Bahar Begum makes acting comeback with ‘Shor Sharaba’

Yesteryear actor starring in ‘Shor Sharaba’, waiting on more good scripts 

Bahar feels she identifies with the role of mothers in films. PHOTO: FILE

LAHORE:
A prominent figure in the world of Punjabi and Urdu cinema, yesteryear actor Bahar Begum will soon be seen in Hasnain Hyderabadwala’s upcoming film Shor Sharaba.

The project marks her return to filmdom after a prolonged hiatus. While shooting for the film is complete, she hopes it turns out to be a success.

“The director told me that my role in Shor Sharaba will be a big hit,” Bahar told The Express Tribune.

While age is just a number for her, the 74-year-old is eager to work on more projects. “I want to find more work and play more roles,” she said. “I have seen beautiful times in Lollywood and have worked in more than 600 films. I am still waiting for good work to come my way.”

When asked about the hiatus, Bahar pointed towards the “dishonesty” of Lahore-based film-makers and producers. “Priorities and preferences of directors have changed and it seems like they are not interested in producing good work,” Bahar shared.


On the other hand, she feels there are a number of decent films being made by Karachi-based film-makers.

“I cannot migrate to Karachi in search of work and I can only wait to see good times for Punjabi cinema. Everyone wants to see quality work and it is the duty of film-makers to understand what kind of movies the audiences want,” she added. “It pains me to see the state of film studios in Lahore. I think about the days when this industry was at its peak and the situation of artists good too.”

Agreeing with other industry veterans who have voiced similar concerns, Bahar feels government support is important to bring stability to the film industry. “Without sincere governments support, we cannot revive the industry and it is essential for Lahori producers to start planning in this connection,” she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2016.

Load Next Story