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The young brigade

BABRA SHARIF, versatile film actress of yore; a LUX model at age 50:

'Azaadi' as a concept sounds great. But, unfortunately, we in Pakistan are experiencing a strange kind of independence where we don't feel very secure. There is a sense of menace in the air as you step out of your homes. Your public places aren't safe; your religious places aren't safe. This is not the kind of independence one had dreamt of.

One always looks back with a sense of nostalgia. It's human. When I came into the film industry, back in the '70s, my seniors would always talk of the earlier directors and actors. And now, I find people praising the films of our times also. Still, if I was to compare the state of Lollywood today with what it was back then, I'd say that our movies followed a stricter censor code. We never made the kind of cheap, sleazy stuff they're churning out today.

Actually, film has never been taken seriously by our government. 'Khuda Ke Liye' is perhaps the only example that we have where the government has supported a film —because it's based on a very serious topic (religious extremism). The result is for all to see. The film is getting rave reviews, and is also doing well at the box office. I believe there should be more of such films. Shoaib Mansoor deserves a pat on the back. He has saved our much-maligned movie industry from complete humiliation.

Mehreen Jabbar, drama producer; currently finishing her first cinematic venture, 'Ramchand Pakistani', starring Nandita Das:

For me, it's a two-edged sword. It's a time for reflection, since a strong sense of insecurity is there. But, as far back as I remember, growing up in the '80s and the '90s, we've always been through one thing or the other. And, now there are many positive things I see happening in the media, especially in my field. I would never say that I've lost hope for the country that is my home. Though the problems are there, and they are increasing, we've also progressed in some areas. So, for me, it's a time when I have mixed emotions.

Today, I find lots of new TV channels, many new people coming into the field, which is excellent; it wasn't like this ever before. A lot of young people are entering the field of film production, music, et al. But, one also finds a considerable decline in the quality of stuff that is being produced. The problem is, more and more channels means a demand for more and more software. Drama, especially, has declined in the last few years, which is a sad fact. Even though there is good work being done, mostly it seems as if everyone is churning out every kind of material. I feel that more concentration needs to be put into the scripts, the performances, and the way you film. After the stupendous business that 'Khuda Ke Liye' has done in cinemas, I am very hopeful that new people —at least TV directors will take a chance and start making films. This is very important, because there aren't any film institutions here in Pakistan, and certainly there's no culture of private film investment as such, except in Lahore. It is difficult for directors to get the money and for the producers to take the risk. But, it's a matter of time.

Javed Sheikh, tv, film actor and director; upcoming international projects include Shahrukh Khan's home production, 'Om Shanti Om':

I am a very optimistic person. I understand that uncertainty is a part of us humans' lives, and that we are bound to experience ups and downs. So, even if our country is going through a tough phase presently, there is hope for a better tomorrow —definitely. I am sure that in coming years Pakistan will come out of its problems and become a stronger nation.

Likewise, I believe that our film industry has had its share of highs and lows. But, it's wrong to write it off. Those who dread and strongly oppose the theatrical release of Bollywood movies in Pakistan should take a cue from the way our very own 'Khuda Ke Liye' has surpassed the collections of 'Awarapan' at the ticket windows. Last year, too, we saw 'Majajan' completely taking over 'Mughal e Azam', 'Taj Mahal', and the Aishwarya-Rai-starrer 'Bride & Prejudice'.

See, you cannot compete if you are scared. It's only when you face your fear that you become ready to fight. I believe that our film industry has the potential to rise above its present situation all over again. This year we're going to see the much-anticipated 'Mohabbatan Sachhiyyan', and my own film, 'Khuley Aasman Ke Neechey' which I plan to release internationally also. We've already had 'Khuda Ke Liye'. The culture of cinema-going is back for sure. At least three cineplexes are under construction in Karachi, one in Islamabad, and one IMAX in Lahore. What does it show? Therefore, I must say that I actually see a very bright future for the Pak film industry.

