Pakistan's cinema culture was at its peak during 80s, 90s: Sana Fakhar

Actor believes the film industry suffered for 15 years before getting back on track

LAHORE: Famed actor Sana Fakhar feels that the cinema culture in Pakistan was at its peak during the 80s and 90s era but it declined due to some issues within the industry.

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Speaking to Express News, Sana said that a lot of film-makers, producers and even actors - who were behind the success of the cinema industry - started venturing into different mediums to keep up with the global trend as times were changing.

"I understand that exploring into other media mediums was a necessity for a lot of people. They earned millions from the cinema industry but then they started ignoring it, which led to the a decline of film screens all across the country," added the O Rangreza actor.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/SANA FAKHAR

Sana added, "There was a time when Pakistan housed over 1000 cinema halls, which is why it was shocking to find out that they were demolished at such a quick pace. Some cinemas turned into petrol pumps while others were changed to shopping malls or banquet halls. The cinema industry had hit rock bottom."

The actor explained that the country's film industry played a huge part in creating an identity for Pakistan, but after its decline, people stopped going to cinemas altogether.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/SANA FAKHAR

"Pakistan's film industry witnessed a severe crisis for almost 15 years. Gradually, it started to see the light of day and good film-making resumed in the country yet again. Now, the cinema sector is finally flourishing and Pakistan's back on the map with its films," continued Sana.

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Speaking of the current situation of cinema halls in the country, Sana concluded that even though local cineplexes screen Bollywood and Hollywood films along with local releases, she's glad that it has again become a source of entertainment for film lovers.

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