When it comes to TV, India cannot compete with us: Actor Rashid Mehmood

Acting veteran Rashid Mehmood talks highs and lows of Pakistani entertainment from over the years

LAHORE: As a veteran of Pakistani show business, Rashid Mehmood has plenty to say about the industry. The actor sets great store by local television serials in particular, having acted in renowned dramas such as Saheen, Laag, Ghuroor and Kahi Un Kahi over the years.

Unfortunately, Mehmood – who was recently chosen to receive the President’s Pride of Performance Award – now finds his beloved industry in dire straits. He recalls a time when Indian producers used to copy Pakistani serials in hopes of becoming just as successful.

“Back then, our drama serials were loved the world over, thanks to their sound scripts, good acting and quality production,” says Mehmood, reminiscing of days he believes are long gone. “But still, when it comes to television, India cannot compete with us! Nowadays, producers show a world of dreams in their projects. Instead, we should promote our own culture and society if we wish to peak once more. I feel very disheartened that today’s artists don’t seem to know much about dramas.”



According to Mehmood, Pakistan is the pioneer of TV drama in the Indian subcontinent but the commercialisation of the industry and questionable behaviour of some has led to its downfall. “Lollywood used to dominate films but even then, our dramas were richer; that’s where we truly shined,” adds the Mohabbataan Sachiyaan actor.

What particularly upsets Mehmood is how the new crop of Pakistani artists seems to be averse to hard work and leaning. “I started from zero and it took four decades for my services to get recognised. I got the Pride of Performance after 40 whole years! Now, new kids coming into the profession don’t want to learn,” he says. “I never hesitated to learn from my seniors. In fact, my teachers are the real reason behind my achievements today. Hard work is necessary in every profession, as is facing disappointment. Look at me … even in old age, I am still struggling!”

Mehmood remains hopeful that the golden days of Pakistani entertainment will return sometime soon. “Some negative elements really affect Lollywood but fortunately, the new generation of film-makers is taking it forward. I hope one day, we can dominate once again.”

It must be noted that despite his aspirations for the industry, the seasoned star is also somewhat in favour of the government imposing a blanket ban on the screening of Indian films in Pakistan. “Personally, I don’t agree with a complete ban as we will still be showing Hollywood films here. But I also wonder why our films are not being released in India in return?” he questions.

According to him, it has always been so that the Indian government never gave sufficient space to Pakistani content, and that is why local artists want a ban now. “The question is … who created this situation? We have talent in Pakistan too. Saying our films cannot compete in Bollywood is wrong as we now have people like Shoaib Mansoor, Bilal Lashari, Humayun Saeed and Sarmad Khoosat who have revolutionised film-making in Pakistan completely.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2016.

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