A new revelation by Pakistani fashion stylist and celebrity photographer Akif Ilyas has sparked fresh interest in two iconic female characters from South Asian television and cinema.
During an interview with Nadia Khan on Rise and Shine, Akif claimed that Kareena Kapoor’s Geet from the Bollywood hit Jab We Met was inspired by Sana, the beloved character played by Shehnaz Sheikh in the classic Pakistani drama Ankahi.
His comments have revived conversations about the similarities between Pakistani television classics and popular Indian films.
Akif Ilyas Makes a Surprising Claim
Akif Ilyas shared the revelation while discussing his experience working with the production company behind Jab We Met. He said that during his time working with the producers, he watched Ankahi and later revisited the drama alongside Jab We Met.
According to Akif, this comparison led him to believe that Geet’s character was inspired by Shehnaz Sheikh’s Sana.
He encouraged audiences to compare the two characters and decide for themselves whether the similarities amount to inspiration or something closer to copying.
Shehnaz Sheikh’s Sana From Ankahi
Ankahi remains one of the most remembered Pakistani television dramas, with Shehnaz Sheikh’s performance as Sana becoming particularly iconic.
The character’s distinctive personality, confidence, conversational style and memorable screen presence helped make Sana a fan favorite.
For many Pakistani drama viewers, Shehnaz Sheikh’s portrayal represents an important part of the country’s television history. Akif’s latest comments have now brought renewed attention to the character decades after Ankahi first became popular.
What Did Akif Say About Jab We Met?
Akif said he repeatedly watched both productions before reaching his conclusion about the connection between Sana and Geet.
He also spoke broadly about the influence of Pakistani culture, including clothing, poetry, language and lifestyle, across the region.
His remarks have naturally attracted attention because Jab We Met, starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, remains one of Bollywood’s most recognizable romantic films.
Fans May Compare Geet and Sana
The comparison between Geet and Sana is likely to interest fans of both Pakistani dramas and Bollywood movies.
Both characters are remembered for their strong personalities and distinctive ways of communicating, although Akif’s statement remains his own claim rather than a confirmed statement from the filmmakers.
The discussion also highlights the long-standing cultural exchange between Pakistani and Indian entertainment, particularly in fashion, storytelling, television and cinema.
Akif Ilyas Keeps Pakistani Classics in the Spotlight
Akif Ilyas has worked as a fashion stylist, makeup artist and celebrity photographer and continues to work with Pakistani clients after relocating abroad.
His comments have once again placed Ankahi and Shehnaz Sheikh in the spotlight, giving younger audiences a reason to revisit one of Pakistan’s classic dramas.
Whether viewers see Geet as inspired by Sana or simply notice similarities between the two characters, Akif’s statement has certainly reopened an interesting conversation about Ankahi, Shehnaz Sheikh, Jab We Met and South Asian entertainment.
Source: Reviewit.pk