I will never say that the industry won't survive: Filmmaker Nadeem Baig talks casting, cinema, more

Pakistani director Nadeem Baig, celebrated for his string of hit serials and films, recently appeared on actor Ahmad Ali Butt's podcast, where he made several surprising revelations. Opening up on the inner workings of the entertainment industry, and the decisions that shape the final product that audiences see, the conversation was as insightful as it was compelling. 

Notably, Nadeem shed light on the casting process behind Pyare Afzal, letting the audience in on an intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdote. He shared that another actor was being considered for the titular role. However, Nadeem ultimately opted for Hamza Ali Abbasi, recognising the latter's suitability for the character. 

Queried by Ahmad about whether or not he had ever compromised on his cast, the filmmaker vehemently denied the same. "I think...it's not a compromise," Nadeem began. "Sometimes, you think of an actor for a role, and you cast a new actor instead. But that actor shines too. For example, in Pyare Afzal, Humayun (Saeed) was supposed to do Pyare Afzal. And I told Humayun that no, it's not your role. We should cast someone else and then we thought Hamza should be cast. He was okay with it." He added, "There's a bigger star, there's a new actor. It's not a compromise. It's something (with which) you challenge yourself."

Tracing the roots of his journey, the director spoke about how watching films created a sense of intrigue in him. A younger Nadeem would encourage his friends to bunk their lengthy Chemistry practical classes to watch films. "I watched numerous films," he shared with a spark in his eye. He made sure to highlight that he was drawn towards Punjabi and Urdu films in cinemas, even though Indian films remained a source of entertainment at home. "I was immensely interested in experiencing cinema," he said profoundly.

The director also walked Ahmad through the beginning of his journey. A chance encounter led to the filmmaker's foray into the world of entertainment in which he is now celebrated with great fervour. When he was in college, his brother was going for an interview. The interview coincidentally happened to be with the man who would become Nadeem's first boss, who convinced him to join. Years later, the filmmaker invited his "tough" boss to the premiere of his film as a gesture of appreciation, and respect. Nadeem also revealed that his initial salary was Rs5000. 

At one point in the podcast, the recording was disturbed by a call from Vasay Chaudhry. Ahmad asked Nadeem to answer and let him know that the podcast was being recorded. Upon being told the same, Vasay hilariously downplayed the importance of the shoot, and jokingly demanded to be made a priority, prompting laughter from all. 

Nadeem also shared that he joined Family Front at a tumultuous time for the show. Internal fights and the cessation of the show plagued circumstances when he was asked to join as a director. Furthermore, he spoke candidly about his relationship with writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar, who has continued to be an integral part of his life.

Ahmad described the equation as a "love-hate relationship." Nadeem interjected, claiming that it was all love, but Ahmad denied the same, saying that the famed writer insisted that where there is love, there is also hatred. "Khalil Sahab is not very receptive when it comes to...you can't narrate an entire story and ask him to write it. He listens to your idea for sure. He gives you that chance. And he stops you in the middle of the idea, saying he understands." Claiming that "this works," Nadeem continued, "I have a way of explaining things to him. This is what is in my mind, and I try, in some way, to convey that to him. And somewhere along the line, I am successful."

A heated topic for Khalilur Rehman is the comparison between Punjab Nahi Jaungi and London Nahi Jaunga. Previously, the writer shared his thoughts about Nadeem's involvement in the same. Ahmad shared how the writer asserted that the latter was a better script, asking Nadeem if he agreed. "No, I don't," came the honest reply. "I think Punjab Nahi Jaungi was the better script." Praising London Nahi Jaunga for its script and mature, better-crafted aspects, Nadeem maintained, "But when you see that film in totality, I feel that perhaps, it was my fault." He added, "Both films are very close to me, but if you ask me which script was better craft-wise, I think Punjab Nahi Jaungi."

The skilled storyteller also said that music is vital to a film. "It's extremely important for a film that has romance, drama. People expect good music from such films. And by good, I mean that commercial feel, be it romance, drama or a tragedy." He asserted that making a "fun, festive song in Pakistan" is incredibly difficult, praising the creativity of the countrymen for their excellence in creating "romantic, tragic" songs. 

When asked if the Pakistani film industry would survive the next few years, Nadeem's answer radiated hope. "I do think it will," he remarked. "We've been hearing this about the film industry since the 80s." Spotlighting the switch between Punjabi and Urdu films supporting the industry, Nadeem responded, "This is ongoing. I will never say that the industry won't survive."

With a prolific career, Nadeem's contributions to the industry are nothing short of exceptional. As he continues to push boundaries and redefine storytelling conventions, his influence on Pakistani entertainment remains unparalleled. 

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