Want Pakistan to be a cinematic fortress for foreign artists: Shaan Shahid

Actor on why, unlike other Pakistani stars, he chooses to stay and work only in the Pakistani film industry

DENVER, COLORADO, US: There may have been sprawling smog in the city of Lahore this week but that did not stop the iconic Shaan Shahid from showcasing his hunger to enlighten the youth of his country and of course, illustrate his eye for style.

The media royalty arrived at the Forman Christian College, garbed in an attention-grabbing but lax outfit - embracing a snug, chic leather jacket and distressed jeans - very much approximating his character in Arth – The Destination. I must add, this low-key-eccentric persona fits him like a glove.

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Students, entrepreneurs and professors were visibly intrigued by Shaan’s presence and when he spoke, even intangible forces were bound to pay attention.

The purpose of the lecture seemed to not only inspire entrepreneurship among students at the college but to garner self-confidence, a sense of resilience amid the rough tides the country finds itself shrouded in and to help nurture that drive and hunger which further brews into ambition and goals to reach beyond the stars.

Uzma Hassan, his co-star from Arth – The Destination, accompanied the superstar and together, they were a force to be reckoned with.

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Commencing the educative event, Shaan delved into his motivation behind crafting the much-awaited film, which is a reboot of Mahesh Bhatt’s 1982 cult-classic Arth. His purpose behind fashioning the complex flick is to cherish life, he said. “It’s not about all the work you do – but the moments you live,” stated the Khuda Kay Liye luminary. And I cannot concur more. He confessed as to how significant his ‘me time’ has been to him as he excelled on his voyage to stardom and accomplishing his dreams.

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Being enclosed within the realms of work, after all, don’t count if one isn’t relishing those moments and sweet-nothings that make life worth it. “Being a son, brother, partner, father and friend matter a great deal to me and if I have to leave the office to fulfill those roles responsibly and savour that ‘me’ time that I need, I always most definitely will go for it,” he shared.

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On a personal note, he also asserted the significance of spending solitary time, to reflect on our own existence and growth, as we are “the directors of our own lives”. That ‘nurturing’ of one’s own soul is what makes one shine, resulting in the exhilaration of the innermost personality – thus formulating decisions that are composed and rational.

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Uzma, who herself is a refined theatre star, also took it upon herself to edify the young audience members about women empowerment and the importance of the future generations housing ideas that regard gender equality as a prerequisite to every sphere of life there is. She made it a point to assert the emotionally and practically profitable value Arth – The Destination holds for aspiring female artists.

"It’s the right of every woman, she said "to design her own future without the resistance of social constructs and preconceived gender roles – because that’s what is thwarting the fruition of Pakistani women."

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Upon being asked by a student as to what drove Shaan to stick to his roots in Pakistan during the entire tenure of his career, as opposed to experimenting within other regions, such as Bollywood – just like other Pakistani actors have, Shaan retorted, “When I travel globally and come back to my country, I see great talent and potential here that is unheard of, unseen and unattended to; I see Pakistani cinema from the eyes of a director, witnessing a wide range of areas unexplored – that’s where the desire of working for and within the Pakistani cinema, and Pakistani cinema alone, emanates from.”

He explained, “I’ve been a struggling artist myself and therefore I’m extremely well aware of all the needs and the aspirations a local artist clutches on to. If I don’t stay here now and work in and on my country, then when else and where else would be the right time to spread awareness regarding our very own issues that so desperately demand attention.”

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Deliberating on Pakistani youth and the need for local artists to cater to their very own nation as a priority instead of promoting brain drain, he confessed, “I want to see talent brought here into Pakistan, and not the other way around. If we export our very own talent abroad, our responsibility as Pakistani artists will be compromised.”

And the 021 star doesn’t just play dreamy roles but clasps on to mighty dreams for his country too. “I want Pakistan to be the hub of talent where foreign artists aspire to work; I want Pakistan to be the cinematic fortress for foreign artists. Work begins at home. Always,” emphasised Shaan, with a glint in his eye, laced with a passion, that was humanly impossible to ignore.

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Addressing the mammoth amphitheatre that was brimming with Pakistani youth, Shaan assessed and revealed the ingredients that give birth to a successful and effective artist. “There are three qualities you must master if you wish to make it as a prospering artist: Power of observation, talent, and focus,” he avowed.

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Being familiar with the daredevil that Shaan is, I wasn’t surprised when he overtly challenged the educational institutions of Pakistan that simply fail miserably to train and equip the student body to chase persistently after their dreams, especially when it comes to acting and the performing arts.

“We shy away at the thought of our kids and our students choosing to become professional actors; these are the assumed societal fragments and perceptions the country needs to steer clear of,” averred the star. Addressing the students directly, he declared, “Focus and pay attention to your dreams and they will become possible and attainable one day. A jack-of-all-trades becomes a master of none. Choose a direction; make a decision; and that eventually will determine your destiny.”

Uzma Hassan, reflecting over her subjective endeavours, blended her experiences into the discussion, stating, “Being a female artist who has worked in dramas, theatre and now making her way into the film industry, I know exactly how long I have travelled and toiled to be where I am right now.”

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The star who will be portraying Shabana Azmi’s character from the original Arth in the upcoming Shaan-directorial, continued on to say, “In Pakistan, it is not easy to afford to be an artist, especially if you’re a woman. One has to break the shackles of societal norms to snake their way into the industry. Only love and passion for a profession can provide you the courage and strength to follow your heart, despite all the obstacles that might come your way.”

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Discussing her upcoming film and the character she essays, Uzma shared, “My role in this film is that of a female artist who goes through all these struggles – which I believe will prove to be beneficial and constructive for audiences - if not in guiding them forward, then at least as a cathartic session that will be more than relatable, I can guarantee that.”

Undoubtedly, this was a talk Pakistan needed!

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ HUMAIMA MALICK

The cast of the much-awaited film, comprises not only Shaan and Uzma, but also Humaima Malick and Mohib Mirza.



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