Dramas haven't gone amiss, they have evolved: Saba Hamid

Actor weighed in on the current status of the drama industry, adding the shows of today lack the light-hearted comedy

Saba Hamid does not need an introduction. The veteran actor's career, spanning over three decades, speaks volumes of her acting brilliance and fruitful journey in Pakistani showbiz. Hamid, who began her career in the late 1970s, received her big break after venturing into mainstream dramas in the 1980s. Since then, it has been onwards and upwards for the Socha Na Tha actor.

Having initially gained stardom with comedic characters in drama serials, Hamid went on to prove her prowess with versatile roles as her career progressed. She was even honoured with the Pride of Performance award in 2012.

One of her most notable performances was in the 1997 comedy, Family Front. Hamid essayed Sumbul and was lauded by the audience and critics alike for the brilliant execution of her role. The sitcom starred Samina Ahmad, Waseem Abbas, Mira Hashmi, Shahzad Nasim and Naseem Vicky in pivotal roles.

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However, while speaking to Urdu News in a recent interview, Hamid weighed in on the current status of the drama industry. While it has undergone a monumental change over the last few years, she feels that the dramas of today, lack the light-hearted comedy of the past.

"Our dramas should show the honest picture of the society," she told the publication. "Dramas should entertain, they shouldn't just base on whining and crying. We should treat dramas just as we treat our routine life. I want to request the writers to make more sitcoms, light-hearted shows."

When it comes to choosing projects, Hamid prefers comic roles over serious ones. "I think every character is challenging. What is imperative is that the audience understands the said character," she added.

Talking about the boxes she ticks off before taking up a venture, the Dil-e-Muztar star shared, "When choosing a script, I keep in mind of who the director and the director is, what is the role, the production house and what impact would it have on the society."

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Hamid went on to add how there are times when the dramas most actors are offered aren't up to the mark set by them previously, but as they say, the show must go on. "We are artists, so we have to work," she commented. "It is unlikely that all the scripts that we are offered would be up to mark. or is a guaranteed success, but we do them nonetheless. Sometimes, we [the artists] don't have much say in the matter. What I can do, is work on the project with all my might and do justice to it."

Over the last few years, viewers have had several reservations about questionable content on television, arguing that the drama industry has gone awry with problematic storytelling. Hamid, however, begs to differ.

"We can't say that the industry has been destroyed with the recent shows," she mentioned, adding, "It has been in constant change. That's what happens when you are transitioning from older norms to new ones. The shows are still good, they are just different."

The Punjab Nahi Jaungi star recalled her PTV days, revealing how things were done differently back then. "The system has changed," Hamid remarked. "Back in our PTV days, we would have proper rehearsals before we go on to actually shoot the drama. Now, the shows are shot at a certain time. The techniques are different, they have evolved. It only makes sense we move on with time."

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