Actor and producer Saud Qasmi has sparked a fresh debate about the challenges facing Pakistan’s film industry. In a promotional video for Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt, Saud candidly expressed his views on the state of Lollywood and held key figures responsible for its downturn.
Naming Names: Shaan and Syed Noor in the Spotlight
During the interview, Saud pointed fingers at some of the industry’s most prominent personalities. “Shaan and Syed Noor have damaged Lollywood. There are others too, but these two are the main ones,” he said. “If they had chosen to support the industry, it could have achieved great things. Unfortunately, we’ve all contributed to its decline.”
While discussing Shaan specifically, Saud trailed off, laughing, before remarking, “Instead of finding faults in others, you should focus on your own flaws.”
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Online Reactions: Divided Opinions
Saud’s remarks quickly gained traction online, igniting a heated debate. Many came to Shaan’s defense, calling him one of Pakistan’s greatest film stars.
“Shaan is the only real superstar in Pakistan,” an Instagram user commented, echoing widespread sentiment.
Others, however, were critical of Saud’s own body of work. “Look who’s talking. Saud made extremely silly films himself,” said one commenter.
Some users agreed with Saud’s critique, with one remarking, “He’s not wrong.”
Reflection on the Entertainment Industry
This is not the first time Saud has spoken out about challenges within Pakistan’s entertainment industry. In February 2024, he appeared on Sahiba’s talk show and explained his decision to avoid casting himself in leading roles in dramas he produced—an uncommon move in the local industry.
Reflecting on his hit series Yeh Zindagi Hai, Saud described it as a groundbreaking project in television storytelling. “When I started producing dramas, I gave lead roles to others. I could have played those characters myself, but I believed in pushing others forward. I’ve provided work to so many people and never took the hero’s role in my productions. No one else does that,” he stated.
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Feeling Undervalued
Despite his contributions, Saud expressed disappointment over the lack of acknowledgment from those he helped elevate. “It feels like a mistake now. The people I supported haven’t even acknowledged me. They don’t take my name. So many have advanced in their careers because of my dramas, yet it seems they’re embarrassed to admit it.”
A Continuing Debate
Saud Qasmi’s comments reflect a broader conversation about the state of Pakistan’s entertainment industry, raising questions about accountability, recognition, and the collaborative effort needed to rebuild Lollywood’s former glory.
