Finding solace in Pashto music and film
Cinema-goers and film buffs catch up on fresh releases on Eid.
SWAT:
This Eidul Fitr provided some much-needed entertainment for film and music buffs in Swat. After bearing through sweltering heat and loadshedding, locals rejoiced by watching films at the local cinema or in the comfort of their homes. The only cinema in the area, Swat Cinema, was jam-packed throughout Eid days, with a number of fresh film releases playing back-to-back.
“We’ve had housefull for all shows,” said Zahid, who sells tickets at the cinema, adding that mostly young people came to watch the movies. However, he said that loadshedding remained a problem during the screenings.
“Too many intervals in the same movie made for an unexciting experience, even though I’m a huge fan of Pashto movies and music,” said Zeeshan Khan, a customer.
The occasion also brought good business for the local DVD and CD dealers, who confirmed that sales had gone up manifold. “We’ve stocked up on various Pashto soap operas and telefilms as customers keep trickling in for them on Eid,” Muhammad Qayum, a DVD dealer told The Express Tribune. “Just as people buy new clothes and accessories for the festival, they like to catch up on the latest films and dramas too,” he added.
Over the last few years, the Pashto music scene has evolved with the pop genre, attracting a wide audience. “The recent pop scores have completely turned the scene around. The young generation who did not enjoy the music some five or six years back, now follow it avidly,” said Karim, a DVD retailer. He added that Pashto music has replaced Indian music, even in non-Pashto speaking circles, which bodes good business for them. He listed Rahim Shah, Shah Sawar, Karan, Nazia Iqbal, Gul Panra and Hashmat Sahar as musicians with a huge following.
Earlier, the entertainment industry suffered a blow during militancy. As a result, thousands of families who were directly connected to the business had to bear the brunt. With the industry coming back on track, authorities have urged the government to support the art forms and ensure security to the people.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 24th, 2012.
This Eidul Fitr provided some much-needed entertainment for film and music buffs in Swat. After bearing through sweltering heat and loadshedding, locals rejoiced by watching films at the local cinema or in the comfort of their homes. The only cinema in the area, Swat Cinema, was jam-packed throughout Eid days, with a number of fresh film releases playing back-to-back.
“We’ve had housefull for all shows,” said Zahid, who sells tickets at the cinema, adding that mostly young people came to watch the movies. However, he said that loadshedding remained a problem during the screenings.
“Too many intervals in the same movie made for an unexciting experience, even though I’m a huge fan of Pashto movies and music,” said Zeeshan Khan, a customer.
The occasion also brought good business for the local DVD and CD dealers, who confirmed that sales had gone up manifold. “We’ve stocked up on various Pashto soap operas and telefilms as customers keep trickling in for them on Eid,” Muhammad Qayum, a DVD dealer told The Express Tribune. “Just as people buy new clothes and accessories for the festival, they like to catch up on the latest films and dramas too,” he added.
Over the last few years, the Pashto music scene has evolved with the pop genre, attracting a wide audience. “The recent pop scores have completely turned the scene around. The young generation who did not enjoy the music some five or six years back, now follow it avidly,” said Karim, a DVD retailer. He added that Pashto music has replaced Indian music, even in non-Pashto speaking circles, which bodes good business for them. He listed Rahim Shah, Shah Sawar, Karan, Nazia Iqbal, Gul Panra and Hashmat Sahar as musicians with a huge following.
Earlier, the entertainment industry suffered a blow during militancy. As a result, thousands of families who were directly connected to the business had to bear the brunt. With the industry coming back on track, authorities have urged the government to support the art forms and ensure security to the people.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 24th, 2012.