The magic and memories of Riaz Shahid

The 48th death anniversary of renowned film director Riaz Shahid was observed on Thursday, October 1. Considered one of the pioneers in Pakistani cinema, Riaz’s work served as an inspiration for activists and artists alike, including his son, veteran actor Shaan Shahid.

Talking about the influence of his father’s work, the Waar actor pointed towards films with politically charged subjects, something quite bold and brave for that time.

“He is the most important quote in my life.  His body of work based around the struggle of Muslims in Kashmir and Palestine is so close to my heart. People will always remember him for his work; his scripts, his dialogues,” Shaan told The Express Tribune.

Born in 1927, Riaz since the beginning of his career had always skewed towards topics that dealt with social issues and injustices. Having received his education at Islamia College, Lahore, Riaz started his writing career at Chattan and later Lail o Nihar under Faiz Ahmad Faiz.

Collaborating with Habib Jalib in the years to follow, Riaz made several films with inequality as its central theme. In films such as Clerk, Susral and Khamosh Raho, he brought to light society’s collective attitude towards misfortunes such as poverty and physical disability.

Riaz also made films that dealt with injustices on a geopolitical level. Shaheed Zerqa was a commentary on injustices being faced by Arab Muslims in Palestine. While Yeh Aman brought to light the crimes committed against Kashmiris.

According to film director Sangeeta, Riaz’s work was ahead of its time. "Riaz Shahid was a visionary. Whatever is happening in Kashmir today, he showed it well in the 60s. He was the top director of his period and we should be proud that such people were once a part of our industry,” she said.

Likewise, producer Choudhry Ejaz Kamran also spoke highly of Riaz’s career. "Riaz Shahid stood out for not just his craft but his contribution to meaningful cinema. Cinema that was both political and impressive,” he told The Express Tribune. “Shahid directed super hit films that are now considered guide books for upcoming film-makers. While he dabbled into a variety of genres, he always preferred to do films based on serious and revolutionary ideas.”

For Shaan, his father’s passing when the former was just a year-old affects him in unimaginable ways. “I lost not one but two assets, a teacher and a father.  As a son, I grew up without these assets. I pray someday we'll be together where time will not restrict us from having a longer conversation. Where time will not judge the length of our conversation but be a spectator of a reunion of two loved ones,” Shaan lamented.

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