After the shifting of film-making to Karachi, shouldn’t we use the word Karawood instead of Lollywood. What do you say?
It’s all a fuss. There is only Hollywood, no Bollywood or Lollywood. It should only be called the Pakistan film industry and nothing else!
What do films mean to you?
In nutshell, the sole aim of films is to entertain. Film without entertainment is not a feature film but a documentary.
Under the present circumstances, you seem to be the only person who can revive Punjabi cinema after a glorious track record like Choorian, Majajan, Shareeka, Mehndi Walay Haath. What’s holding you back?
The time of Punjabi cinema is over. Waise bhi ab filmein Punjabi/Urdu mixup ho gaye hain. Many Urdu films now have two to three Punjabi songs.
Our owners hardly took any notice of the dingy, shabby cinema houses. They thought that despite sub-standard facilities films would continue to attract crowds. They also discouraged the exhibiting of Pakistani movies, preferring Indian content instead. Consequently, our film producers turned to other businesses.
I would like to credit Nadeem Mandviwala for the revival of films. Hats off to him.
Can the situation be improved?
Sadly, the present government has no ministry of culture. Perhaps we are among the few countries which give the least importance to culture, despite India and Hollywood storming and capturing the world market, and focusing on the young generation.
I strongly believe that India is nothing without its film industry as it has vastly improved its image and economy through it. Our government does not keep this in mind. It should revive NAFDEC without further delay which could connect us to other worlds through culture.
Thirdly, Pakistani colleges and universities that teach film-making to students must have proper equipment like cameras, lights, set designing tools etc. Just mere theories won’t do.
Do you think Adnan Sami quit his Pakistani nationality due to his excessive Bollywood engagements?
Rubbish. At least Adnan Sami spoke the truth about him being an Indian. A number of Pakistani singers, artists work there but don’t care to work in our industry. What can you say about such hypocrisy?
Directors are often seen bragging about release dates, and the same seems to be the case when it comes to your film Price of Honour which was lined up for release in April 2015?
You’re right. I admit my fault. But the saying goes ‘Man proposes God disposes’. Issues like funds, publicity, cinema availability etc kept holding me back. But my greatest grievance is with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy; despite knowing that my film Price of Honour was lined up for release, she launched her documentary A Girl in the Water — The Price of Forgiveness. It was as a real setback for me. I fully acknowledge her services and potential as a fellow film-maker, but she should have approached me before taking the initiative. She damaged my project.
What other films do you have in the pipeline?
Bhai Wanted is almost complete but the biggest project of my life is on its way. I wrote a screenplay four years ago, keen to produce a different kind of message-oriented film. I was wondering whom to cast opposite Saima when I came across Dr. Amir Liaquat’s show and my heart said that I’d found the right man. I decided to convince him to sign my film. Initially, Amir Liaquat was reluctant to accept my offer but when I narrated the story to him, he agreed. He will be my next hero with Saima as the leading lady.
So when do you plan to start the film?
Soon. It all depends on Dr. Amir Liaquat’s availability.
Why has Saima switched to TV? Some argue that a film star should not work on the small screen as it undermines his/her stature?
I don’t agree. Saima has earned 10 times more popularity than films simply because TV has a much larger viewership.
Why was Saima absent at the premier shows of her own movie recently?
Uski marzi, main kya keh sakta hoon (It’s her decision, what can I say?).
Who is more accredited for a film’s success, actor or director?
Most certainly the director. I made Shaan a supreme actor while low-calibre directors have damaged his reputation as an actor.
saeedawan89@yahoo.com
Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, April 10th, 2016