Yasir Hussain, a prominent figure in the Pakistani entertainment industry, recently took to his official Instagram handle to share his concerns about the state of the television industry and the plight of actors from Lahore. His comments followed a revealing interview with former renowned actor Aurangzeb Laghari, who disclosed that he had to start a furniture business due to a lack of opportunities in showbiz.
In his Instagram story, Yasir Hussain highlighted a critical issue: the concentration of drama production in Karachi and the neglect of talent from Lahore. He pointed out that actors based in Lahore are not being invited to Karachi to participate in television dramas, creating a significant disparity in opportunities between the two cities.
Concerns Over Disparity in Opportunities
Hussain’s statement sheds light on the geographical imbalance within the Pakistani television industry. He noted that Lahore, once a vibrant hub for television and film production, has seen a decline in opportunities for its artists. “All the dramas are being made in Karachi, while the artists of Lahore are not called to Karachi to work in these dramas,” he lamented.
This disparity has forced many talented actors to seek alternative means of livelihood. Aurangzeb Laghari’s shift to a furniture business is a poignant example of how established actors are struggling due to the lack of work in the industry. Hussain’s post serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Lahore-based artists who have been sidelined despite their talent and experience.
Critique of State-Run Television
Yasir Hussain did not shy away from critiquing the state-run television network, Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). He expressed his disappointment with PTV’s current output, stating that the channel has failed to produce any noteworthy dramas for the past two decades. “It is a shame that PTV has not produced any good drama for the last 20 years,” he remarked.
Hussain reminisced about the golden era of Pakistani television, referring to popular and critically acclaimed dramas of the past. He questioned the current whereabouts of the artists who starred in iconic shows like “Alone,” “Smoke,” “Angan Tedha,” and “Guest House.” These dramas, which were once the pride of Pakistani television, featured remarkable performances from a pool of talented actors who have since faded from the public eye.
Call for Industry-Wide Reflection
Hussain’s comments have sparked a conversation about the need for an industry-wide reflection on the practices that have led to the marginalization of Lahore-based actors. His critique of PTV and the broader industry is a call to action for stakeholders to address these issues and revitalize the television landscape in Pakistan.
The concentration of production in Karachi has created an uneven playing field, limiting opportunities for actors from other regions. This centralization not only impacts the livelihoods of many artists but also deprives audiences of the diverse talent pool that Pakistan has to offer. By drawing attention to this issue, Hussain hopes to encourage a more inclusive approach to casting and production that recognizes and utilizes talent from across the country.
Yasir Hussain’s Instagram post has highlighted significant concerns within the Pakistani television industry, from the neglect of Lahore-based actors to the stagnation of state-run television. His call for a more equitable distribution of opportunities and a revival of quality drama production resonates with many who remember the golden days of Pakistani television. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to address these disparities and work towards a more inclusive and dynamic entertainment landscape that celebrates and supports talent from all regions of Pakistan.
