The Burka Avenger- A pioneer in Pakistani animation

From the most unexpected place across the world comes a crime fighting, education activist, super-heroine who uses books and pens as her weapons. She also happens to don a burka (veil) as a secret identity. Who is she? To many homes in Pakistan, she is the Burka Avenger!

By day, she goes by the name of Jiya; an average looking school-teacher who is loved by all her students. But by night, she transforms into the Burka Avenger. The animation now in its second season not only encourages women’s empowerment but flips many stereotypes of Pakistani culture on its head. The groundbreaking concept introduces a long-awaited heroine for many young girls in Pakistan. A truly inspirational message to the people of Pakistan. In an exclusive interview with Asian World, we caught up with Ainy Jaffri who voices the characters of Jiya and the Burka Avenger.

What were your initial thoughts when the role was offered to you?

I actually knew Haroon- who is the producer- before the conception of Burka Avenger. I was really blown away to see something like this happening in Pakistan. It was something so up to date and the whole show is 100% Pakistani; from the story boards, the sound and the visuals. When he explained the concept to me, I thought it was something very ground breaking coming out of Pakistan. So when he offered me the role of the Burka Avenger, I of course, jumped at the chance; I was very excited. It was a no brainer!

How did you prepare for the role?

I’m an actress; I’ve done a lot of serials on Hum TV, GEO and ARY, but this is my first voice- over. So the reason he took me on was because he wanted an actress who had that range and variety that an actress, compared to a singer, might bring. And also, to breathe light into something the way he wanted. The great thing about this is that you don’t have to worry about how you look- which is always a plus point. I hate getting my hair and makeup done- I’m very fidgety. But it is tough, especially when we are recording the fighting scenes- I have to try and replicate the fighting noises. You do feel slightly foolish jumping around the studio and making all these martial arts type noises, but it’s really fun. I also use honey and ginger and avoid smoking as vocal preparation.
When I first started I was a little slower recording, but now that I am getting the hang of it. So the first season, I think took me 4-5 days. I find it easier when the animation is not done and it’s at my own speed. But sometimes I will have to follow the mouth of the animation and I found that a little tougher. But now, I think I can do 4-5 episodes in a day.

How important is it for the people of Pakistan to have a show like this?

Extremely important. Pakistan is a very young country and of course teaching children of this age about these issues is imperative. The show is targeted towards 11-12 year olds, but I think the themes are relevant to adults and children. Burka Avenger stands for peace; justice and education and I think the message there is that education is the mightiest tool we have in fighting against oppression. Also I think the Burka Avenger signifies what a woman can be if she is given the opportunity.
The burka is a very sensitive issue which has connotations of religion and extremism/ oppression. So why include the burka?

All superheroes need a costume to hide their secret identity. Also, I think Haroon wanted something localised to the region- to Pakistan. He also didn’t want something too sexualised; if you look at superheroes in the past, be it Wonderwoman or Batwoman, the outfits are very tight and revealing. He wanted Burka Avenger to stand for what she does and not be a sex symbol. I think the Burka is a playful interpretation on something the West find as oppressive and Haroon has flipped it on its head and it’s been used in the show as a tool to fight against oppression. Also, it’s very functional and practical! She is representation of our Pakistani culture, she’s not meant to be a beacon of Islam.

Do you see yourself in the Burka Avenger?

I think everything the Burka Avenger stands for, I fully support. Of course I can relate to being a superhero! We are all superheroes in our own light, aren’t we! But seriously, I’m humbled to be a part of something so special.
Due to the overwhelming success of the show, season 3 and 4 are now also in the pipelines. The show is also in talks of producing merchandise of the characters, whilst Zee TV is looking to launch the show in April. Ainy also mentioned that the team has plans to make an animated film.