The revival of films in Pakistan is on the rise but fans are now tired of watching the same old faces. Some believe that fresh actors will do a good job in taking the flame forward while others believe that older actors who haven’t done films in years should come back. Instep has shortlisted the names of such TV actors who would do better in films provided they agree to appear in one.
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Instep looks at a handful of TV actors who should make the progression to films.
The revival of films in Pakistan is on the rise but fans are now tired of watching the same old faces. Some believe that fresh actors will do a good job in taking the flame forward while others believe that older actors who haven’t done films in years should come back. Instep has shortlisted the names of such TV actors who would do better in films provided they agree to appear in one.
Veteran TV artists Noman Ijaz and Faysal Qureshi have already played their first innings in films – one in the 80s and the other in the 90s. But since then, they have showcased great skill on TV and are viewed as trendsetters. Yes, Noman did make a comeback with Ramchand Pakistani and Virsa while Faysal made a guest appearance in Manto but they didn’t carry the weight of the entire world on their shoulders – something they have mastered on TV. Noman Ijaz is planning to work in a film but until and unless it is actually released, his fans will be waiting for his return to filmdom.
Then there is the versatile Ali Tahir whose only film appearance was in Chambaili after which he went back to television as actor/director. Tahir can dance, as was seen in an ad film. He can also do comedy (Teen Bata Teen). One hopes that he gets motivated with the exploits of elder brother Faran (Tahir) who is doing great work in films and TV shows abroad. His co-star from Teen Bata Teen days, Adeel Hashmi showed his dark side in Bachaana but needs to follow it up with other challenging roles. No one was impressed with his guest appearance in Balu Mahi because we want to see him in bigger, better and substantial roles.
In the 80s, film star Jehanzeb Khan made a name for himself as Imran Khan look alike. The veteran actor did make a comeback with Chandni Raatein and other plays but is nowhere to be seen now. He could play the father of any of the newcomers. He has played the role of a villain under Javed Fazil’s direction in films and TV and can teach the newbies a thing or two about acting.
TV actor Noman Masood made his TV debut in Shahbaz 20 years back and played a martial arts trainer – he needs to forget about Fire, his only foray in films and start afresh as he can still offer a lot to the cinema industry.
There are many people out there who feel that the talented Shahood Alvi must be in films rather than on TV – in Ramchand Pakistani he was at his best but hasn’t appeared on the celluloid since. Same is the case with Wasim Abbas who seems to be the go-to person to essay the role of a father on TV but hasn’t worked in a film since the late 80s. Getting him back in films will only lead to magic once more.
Then there are those who are still in their 30s and have a lot to offer but don’t. Sami Khan made his film debut 15 years back through Salakhain and even lip-synced on Sonu Nigam’s vocals. However, he has been busy with TV since then and has bagged awards left, right and center. If he can terrorize the audience with his performance in Rasm-e-Duniya, just imagine what he could do in films.
Another TV actor Kamran Jeelani can emulate his late father Qurban Jeelani by appearing in films (he played Waheed Murad’s friend and music director in Doraha) yet he chooses not to.
And finally, we have Faizan Khawaja whose Step & Dance video with Sonia Nazir crossed 1 million views online. Yes, he is appearing in Chupan Chupai along with Ahsan Khan and Neelam Muneer but he needs to work in a solo film as well.
Last but not least, everyone who has heard of Sanam Baloch wants to see her in a feature length film and not a tele-film or a long play. Her husband Abdullah Farhatullah made his film debut last year through Lahore Se Aagey and one hopes that she will follow suit sooner than later.
Another celebrity wife, Aiza Khan should also divert her attention to films because she is wasting her talents on TV. She can easily take the Mehwish Hayat route of one drama, one film. Who knows, maybe her fans will welcome her in a huge way if she makes it to the celluloid.
– Omair Alavi is a freelance broadcast journalist who can be contacted at omair78@gmail.com