Umer Sharif, comedian; tv anchor; film actor & director:

The need of the hour is to revive the spirit of nationalism that the common man is losing fast. We need to drive people to unite under one roof of our country. I believe if people are gracefully given their due rights that otherwise they have to protest and fight for, a lot of our country's internal issues would be resolved. We would see less and less of street crime.

Our film industry has hit rock bottom. But, our TV, I would say, has evolved over the years, in terms of both presentation and programming. We are today witnessing a media explosion in the country. In the same way, if the government is interested in reviving the cinema industry, it should make it compulsory for the builders and contractors to create a space for at least one small cinema house on every major shopping mall in the metropolitan cities, like they have done in India, Malaysia, or any other part of the world.

Mikaal, model; tv actor, debuting on celluloid with Jagmohan Mundhra's international film, 'Shoot On Sight':

It's a very happy occasion. We achieved this independence and are still independent in that way, despite our problems and the international political pressures. On the downside, however, I think that we've been unfortunate in our leadership —throughout in these 60 years. We've had good leaders but the power and the rights have certainly not gone to the people. I think we need to focus on basic things like education and health. There are many of us who are privileged but there are so many who don't have these things.

My family is politically inclined to some extent. My father, my uncle, my aunt Talath Yaqub (sitting MPA), have all served the government and some of them are currently serving as well. It's always a joy to celebrate this day together. You go out on this day, all the youngsters are out, and all the elders reflect on days gone by.

I've only been around for six or seven years, so I can't give a big round-up but, definitely, in all these years that I've been a part of it, I've seen the entertainment industry grow. Some very hard working, loyal and passionate people have come into the industry, and I think their number is growing. The media has expanded tremendously; we've got new TV and radio FM channels; we've got so much more technology, bigger budgets. We sure have come a long way. But, then, we still have a long way to go. We need to always be striving.

Abrar Ul Haq, bhangra pop star; founder of Sahara Trust for Life charity organisation and Youth Parliament:

Every nation takes its time to develop, democratically. It doesn't happen in an instant, especially in a country like ours where the literacy rate is very low. This year we made a little history when we saw the revival of people's faith in judiciary. It's a great development for us, because our politicians will now have to watch their step and work diligently, and our bureaucracy will have to act fair and square. The media has also increasingly asserted its power, and played a key role in creating awareness among the masses regarding their fundamental rights. But, I feel, what we lack is an awareness about our own duties. We also need to make an institution that can motivate the young talent to contribute their positive energies to the welfare of the society. We haven't done that in the past 60 years. It's time we did it now. For my part, I am trying to set up an organisation by the name of Youth Parliament, whereby the youth of my country will get a chance to share their vision, their point of view, on different social and national issues. National Defence University teachers will come and teach them how to translate their vision into reality. On the one end, it will be an intellectual exercise; on the other, the parliamentarians will be motivated to take part in social work. The criterion for their selection will be based on 20% marks for their academic performance, 30% for their IQ, and 50% for their EQ which, I believe, stands for the 'passion' that I find missing among people today.

Bushra Ansari, tv actress, writer, director, presenter, and singer:

Over the years, I think the worst thing that has happened to us is 'politics'. If we have 3000 politicians, at least 2800 of them are liars, cheaters, swindlers, hypocrites, and opportunists. I mean, we've never seen such a distressing situation before. The media has exposed these people in full. So much so that one starts getting a feeling of repulsion. For me, it's like a failed marriage that has been dragged on over a period of 60 years, but now it has assumed its most ugly shape.

As far as our entertainment industry is concerned, yes, we have progressed in a way. Today, we see so many TV channels around. But, at the risk of sounding very backward, I must say that an under-developed country like Pakistan doesn't need such an unlimited number of TV channels, because as a nation we don't know how to value time, and how to devote our best to work. All we want is vacations and a reason to sit back at home and watch TV all day long. We are a nation who has to be dragged to work —literally. Secondly, people today are only money-minded; no one is in the industry because of a passion for, say, acting or writing. Back in 70s and 80s, the situation was much better.

Hasan Shehryar Yasin, fashion designer, choreographer:

Our 60th Independence is a time for us to celebrate. I think, in 60 years, we've gone through a lot, but I we've also achieved a lot; we've a lot to be proud of.

