Images

Film star Shaan opens up about the need for putting one’s country first, the art of movie-making and the aging process — Photograph by Tapu Javeri

You have to be Pakistani first for Pakistanis to love you, says the patriot Shaan Shahid

Film star Shaan opens up about the need for putting one’s country first, the art of movie-making and the aging process
16 May, 2017

Shaan Shahid hardly ever gives interviews. The actor admits as much when, by some stroke of luck, I meet him for an exclusive one-on-one. “It was my New Year’s resolution that I would avoid speaking my mind and getting misquoted,” he says, with a wry smile.

And yet, here he is, taking a break while shooting for his upcoming action venture Zarrar, eyebrows furrowed as he winds his way through my long questionnaire. He answers with characteristic candour — he wouldn’t be Shaan if he wouldn’t be forthright and refreshingly politically incorrect — but I can tell that he is at ease.

Here, in the middle of the night, when it is brighter than daytime at Jehan Studios in Raiwind, Shaan is doing what he loves. He is the director, scriptwriter and lead actor in Zarrar and with intense concentration, he beats up a gun-wielding Taliban army, splatters ketchup-coloured ‘blood’ on the walls and comes to fisticuffs with a bearded Maulana played by Shafqat Cheema.

Scuttling from on-camera to off, he is completely in his element, discussing nuances with producer Adnan Butt and his UK-based Director of Photography Timothy Hallam Wood. Beyond the make-believe war zone, there are wires strewn about and a fancy camera that Wood tells me is extremely precise and operates via remote control.

It is only much later into the night that Shaan settles down for dinner coupled with an interview. “Films need to be entertaining and have a good script backing them up,” he says. “Zarrar, I feel, will define an action genre that our audience is now ready to see. We live in the real world and we all know who our enemies are, and, based on this, we have told our story.”

On this rather optimistic note, we proceed to an interview replete with observations, revelations and plenty of candid comments.

You may now be involved in multiple projects, but you have conspicuously been absent from the celluloid scene over the past two years. Considering that film offers must have been coming your way, why did you retreat into the shadows?

Shaan: It was important for me to take some time out because while the movies I was offered were good, they lacked a certain entertainment value that is imperative to filmmaking. We have to understand that cinema has changed now. It is no longer a medium dedicated solely to the entertainment of the lower classes. It is now watched by everyone and the core clients are from the upper and upper-middle classes. To keep this audience entertained and rooted to its seats for two hours, a movie needs to have an interesting storyline and the power to entertain.

A lot of our filmmakers haven’t realised that creating a film is very different from directing a TV drama or a commercial. It’s like the difference that divides a Test match from a T20. They’re two versions of the game of cricket, but a Test match goes on and on, as do our dramas. A film, like T20, has to be interesting over a shorter span. It has to grip and be punchy.

After O21, I just sat and wrote scripts that I felt would appeal to the audience. Zarrar is one of them and there are more to follow. I have also been conducting workshops with aspiring writers and guiding them so that by the end of the year, we’ll be churning out some very interesting scripts.

Why did you choose Kiran Malik, a relatively unknown name, as your leading lady in the film? Is it because Zarrar requires the focus to be on the male protagonist while the female has a relatively nominal role?

Shaan: We deliberately wanted to cast a new face in the role. We didn’t want to have a girl-next-door who has already cried her way through multiple TV dramas. We didn’t want an actress who the audience already associates with a certain image and is unable to accept in her film avatar. Having said this, Kiran is very talented and has a lot of confidence and energy. Why shouldn’t we have had opted for a new face? We need to create new stars and help them tune themselves to the camera.

Kiran has a very interesting role in Zarrar. She plays a journalist and there are a lot of layers to her character. [My character] Zarrar is, of course, a war machine and together they both face the truths that they have been running away from.

"Cinema owners need to think long-term. If Junaid Jamshed has a retail outlet, he doesn’t go and buy clothes from somewhere else and sell them at his outlet. He manufactures the clothes and then sells them. Similarly, cinema is a retail outlet and cinema owners need to become producers. They need to help generate local content so that they don’t remain dependent on Bollywood."

You tend to opt more for action movies. Why not delve into other genres?

Shaan: As long as the script is good, I’m open to any idea. This year, I’m also acting in Arth 2 and in it I play a vocalist and I’m doing all the things that a vocalist does.

Social media has become quite important for promoting upcoming movies. Will you be following a similar route with Zarrar?

Shaan: Yes, we plan to. The world is evolving and social media has become part of it. It’s important that we adapt to these new formats.

And yet, unlike many of your fellow actors, you’re not very active on social media.

