KARACHI:

Veteran Pakistani film actor Shahid has said that government support is essential for the revival and growth of Pakistan’s film industry, stressing that strong directors, producers and writers are key to producing quality cinema.

Speaking to media representatives during a visit to the Karachi Press Club, Shahid said that Karachi feels like home to him and credited the press for supporting his film career throughout the years.

He emphasised that the film industry cannot progress without institutional backing, recalling that in the past, official support helped sustain cinema culture across the country. “Cinema halls were once vibrant because institutions stood behind the industry,” he said, adding that cinema culture has now largely declined.

According to the veteran actor, meaningful and successful films can only be made when filmmakers and writers are professionally strong. Despite current challenges, he expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan’s film industry.

Shahid also spoke about his admiration for former prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, stating that the film industry witnessed significant growth during Bhutto’s tenure. He recalled the respect and recognition artists received during that period, adding that Bhutto was among the country’s most influential leaders after Quaid-e-Azam.

Reflecting on his career, Shahid said he worked with leading actresses of his era, including Shabnam, Rani, Nisho, Sangeeta, Babra Sharif and Deeba. Among his notable films, he mentioned Umrao Jaan Ada, which he described as one of his major hits, along with other popular titles such as Suraiya Bhopali, Tehzeeb, Talaq, Baharon Ki Manzil, Abhi To Main Jawan Hoon, Mere Huzoor, Shama Mohabbat, Uf Yeh Biwiyan, Shikar, Shabana, Aabshar, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, Main Bani Dulhan, Deedar, Pyaasa, Dekha Jaye Ga, Gharana, Pyar Ka Wada, Naukar Wohti Da, Thaah, Dehshat Khan, Jadoo and Mirza Jutt.

Shahid performance in Anmol, directed by Pervez Malik, it as a milestone in his career. The film achieved diamond jubilee status at the box office and remains one of his most memorable works.

Shahid concluded by saying that cinema once offered the most affordable form of entertainment in Pakistan and expressed hope that with proper support, the industry could regain its former glory.

Shahid began his acting career in 1970 when director Abbas Nosha cast him in the film Ek Raat. However, this film was never released. His proper debut came shortly afterward when S.A. Bukhari offered him a lead role in the film Aansoo (1971), where he portrayed a negative character named Nadeem. The film was both a critical and commercial success, opening the doors for Shahid in the film industry.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Shahid became one of the most sought-after actors in Pakistani cinema. He acted in nearly 300 films, covering a range of genres and character types. He starred opposite top heroines of the era, including Shabnam, Nisho, Sangeeta, Babra Sharif, and Deeba.

In 1972, he appeared in the classic film Umrao Jaan Ada, which is considered one of the landmark films of Pakistani cinema. His performance further solidified his standing as a leading actor. Other notable films include Shararat, Nehle Pe Dehla, Baharon Ki Manzil, Abhi To Main Jawan Hoon, Mere Huzoor, Shama-e-Mohabbat, Aah-e-Bewafa, Ishqash, Dil Aur Duniya, Dhanak, Deedar, Dekha Jaayega, Pyar Ka Gharana, Wada, Naukrewani Da Theka, Dehshat Khan, Jadoo, and Mirza Jat.

Shahid quit working in films as a result of sub-standard film production in Pakistan film industry after he worked Zor, directed by Syed Noor and released in 1998, where he played the character of Dawud, the movie’s main antagonist.