Revival of Pakistani film industry leaving veteran actors behind

From Jia Ali to Afzal Khan aka Rambo, actors are struggling to find work despite the growing number of Pakistani films

LAHORE: The revival of Lollywood has been underway for a while and those within the industry are eager to invest in its future. Due to this, numerous modern cinemas are also being constructed across Pakistan. However, regardless of this, some veteran actors are unable still to find work anywhere.

JIA ALI - PHOTO: FILE

Big names such as Babar Ali, Meera, Saud, Ajab Gul, Afzal Khan aka Rambo, Jia Ali, Madiha Shah, Laila and Nirma have not had any opportunities for work in months and are suffering due to this. Although many of them have managed to bag short roles in theatres and dramas, it seems like there is no space for them in the newfangled Pakistani film industry.

Afzal Khan: The Pakistani ‘Rambo’

“It’s true that single screen and traditional cinemas are suffering because of the Pakistani film industry but it’s the old actors who seem to have the most grief. Two decades ago, no one would have ever thought that such big stars would find themselves to be out of work like this.” Senior Lyricist Altaf Bajwa told The Express Tribune.

“For the last six years, the film industry has seen a massive improvement. With modern technology, new faces and apprehending subjects, the tastes and priorities of our audience seem to have changed completely. When viewers have the likes of Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Fahad Mustafa, Mahira Khan and Mehwish Hayat, who would want to see older faces?” Bajwa questioned.

NIRMA - PHOTO: FILE

Director Sarwer Shah went on to speak about the lack of actual film actors within the modern day film industry. “Although Pakistan is enriched with talent and there are many new faces emerging on the big screen, the actors that are currently dominating the film industry are not purely film actors. Most of them are stars from TV shows.”

Hollywood calling for Meera?

He continued, “This is why a lot of the new films have a tele film aspect. We have numerous film actors currently waiting for the right opportunity and soon, the time will come when these artists will get back into the film industry. It will be the era of feature films in Pakistan.”

Nazar actor Meera went on to elaborate on the current situation for older actors even further. “These jobless artists are our country’s assets. It’s because of them that we have been able to dominate in the past and it’s not right for them to suffer. I hope to see them flourish in the near future.”

PHOTO: FILE

She went on to speak about the lack of opportunities. “They are trying to make ends meet by doing small, private gigs but I know they are waiting for better opportunities. This kind of thing doesn’t happen in other film industries – older artists are not ignored,” Meera stated.

“Many great actors of the past still appear in Hollywood and Bollywood movies because people of those industries obviously understand their importance; they still have respect for their seniors. It’s such a shame that we don’t see the same kind of admiration here in Lollywood,” she concluded.

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