Shaan: I think that people who obsess over promoting themselves on social media are afraid that they will be forgotten if they don’t do so. Someday, I might get someone to manage my social media profile too but personally I prefer interacting with humans. I don’t want to ruin my life by capturing every moment of my life for the world to see. I’d rather enjoy those moments.

My parents are my teachers and they always believed that the power of the film actor lay in being less exposed. As an actor, you play so many different characters, but there is just one character that you don’t want to sell. I refuse to sell my character in the quest to become a social media sensation.

It can’t be denied, though, that we live in a world where social media has become all-important. Even Shah Rukh Khan is active on Instagram and Twitter. How can you choose to avoid it altogether?

Shaan: You have to remember that Shah Rukh Khan is a 52-year-old millionaire who is desperate to grasp at whatever fame he gets. When I’m at work, I can interact with the media, but in my private life, I simply can’t go about showing the world that these are my friends, this is where I’m eating, here’s where I’m vacationing. I can’t swing about and be part of Boomerangs. I can’t take selfies with fans where floral wreaths and dog’s ears suddenly pop over my head. I’d rather focus on what’s real.

You’ve always been very reticent when it comes to giving interviews. Have you had a change of heart, because you have several movies in the pipeline and it’s important to create pre-release hype?

Shaan: I suppose I’m adapting to the new ways, but it will probably just vary from film to film. After Zarrar, I’ll probably retreat from the spotlight again for a bit. I need that time for myself. I’m a film actor and I have grown up with the belief that people should want to know more about you rather than be able to poke through every nook and corner of your house a la Ek Din Geo Ke Saath. In fact, the anchor of that show, when he wrapped it up, said that there was only person who had refused to come on board his show, and that was me. It’s just that my house is not a zoo and certain parts of my life are just not for the general public.

Shaan at the launch celebrations of Arth 2
Shaan at the launch celebrations of Arth 2

Regardless, you really don’t need to launch self-promotional campaigns since you veritably remain one of Pakistan’s most well-loved heroes …

Shaan:  It’s because you have to be a Pakistani first for Pakistanis to love you. You have to sacrifice, give and never stop believing in this country. I have been in the business for 25 years and I have seen it grow, come down and then blossom again. But I didn’t go anywhere else.

You didn’t go to India, you mean?

Shaan: My stance has always been that we need to build our industry here. I look around and there are people who have so much to say and we need to provide them with a medium that tells them their stories, speaks their voice. We live in reality and we know who our enemies are. We see Pakistan being touted as the root of all evil in popular shows such as Homeland and in G.I. Joe. Why aren’t we trying to tell our side to the story? Why aren’t we standing by our nation?

Instead, a lot of us simply go to India and allow ourselves to be relegated to playing insubstantial side roles. There are people who consider it extremely important to party with Salman Khan and take a selfie with SRK. There are people who pull contacts and ask for favours until they get invited to a Bollywood awards ceremony. But why bother? Why go through that when you can be well-loved and appreciated by your own people?

Somehow, I have always been misinterpreted when I have spoken about India. I’m asked about why I didn’t try my luck in Bollywood and while I talk about my own choices, it is misconstrued to mean that I am finger-pointing at others.

"SRK is a 52-year-old millionaire who is desperate to grasp at whatever fame he gets. When I’m at work, I can interact with the media, but in my private life, I simply can’t go about showing the world that these are my friends, this is where I’m eating, here’s where I’m vacationing. I can’t take selfies with fans where floral wreaths and dog’s ears suddenly pop over my head. I’d rather focus on what’s real.”

Perhaps many other actors feel the need to go for Bollywood because it offers far more lucrative opportunities compared to Pakistani cinema?

Shaan: At what cost, though? Is it worth selling their self-respect? I feel that in another five years, Pakistan could do for Bollywood what China does for the US. The cost of home productions in India is extremely high and we will be their solution for cost-cutting. We just need to join forces and work hard on building our industry.

Also read: Young artists shouldn't have to seek work outside of Pakistan, says Shaan

Given your antipathy towards India, do you continue to believe that Bollywood movies should not be screened in Pakistan?

Shaan: No, if cinema owners believe that it is necessary for their business, they should go ahead and show Bollywood movies. But they also need to think long-term. India cannot be relied on in the long-term. If Junaid Jamshed has a retail outlet, he doesn’t go and buy clothes from somewhere else and sell them at his outlet. He manufactures the clothes and then sells them. Similarly, cinema is a retail outlet and cinema owners need to become producers. They need to help generate local content so that they don’t remain dependent on Bollywood.

You also didn’t opt to act in TV dramas during cinema’s low phase.

