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Sunday, August 3, 2025

Sajid Hasan’s ‘Weekend Masala’ (1995–1997): The Golden Era of Celebrity Interviews on STN Channel

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Sajid Hasan’s ‘Weekend Masala’ (1995–1997): The Golden Era of Celebrity Interviews on STN Channel

Introduction: A Nostalgic Journey into 90s Pakistani Television

If you grew up in the 90s, chances are you still carry a soft spot for those golden years when Pakistani television was brimming with charm, depth, and authenticity. One show that stood out in this magical media landscape was Weekend Masala — hosted by the suave and sophisticated Sajid Hasan. Airing from 1995 to 1997 on STN (Shalimar Television Network), this program became the ultimate weekend treat for millions of viewers across Pakistan.

With its lighthearted tone, intellectual conversations, and genuine celebrity moments, Weekend Masala wasn’t just another talk show — it was a cultural time capsule. Let's dive into the magic that made this show so iconic and why it remains unforgettable decades later.

Sajid Hasan: The Face of Weekend Masala

Before we discuss the program, we must acknowledge the sheer presence and personality of Sajid Hasan. Known for his brilliant acting skills in serials like Dhoop Kinarey, Kahaniyaan, and Sitara Aur Mehrunissa, Sajid brought a completely different flavor to hosting.

He wasn't loud, gimmicky, or over-the-top. Instead, he was:

  • Charismatic

  • Inquisitive

  • Emotionally intelligent

  • Calm yet deeply engaging

His demeanor added gravitas to the conversations while keeping things breezy and relatable. He knew exactly when to crack a joke and when to probe deeper — a balance that made Weekend Masala unique in an era when most celebrity shows felt stiff or overly scripted.

STN Channel in the 90s: A Platform That Dared to Be Different

STN (Shalimar Television Network) wasn’t like PTV or NTM. It had a rebellious, youthful energy. It catered to urban audiences, welcomed experimental programming, and often embraced formats that felt bold for that time.

And into this environment came Weekend Masala — a show that mirrored STN’s edgy-yet-sophisticated vibe.

What Made STN Special?

  • Less censorship compared to PTV

  • More youthful hosts and creative freedom

  • A platform for the bold and experimental

STN gave Sajid Hasan the freedom to explore human stories, not just highlight celebrity glamour.

Format of Weekend Masala: A Conversation, Not a Performance

One reason fans adored Weekend Masala was its non-formulaic approach. Unlike current celebrity talk shows that focus on viral moments and sensational gossip, Weekend Masala emphasized:

  • Authenticity over sensationalism

  • Subtle humor over forced entertainment

  • Depth over drama

Key Segments Included:

  1. In-Studio Interviews
    With a cozy set-up and minimalist aesthetics, these interviews felt intimate and unrehearsed.

  2. On-Location Chats
    Sajid often met celebrities on their turf — homes, shooting locations, cafés — making interactions more relaxed.

  3. Throwback Games & Childhood Memories
    Instead of playing silly games, Sajid asked intelligent questions about a celebrity’s upbringing, early struggles, and passions.

  4. Fan Q&A
    Viewers sent in letters, and Sajid read them on-air — a warm gesture that built a bridge between stars and their fans.

Celebrity Guests: A Stunning Line-Up from Pakistan’s Golden Age

Sajid Hasan’s Weekend Masala featured nearly every A-list celebrity from Pakistan's entertainment industry of the 80s and 90s.

Here are some unforgettable episodes and guest appearances:

1. Sania Saeed

The queen of intellectual roles and powerful dialogues. Her episode with Sajid explored:

  • Her theatre background

  • Why she preferred challenging roles

  • How she balanced activism and acting

2. Marina Khan

An icon of urban sophistication, Marina opened up about:

  • The success of Tanhaiyaan

  • Working with Shehnaz Sheikh

  • Her behind-the-scenes nervousness

3. Rahat Kazmi & Sahira Kazmi

A power couple in Pakistani television, this rare joint interview gave us:

  • Their views on censorship

  • Raising a family in showbiz

  • Their views on directing and mentoring

4. Nadeem Baig

The evergreen film star Nadeem shared golden tales from:

  • The Lollywood film era

  • The shift from cinema to television

  • Working with Waheed Murad and Shabnam

5. Bushra Ansari

Always the life of the party, Bushra’s laughter-filled episode included:

  • Childhood impersonations

  • Scripting Makan and Kangri

  • Her admiration for Karachi’s liberal artistic vibe

6. Moin Akhtar (Rare Appearance)

One of the most touching episodes featured the legend Moin Akhtar. Viewers still recall:

  • His emotional side

  • His unfiltered thoughts on Pakistani society

  • The pressures of being “funny all the time”

And the list continues with:

  • Shafi Muhammad Shah

  • Mahnoor Baloch

  • Shakeel

  • Huma Nawab

  • Nauman Ijaz

  • Rubina Ashraf

  • Badar Khalil

  • Jamal Shah

  • Aijaz Aslam

  • Atiqa Odho

Each interview was a masterclass in graceful storytelling.

