Successful content does not necessarily mean quality content, says Waseem Abbas

Actor-director defined quality as enduring impact and remembrance of content

To chart new records at box office and streaming platforms is an aspiration common to many artists but are big figures a true indicator of merit? As per Waseem Abbas, the answer is no. In a candid appearance on host Vasay Chaudhry’s talk show, the Pakistani television and film veteran put his two cents on content performance and quality.

“People should pay attention to their content and introduce something new,” Abbas observed, reflecting on the unending need for diverse stories. Nodding at the steadily growing emergence of departments dedicated to developing and optimising content, the Family Front actor-director asked people to make the most out of these teams.

Delving into what should deserve artists’ time and energy, Abbas emphasised a focus on high-standard content over fleeting hype. “Successful content does not necessarily mean quality content. Quality products are defined by how long they are remembered,” the actor maintained.

Abbas furthered on, “Many films that were made 60 or 70 years ago are still remembered today. Similarly, a lot of films and television dramas have been successful, even music that performed really well at the moment but then people forgot about it.” According to him, a cultural product’s enduring impact and remembrance are far superior markers of its worth than temporary mass popularity.

Reflecting a common sentiment among artists, Abbas pondered the disconnect between viewership metrics and the true merit of their creative endeavors. “I don’t think success is a [important] criterion…yes, success has its appeal, its own elation - that’s a separate thing. However, it isn't guaranteed that every good product will become a hit and every subpar product will inevitably fail.”

Earlier, Abbas appeared on The Chocolate Times, where he expressed his concerns about the recurring damsel-in-distress stereotype prevalent in Pakistani content. While discussing one of his own dramas and its unexpected popularity, he criticised the industry's focus on garnering views and ratings at the expense of perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Recalling a particular play he was part of, Abbas humorously remarked to his son, "I said that the recording had ended and it would be on-air soon, just pray that whenever it airs, there is load-shedding. No one should see it. It's that awful." However, to his surprise, the play broke viewership records, leaving him disillusioned with the content creation process.

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