In a promotional video for Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt that is now circulating on the internet, actor and producer Saud Qasmi frankly aired his thoughts about the status of the Pakistani film industry and the people he feels are responsible for its demise.
“Shaan and Syed Noor have harmed Lollywood.” There are a few others, but these are the key characters. If they had wanted to, the industry could have progressed significantly. We have all contributed to its collapse. Saud suggested focusing on one’s own flaws instead of blaming others for their shortcomings.
Saud’s comments soon triggered a heated internet controversy. Social media users took to the comments section to support Shaan, who is widely considered as one of Pakistan’s most renowned cinema performers.
“Shaan is the one and only superstar in Pakistan,” one Instagram user said in praise.
Another commentator took a different approach, pointing back to Saud’s own cinematic contributions: “Look who’s talking. “Saud made extremely stupid films.”
However, several voices supported Saud’s point of view. “He’s not wrong,” a user simply concurred.
This is not the first time the actor has spoken out about the status of Pakistan’s entertainment industry. In an interview on Sahiba’s talk program in February 2024, Saud discussed his decision not to perform in the dramas he produced, a unique move in an industry where producers sometimes put themselves in leading roles. Reflecting on his landmark series Yeh Zindagi Hai, he noted how it established a standard for Pakistani television storytelling.
“When I was working and creating plays, I handed my own characters to others. I could have completed them myself. But I felt (the other actor) should be pushed ahead. Give him the chance. I’ve assigned work to everyone. I have not played a hero in my production.
However, Saud was disappointed by the lack of recognition from people he assisted in elevating. “That was a mistake. Those I assigned tasks to did not even return to recognize me. They do not even take my name. So many people have (been propelled forward) due to my dramas. I don’t know, are they embarrassed to say so?”