Could've done a lot, gave everyone else a chance: Saud Qasmi on being a starmaker

Actor-producer candidly aired grievances

In an exclusive appearance on Sahiba's talk show, seasoned actor and producer Saud Qasmi provided a glimpse into his multifaceted journey, sharing anecdotes that spanned from family matters to significant contributions to the Pakistani entertainment industry. The conversation dove into Saud's unique approach to his career, his pioneering dramas, and the unacknowledged influence he believes his work has had on subsequent productions - albeit without acknowledgement.

Saud revealed a distinctive facet of his career, stating that he initially refrained from acting in dramas. Remarkably, he emphasised being the lone producer who abstained from stepping into the limelight of his own creations. One of his groundbreaking ventures, Yeh Zindagi Hai, not only marked a turning point in his career but also set new trends in the industry that continue to shape contemporary television dramas.

He shared, "When I was working and started dramas, I gave my own characters to others. I could have done them myself. But I thought no, (the other actor) should be pushed ahead. Give him a chance. I've given work to everyone. I haven't appeared as a hero in my production. No one's ever done this." Saud went on to add, "It was a mistake. Those whom I gave work to did not even turn back to acknowledge me. They don't even take my name. So many people have (been propelled forward) due to my dramas. I don't know, are they embarrassed to say so?"

When asked about how Yeh Zindagi Hai was a trendsetter, Saud remarked, "Shows like Yeh Zindagi Hai air and will continue airing. That trend will never end. It will work for fifty years - one rich household and one poor household. Pick up any show, it has the same story."

The veteran actor went on to discuss his involvement in the inception of Khuda Aur Mohabbat, asserting that they were the trailblazers behind the iconic OST that still resonates today. However, Saud lamented the lack of credit given to his team for this musical masterpiece, highlighting a recurring issue of unattributed contributions within the industry.

"I made Khuda Aur Mohabbat as well," he asserted. "The first season, I made it. The song was written by Javeria. The same is repeated to date. The credits don't even say thanks, but it's fine. I know I've made it. Thanks to YouTube, everything is on record - who made it, when was it made, when did it air, which show was it, who starred in what show the first time. If someone says they were working from before, it's easy to find out." He added, "I could have done a lot, but I gave everyone else a chance...Not every man can do this."

Saud's candid revelations extended to the opportunities he provided to numerous individuals, fostering the claimed rise of many stars. However, he expressed his disappointment at the lack of acknowledgement or gratitude from several beneficiaries. According to Saud, this failure to recognise and appreciate those who have contributed to one's success is a significant factor contributing to the industry's perceived decline.

The veteran artist's sentiments reflect a broader concern about the lack of acknowledgement within the Pakistani entertainment sphere. His reflections not only shed light on the intricacies of the industry but also prompt a broader conversation about the importance of recognising and crediting contributions that shape the creative landscape.

When asked if people took advantage of him, Saud retorted, "Yes, people take advantage of each other in this world. As they should. But remember it. They take advantage and don't remember. In our neighbouring country, in Hollywood, success is this: remembering the bad times. And they tell their friends that when I was facing turbulent times, this person was with me. Like with Salman Khan, or how Govinda acknowledges Salman. They say this openly. Here, it seems like it is seen as a source of shame...Payback is vital. When you're facing good times, you must pay it back."

Saud's revelations on Sahiba's show open a window into the untold stories of a seasoned professional, offering a perspective on the complexities, challenges, and unspoken dynamics within the Pakistani entertainment industry. His experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the significance of acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of those who play pivotal roles in the evolution of the industry.

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