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A fulfilled life
Television artist, Syed Sardar Badshah is a household name in the NorthWest Frontier Province. His artistic skills, coupled with his educational background and good looks have given him a distinct place among contemporary artists. Badshah has never played a negative role in his 33-year long career which began in 1968. His first live Pashto drama was from Islamabad television centre (Peshawar centre wasn’t established at that time). He proved his mettle in his first performance and has won as many as 131 awards for his roles.
Born in Charsadda district, Sardar Badshah has worked under the direction of 57 TV and radio producers and happens to be the only NWFP artist to have been nominated 14 times for the Pride of Performance award from 1985-1998 for his meritorious services. Though he has worked in more than 750 dramas and 53 serials, the cause of his popularity can be attributed to his role in drama serial Naway Manzal that was telecast in 1978 from PTV. The story revolved round a poor educated youth who after completion of his studies runs from pillar to post to find a job. He doesn’t lose hope and finally lands a job.
In his late fifties now, he is the first artist who was chosen to play the main role in the first PTV drama serial Kwejdan in 1978, which earned him the distinction of being the first hero of a maiden serial from Peshawar TV centre. He has also played central role in more than 1200 assorted plays for radio. His work as a newscaster, announcer and anchorperson remained unmatched as well.
Recipient of Tamgh-e-Imtiaz he has done his masters in Pashto literature receiving a gold medal. He is these days into welfare activities and has very little time for dramas.
“I know I am missed on regional television but it is very difficult for me to appear in dramas on a regular basis. I feel that social welfare in the country is more important than acting on TV.”
Sardar Badshah is also the founding chairman of Pakistan Youth Organization that was established in 1982 which he says has a large membership. The organization has been working in collaboration with the sports and cultural ministry of Pakistan and the results, according to Badshah, were very encouraging. No donation from any local or foreign agency is accepted.
He was also optimistic about PTV’s role in competing with the satellite channels which are impacting on the people negatively.
“We should match the satellite programmes by depicting our true culture. We cannot let it down by introducing obscenity and presenting women as show pieces,” he says strongly. According to the veteran actor, PTV should launch full-time regional channels to enable the viewers to watch their own culture.
Apart from his artistic capabilities, he has the honour of being the president of Pakistan Artists Association and secretary general of Pashto Artists Association. Syed Sardar Badshah is widely respected among his fellow artists because of his politeness and helpful nature. He is one person who doesn’t shirk from his duties.
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