The Golden Chemistry: Sajid Hasan & His Guests

It wasn’t just who appeared — it was how they opened up.

Sajid Hasan had this rare gift: he made stars feel seen and heard. He wasn’t there to boost his own ego. He was there to listen.

Even the most private actors felt safe sharing:

  • Personal heartbreaks

  • Family dynamics

  • Financial struggles

  • Regrets and rebirths

This level of emotional vulnerability was unheard of in that era, and it paved the way for later shows like Loose Talk, Aangan Terha Revisited, and Rewind with Samina Peerzada.

Audience Response: A Weekly Ritual for Families

Ask any 90s household what their Sunday evening looked like, and you'll likely hear:

“Don’t change the channel! Sajid Hasan ka show aaraha hai!”

People didn’t just watch Weekend Masala — they made it a family tradition. Youngsters adored the celebrities, adults respected the thoughtful interviews, and elders found comfort in the nostalgic tones.

Fan mail, postcards, and handwritten letters flooded STN. Viewers thanked Sajid for:

  • Keeping conversations respectful

  • Highlighting unsung heroes

  • Giving equal time to female and male artists

A Time Before Sensationalism and Social Media

One of the reasons Weekend Masala is remembered so fondly is because it existed before the rise of social media culture. There were:

  • No clickbait headlines

  • No behind-the-scenes scandals

  • No PR-controlled narratives

Instead, you got raw, unscripted, human moments. You saw artists as people, not as polished products.

In today’s world of viral shorts and curated images, Weekend Masala feels like a breath of pure, unfiltered air.

Why Weekend Masala Still Matters in 2025

Even in 2025, Weekend Masala holds lessons for media makers, producers, and fans:

1. Depth Wins Over Drama

Audiences crave genuine stories. They’ll always choose authenticity over artificiality.

2. The Power of Conversation

Long-form interviews, when done right, are emotionally healing — not just for the guest, but for the audience.

3. Host Matters

A good host doesn’t just ask questions — they feel with the guest. Sajid Hasan wasn’t a performer. He was a mirror and a friend.

4. Nostalgia is Timeless

Whether it’s Bushra Ansari giggling or Sania Saeed speaking her truth — those moments will never get old.

Where Is the Archive? Why Isn’t It Available Online?

One of the biggest laments among fans is that Weekend Masala episodes aren’t readily available online. They were never digitized properly, and most tapes may be gathering dust in forgotten archives.

Fans Are Demanding:

  • Full episodes on YouTube

  • Interviews remastered for streaming

  • A DVD boxset or even an STN Classics revival

"We want Sajid Hasan’s show back!" is a common comment seen under old clips and interviews.

It’s a shame that a show this culturally significant has no official digital footprint. But the emotional legacy lives on, in memories, conversations, and fan nostalgia.

Could Weekend Masala Ever Make a Comeback?

There have been rumors. Over the years, fans have suggested:

  • A reboot with Sajid Hasan himself

  • A tribute show featuring newer celebrities

  • A podcast version with archived audio

While nothing has officially materialized, Sajid Hasan has hinted in interviews that he misses that era and would love to re-enter the world of talk shows — if the format respects the integrity of storytelling.

And let’s be honest — we’d all line up for that.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Outlived Its Air Time

Weekend Masala may have ended in 1997, but its spirit continues to influence Pakistani media. It proved that:

  • Audiences are intelligent

  • Celebrities have layered lives

  • Simplicity and sincerity never go out of style

Sajid Hasan didn’t just host a show. He created a movement, however brief — one rooted in respect, conversation, and heartfelt humanity.

In a media landscape now dominated by memes, reels, and clout-chasing, we often look back and whisper:

“We didn’t realize we were living in the golden era.”

And Weekend Masala? It was one of its brightest stars.

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