‘Ainak Wala Jinn’ star says Pakistani dramas have lost their touch

Actor Haseeb Pasha laments lack of content that children can watch on TV

LAHORE: Pakistan’s drama industry has been facing numerous issues for the past few years. Although there is a large television viewership, today’s younger generation gravitates less towards the small screen due to its lack of intellectual content. Therefore, quality television plays need to be produced in order to boost viewership further.

Traditional folk stories of giants, princesses, kings and queens are part of youngsters’ education. But the absence of such productions in today’s day and age, due to the shortage of children’s television writers, is a tragedy, according to Ainak Wala Jinn star Haseeb Pasha. The actor played Hamoon Jadugar in iconic 90s children’s play.

“Pakistan’s drama industry once ruled because it made quality work. It produced entertainment for the public; plays everyone wanted to see,” Pasha shared with The Express Tribune. “Although we still have a vast viewership, the content is not fit for children.”

Pasha rose to fame with Ainak Wala Jinn back in the day. His pairing with actor Nusrat Aara, known for the role of Bill Batori on the show, was loved by many, as were his recitations of the ‘jadu mantar’ in the drama.

“Those who watched Ainak Wala Jinn still talk about it. The whole team gave their best shot to the play and that’s because in our day, there was more emphasis on hard work and passion for the arts,” expressed the actor. “Now, with so much commericialisation, there are clear changes within the industry. I have even seen a time when the roads of Lahore would be clear of traffic while dramas were on. We no longer see such engagement and it all comes down to the quality of content produced.”

Many actors of the hit play have now passed away, including Munna Lahori, who played Zakoota; Najma, who was seen in the role of Karnani Churail and Aara as well. Pasha said he misses them dearly. He was part of the first and second phase of Ainak Wala Jinn and to his credit, is still a regular performer in Jin Aur Jadugar at Lahore’s Alhamra Hall for the last decade. “Although many of my colleagues have passed away, we are lucky enough to see the second generation working in the drama industry. For example, Lahori’s son works with us in Jin Aur Jadugar.”

He added, “It makes me very happy to see the increasing number of people, every Sunday, who come to watch Jin Aur Jadugar. It brings me even more joy to see children make up part of the audience and I think there should be more plays like this for our younger generation,” Pasha suggests.

The actor went on to speak of the changing times and the evolution of media. “The rise of the internet has meant that people no longer prioritise dramas. But we cannot forget that regardless of the era, children are still children and need quality entertainment.”

Pasha explained his desire to create something like Ainak Wala Jinn once again. “It is my vision and aim to have something similar. I have already started planning things and am hoping to receive some sort of support from the government. I truly believe that the drama industry has a bright future ahead,” he concluded.

Edited by Ramsha Vistro. 

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