of art ... to preserve our cultures and tell our stories in the manner we desire.
Fann Staff: What makes “Ramadan America” worth watching?
Saman Hasan: In today's society, there exists a hazardous climate where the depiction of Muslims in media is largely negative. To combat these harmful narratives, we must amplify our voices through the medium of art — and in this case, film. Doing so will allow us to preserve our cultures and tell our stories in the manner we desire.
Fann Staff: Do you have a favorite Ramadan or Eid memory of your own?
Saman Hasan: I loved waking up in the morning to find little treats by my bed on Eid! My mom would always have a wonderful breakfast prepared downstairs, and we would get ready to visit all our family members. To me, Eid is all about spending time with family and enjoying delicious food.
You can keep up with Saman Hasan on her Instagram.
Anwar Molani is a doctor by day and actor by night. He plays Dad, Soniya and Yasmeen’s family patriarch, in the “Ramadan America” short “In The Meantime.”
