I am very passionate about films: Qavi Khan

Acting veteran, who has starred in over 200 films, still up for contributing to Pakistani cinema

KARACHI: Qavi Khan is among the few individuals in the country who have consistently showcased their artistic prowess at the highest level for decades. Be it television, theatre or radio, he has entertained generations for over 40 years with practically every medium there is. While the actor today battles old age, he has not lost his love for film.

Few are aware of Qavi’s impressive filmography that boasts of over 200 projects. He has mixed feelings about seeing the whole air of film revival around him. On the face he is both delighted and proud of the fact that the industry is now gaining a foothold once again. However, not being approached for any film projects makes him feel dejected and irrelevant.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Qavi says, “I think I am very passionate about films but I haven’t received any film offers recently. This time of film revival certainly means a lot to me.” He agrees that nostalgia is too much to handle for his generation of entertainers. “The younger generation is definitely learning the tricks of the trade. We remain obsessed with the past and don’t pay heed to the present. We don’t realise how hard it has become for newcomers in the industry,” he adds.



He credits the revival of Pakistani cinema to the mushrooming of cinemas and the increasing numbers of cinemagoers. “This rebirth has happened because people now want to go to see films in theatres. Young directors are doing a fine job, not only in setting new industry standards but training the new lot of actors that has never worked in films.”

While he admits that change is a gradual process and that we should not be too critical, he frowns upon the fact that conventional methods of film-making are still being used in the country. “We need to step ahead of our times. Cinema is no joke. Films create nations and transfer help values from one generation to another. Films are not seen just for the sake of fun and enjoyment,” he says.

What makes him happy, though, is the fact that most TV actors are now taking the plunge into cinema and aspiring to essay bigger and more challenging acting roles. “It feels good to see every young TV actor become part of the film industry these days.” A sense of feeling left out is quite evident with Qavi.

He still feels the government has not taken cinema seriously and is continuing with policies of yesteryears. According to him, it is time film-making is accepted with open arms because it is a respectable industry worldwide. “Sadly, our government has never paid attention to films. Film business is important but our government has done nothing for it.”

Not willing to give up, Qavi states Pakistani cinema is still in its formative years and should not be compared to Bollywood. “Don’t compare us to them. We are still growing. It is in our industry where actors are able to try out different things and work to the best of their capabilities.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2016.

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