When it comes to honest opinions, few celebrities speak as directly as Babrak Shah. Recently, during a private TV show, the actor sparked a wave of discussions across social media with his candid remarks about leading stars of the entertainment industry. The statements made by Babrak Shah on Pakistani actors not only drew attention but also opened up a debate on the difference between TV and film talent in Pakistan.
Imran Abbas: Not Fit for Films
Babrak Shah did not hold back when asked about Imran Abbas. According to him, Abbas is not suitable for the big screen. He went so far as to claim that Imran Abbas doesn’t even look like a film hero, adding that his on-screen presence does not give the impression of a strong male lead. These remarks quickly caught the attention of fans, many of whom view Abbas as a versatile performer known for his roles in dramas like Khuda Aur Mohabbat.
Interestingly, industry experts often highlight that while Imran Abbas has achieved immense popularity on television, his film career, particularly in Pakistan, has not flourished to the same level. This supports Shah’s opinion, though his choice of words struck many as harsh.
Fawad Khan: Overrated in Films
Another major highlight of the show was Babrak Shah’s comment on superstar Fawad Khan. Despite Khan’s international fame, especially after his Bollywood debut in Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016), Shah suggested that the actor is “overrated.” He argued that Khan does not possess the level of film talent that has been attributed to him and that external pressures in the industry have elevated his stature beyond his actual performance abilities.
This statement about Fawad Khan is particularly bold, considering that Khan remains one of Pakistan’s most bankable stars. A report by Box Office Detail Pakistan (2023) noted that movies featuring Fawad Khan generate higher-than-average overseas revenue, especially among the Pakistani diaspora. Yet, Shah’s comments reveal a long-standing debate within Lollywood: popularity versus raw acting talent.
Ahsan Khan and Faisal Qureshi: TV Legends, Not Film Stars
Shah further added that Ahsan Khan and Faisal Qureshi are both incredible TV actors, but their strengths lie in the drama industry rather than cinema. This distinction is important because Pakistan’s television industry has historically outperformed its film industry in terms of content and audience engagement.
For instance, statistics from Gallup Pakistan (2022) showed that over 68% of Pakistani households watch dramas regularly, while only about 25% go to cinemas frequently. This highlights why actors like Faisal Qureshi and Ahsan Khan thrive on TV—they are masters of the medium that reaches the masses daily. Shah’s remarks point to a clear divide: excelling in dramas doesn’t necessarily translate to film success.
Public Reaction and Industry Divide
The blunt remarks by Babrak Shah on Pakistani actors have stirred a mixed reaction. Some fans appreciate his honesty, arguing that constructive criticism is necessary for growth in the film industry. Others, however, feel his comments were unnecessarily personal and dismissive, especially about well-loved actors like Imran Abbas and Fawad Khan.
On platforms like Twitter (now X) and Instagram, hashtags related to Fawad Khan began trending shortly after the interview aired, with fans defending his acting and charisma. Meanwhile, supporters of Shah commended him for having the courage to say what others might be thinking but are hesitant to voice publicly.
The Larger Picture: TV vs. Film in Pakistan
The debate sparked by these comments reflects a deeper issue within Pakistan’s entertainment industry—the gap between television and cinema. Television dramas have built loyal audiences over decades, producing stars who dominate households nationwide. Films, on the other hand, are still struggling to establish consistent quality and global recognition.
Recent data from Pakistan Film Producers Association (2023) revealed that while the local film industry has been growing since 2015, the number of annual releases dropped to fewer than 30 films in 2022, compared to India’s 1,500 films per year. This shortage makes it difficult for even popular TV actors to successfully transition into cinema, as they are judged against limited film opportunities.
A Candid Critic or Harsh Reality?
The remarks made by Babrak Shah on Pakistani actors have reignited conversations about the distinction between television and film talent. His statements on Imran Abbas, Fawad Khan, Ahsan Khan, and Faisal Qureshi may seem controversial, but they also underline an undeniable truth: Pakistan’s film industry still has a long way to go before it can consistently rival the power of its drama industry.
Whether one agrees with Shah or not, his bold opinions serve as a reminder that stardom is multi-faceted. Popularity does not always equal cinematic strength, and TV excellence does not guarantee box office success. In the end, this debate could encourage the industry to reassess how it nurtures talent for both television and the silver screen.
