Actors Sarwat Gilani, Omair Rana, and Naveen Naqvi opened up about their personal experiences with loss and grief during an appearance on a morning show. The discussion explored how the death of a loved one can permanently change a person, and the various ways people cope with such profound sorrow.
Sarwat Gilani on Losing Her Father-in-Law
Gilani began by recounting the passing of her father-in-law. She described how her mother-in-law was initially numb, but the presence of family and the need to move on provided strength. "When Allah takes something, that love gives you strength. When my husband's father died, I remember my mother-in-law was completely numb. We had cousins over and everyone was having tea the next day. I feel like those types of environments show you that you have to move on," she said. Gilani added that her husband found solace in faith, saying at the graveyard that his father was in a good place, waiting for them. "That is how you deal with loss," she noted.
Omair Rana on Humor and Celebration as Coping Mechanisms
Omair Rana shared that his family employs humor to cope with loss. "My family has different shades. My mom's side is very traditional when dealing with loss while my father's side uses comedy to cope," he said. Reflecting on his childhood, Rana recalled a feeling of catharsis through jokes that sometimes made others uncomfortable. He also highlighted how some cultures celebrate death, citing his visit to Mexico City during the Day of the Dead. "It was just like Eid. We were admiring how they were embracing and celebrating death. It happens once a year and they have each person dedicated for a separate day: the pets, elderly, newborns, and siblings. They also make their favourite foods," Rana recounted. He emphasized that "verbal history is the way you keep remembering people."
Naveen Naqvi on Religion and Storytelling
Naveen Naqvi agreed that religion makes dealing with death easier. "Compared to others, we embrace death rather than fear it. We know what is ahead and that there is better in the afterlife," she said. Naqvi also shared her family's tradition of storytelling, where aunts gather with children to share family history. "Everyone in the family is an excellent storyteller," she added.
Intangible Loss and Personal Reflections
Gilani then discussed intangible loss—things that cannot be buried or mourned conventionally, such as lost relationships or feelings. "There are some things that don't die or which you don't lose, such as falling in love or having a certain feeling. It is also a loss but we cannot bury it. It is just out in the universe," she explained. She gave an example of an aunt she lost touch with after a separation: "When my aunt and uncle separated, I used to miss my aunt and her kids so much but I couldn't talk to her because I didn't want to break a family decision. I would always think about her and wonder if she watches my dramas." Gilani also revealed that she still grieves her father, who passed away 12 years ago, and feels she is not the same person. "A part of me has been lost and will never come back. And that's not tangible. When I look inward and up, I remember it," she shared.
Omair Rana's Final Message
Rana concluded the discussion with a poignant message for viewers: "Think of the time you give your loved ones. We should respect time because life is nothing without it."