The fashion industry for one has grown by leaps and bounds, it's just in the last 10 years, and I don't think we can compare it with the past, we can't even compare it with last year. It's growing every year, which is fantastic. Pakistan has a lot to offer when it comes to textile and fashion. And, I think, it's important that the industry becomes bigger. It not only enhances the image of a liberal and modern image of the country, but also helps the fledgling textile industry to come together. Now, with the advent of new TV channels, media has heightened awareness among the masses. I think in the coming years, the entertainment industry will only flourish.

Atif Aslam, pop star:

To be celebrating our 60th Independence is a great feeling. I still remember, my favourite topic for essay in my early school days used to be Quaid e Azam. He remains my favourite personality even today. Though I feel, we haven't made the best of what the Quaid gave to us in the form of a free, independent Muslim state. But, why look at the negative aspects only? Why not look at the positive side? I would have lost faith in the state of affairs in which Pakistan finds itself today, if I hadn't witnessed the passion with which the entire nation pulled together after the deadly October-8 earthquake. I felt very proud of my countrymen.

About the pop music industry, I think it sure has evolved over the past three decades or so. From Ahmed Rushdie in late 1960s to Muhammad Ali Shehki and Alamgir in 70s, Nazia-Zoheb and Vital Signs in 80s, to the present-day people, we've produced a lot of pop greats, and continue to do so. The interesting part is, today a young school boy is not afraid to pick up his guitar and form a music band of sorts. This is now a very lucrative 'profession', so to speak. Besides, as a friend of mine tells me, it is better that they pick up a guitar rather than they pick up weapons.

Mehreen Syed, winner of International Supermodel 2005 beauty pageant; tv actress and anchor person:

Freedom or independence is a blessing. You understand it better when you see how places like Palestine have turned into living hell for their people. We should really thank Allah, for we're at least a free nation. Whenever I travel abroad, I've always come back feeling homesick. It's about being comfortable with the place where you've spent a lifetime; it's about a sense of belonging.

As a representative of the fashion industry, I can say for sure that we've put ourselves on the map. We're going global now. In November this year, we're having our first International Fashion Week in Pakistan. Only 10 years ago, you couldn't predict we'd achieve this much in the field of fashion designing. It's unbelievable.

Samina Peerzada, tv actress and anchor; two-time film director:

The political scenario today is not what I would want it to be. But, the good thing is, people are coming out; they're talking, they're sharing their views in the media. And, this government has shown greater tolerance to criticism and is ready to improve. Granted that there are shortfalls in the present government, but at least it is moving forward.

About the entertainment industry, there is good work as well as poor stuff being created. But, the best part is, our artists are finally making money. I firmly believe that the artist and the intellectual in the society are a very important part of a society, because they influence opinion. So, they should never be left poor.

Hasina Moin, celebrated playwright:

Pakistan is a place where I was born, and where I have spent my childhood, my youth, and am now spending my old age. It hurts me deep when I find that people of my homeland look at themselves as Pathans, Sindhis, Baloch or Punjabis. They also like to mix up only within their own specific religious sects. This is not the right kind of sentiment that we Pakistanis should have.

Earlier, we had true lovers of art, connoisseurs, and artists who were passionate about their work. Now, we're breathing in an age of commercialism. Today, every one wants instant money. I firmly believe that money can't ensure good quality or great ideas. Our drama used to be our pride, but today it's been reduced to trash mostly. The main reason for this is that we have seen a sudden opening of new TV channels, with people that have deep pockets but no taste and no access to good quality software. Hence, they are buying everything that they can get their hands on. The poor producer is also driven by the market forces. Here, I'd like to especially quote the influence of the so-called soap operas of Star Plus and Sony TV. Today, our director is also showing women with garish saris, flashy jewellery, and heavy makeup. They are blatantly copying the over-stylised, unrealistic characterisation. What is most annoying to me is the way we're increasingly projecting women as scheming witches and despicable creatures. It's a pity.