The recent film industry harassment incident involving veteran actress Sangeeta and Saima has sparked widespread concern over the safety of artists on set. During a press conference in Lahore, Sangeeta, along with director Syed Noor and other prominent figures, revealed that during the recording of her latest play, unknown individuals threatened and harassed the cast and crew using weapons, creating a tense and unsafe environment for everyone involved.
Sangeeta expressed her shock and distress over the situation, stating that she has been part of the entertainment industry for 50 years and had never encountered such a blatant act of intimidation. Some people tried to harass my team with the force of weapons. They even kept actress Saima on the set for two hours,she said. Sangeeta further informed that she had registered a formal FIR against the armed men at Sherakot police station, seeking justice and protection for her team.
The veteran actress highlighted the role of a person named Ahmed Jahangir Baloch, who allegedly tried to intimidate the crew by suggesting that the problem could be resolved in a private meeting. This, according to Sangeeta, created fear among the artists and disrupted the entire shooting schedule. She emphasized that such incidents not only endanger the lives of those working in the film industry but also affect the quality of the content being produced for audiences.
During the press conference, renowned director Syed Noor, who is also Saima’s husband, expressed his anger and disappointment over the incident. We provide entertainment to the people, and what are we getting in return? My wife was harassed, and she fought bravely. Our film industry is already fighting its own battle. If any incident happens in the future, who will be responsible?he questioned, underlining the persistent challenges faced by the Pakistani entertainment sector.
Syed Noor further explained that this was not the first time that the crew faced obstacles while shooting. Earlier, they were stopped from filming at certain locations, and now they are facing harassment from armed men wearing black coats. He emphasized that the film industry requires strong support from law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety of artists and crews while they carry out their professional duties.
Actress Saima, though traumatized by the experience, showed courage and professionalism throughout the ordeal. Sangeeta praised her dedication and bravery, noting that despite being held under duress for hours, Saima remained committed to her role. This incident, however, raises serious questions about security measures on sets and the overall protection of talent in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
The film industry harassment incident highlights broader issues concerning the safety and rights of artists in the country. With an increasing number of productions being shot outside controlled studio environments, artists often face risks ranging from intimidation by local actors to threats from criminal elements. Incidents like these underscore the need for comprehensive security protocols and strict law enforcement intervention.
Social media reactions to the press conference have been mixed. While many fans have expressed support for Sangeeta, Saima, and Syed Noor, condemning the harassment, others have called for more proactive measures from industry bodies to protect artists. The #FilmIndustryHarassmentIncident hashtag has been trending, with users urging the government and entertainment authorities to take concrete steps to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Experts in the field argue that incidents like this can have long-term implications for the industry. Talented actors and directors may become reluctant to participate in projects due to safety concerns, potentially affecting the growth and quality of Pakistani entertainment content. Moreover, foreign investors and collaborators might hesitate to work in Pakistan if safety issues persist, impacting the international reputation of the country’s film sector.
In response to this alarming event, Sangeeta and Syed Noor have called for immediate government intervention, including better policing of shooting locations and legal accountability for perpetrators. They also emphasized the importance of industry-wide awareness campaigns to educate artists about their rights and the measures they can take to protect themselves on set.
The film industry harassment incident involving Sangeeta and Saima is a wake-up call for the Pakistani entertainment sector. It reveals the vulnerabilities faced by artists, highlights the need for stronger security measures, and demands greater accountability from law enforcement authorities. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, protecting the talent behind the camera is essential to ensure that the creative arts can flourish safely and responsibly in Pakistan.