Shaan: With all due respect to the medium, I just don’t think I am cut out for TV. I don’t want to be a jack of all trades. I’d rather pick one medium and be good at it. I have always been content working in the film industry, and I don’t have any regrets.

Some of your critics say that you are now too old to be a hero. Does that irk you?

Shaan: I come from a family that has seen plenty of ups and downs. I’m aware that careers come to an end and that eventually you have to change roles and switch gears. Every student needs to become a teacher one day, and I think that it’s a great transition. I’d love to just direct, produce or write scripts one day. If I had a passion for acting, I’d be posing right now on every red carpet and being part of fashion shows. But I thrive on a passion for cinema.

You talk about supporting the industry and joining forces to nurture it further and yet you refused this year to be part of the film jury for the Lux Style Awards. Don’t you think that awards help set benchmarks for the industry and help it grow?

Shaan: I don’t think a film needs to win awards — it needs to entertain and it needs to bring in profits. This time round, I was busy with shooting Zarrar and simply wasn’t available for jury duty.

So it had nothing to do with your earlier issues with the LSAs?

Shaan: At award shows, things sometimes happen. Some people have been part of the LSA management for a very long time and they play their cards in ways in which they shouldn’t. All I can do is let them be in their zone, and I can continue to be in mine.

Who, amongst the younger lot of actors, do you think has promise?

Shaan: Kiran Malik is very talented. Mahira Khan is doing good work and I think Fahad Mustafa has a lot of potential. He is a host on TV and it has made him very comfortable with the public. He is a bit overexposed, though.

An actor in Pakistan needs to realise the immense possibilities that are available to him. We have about five mainstream actors, 11 cricketers, 11 legendary cricketers and about four singers and together, this motley crew of 31 people caters to a population of 22 crores. Wherever there is a Pakistani anywhere in the world, he or she relates to them.

With sincerity and effort, the entire fraternity can do so much more and gain so much more from their country.

That’s a very patriotic view.

Shaan: Yes, it’s because I am patriotic. Here, we often view patriotism as ‘fundo’ or ‘hate speech’ but you have to realise, whatever I say stems from the love that I have for my country. I am patriotic. That’s it.


Published in Dawn, ICON, May 14th, 2017

Comments

jA-Australia May 16, 2017 08:09am
The man is a true Pakistani patriot. I love how the inferiority-complexed interviewer accuses him of 'antipathy' towards India. Saying that we should stand on our own two feet and not seek validation from India does not equate to antipathy. It is a sign of self-respect.
Recommend
Ali May 16, 2017 08:40am
I agree with him....on his India stance, he is not a wanabe and very secure at where he stands, unlike the ones selling their self respect and getting kicked out.
Recommend
asif May 16, 2017 08:40am
This one sentence (heading) made me respect many times more of this brilliant actor and human. Well done my mate.
Recommend
a May 16, 2017 08:57am
SRK is 52 year old who is desperate to get whatever fame he gets... Wah wah...heights of illusions
Recommend
sHABIH UL hASAN May 16, 2017 09:23am
Very clear in his mind. I respect your thoughts.
Recommend
Nitin May 16, 2017 09:24am
Good view
Recommend
ANIL May 16, 2017 09:33am
You have to remember that Shah Rukh Khan is a 52-year-old millionaire who is desperate to grasp at whatever fame he gets. Hummnn... I believe you.
Recommend
Pakistani May 16, 2017 09:33am
Legend!
Recommend
Bz May 16, 2017 09:43am
he is robert de'niro of pakistan
Recommend
PakSAL May 16, 2017 10:06am
Shaan seems to have matured so much ... I so agree with him ... money is never enough but even the best of us making already so much gets attracted to it and I agree that at what cost. I don't watch Indian stuff, only may be when someone I know gives me a solid review but otherwise its a waste of time, nothing new, no ingenuity, not even proper movie names ... same stuff all over again. Waar was a game changer and I am hoping Zarraar takes it further.
Recommend
just bring it... May 16, 2017 10:07am
Couldn't have said any better...bravo Shaan!
Recommend
ahmar qureshi May 16, 2017 10:08am
Consistency in the line of performing arts whilst being a practical patriot, who is not like "others" to surrender own self for any offers. Yet proving to be loved being a pure Pakistani! Shan Shahid: Commenced from "Bulandi" & still elevating Higher! Thank You!
Recommend
Aurangzeb May 16, 2017 10:19am
You are absolutely right Shaan. We are proud of you and your love for Pakistan.
Recommend
shubs May 16, 2017 10:21am
This guy seems to be Anupam Kher of the Pakistani movie industry, without the talent, of course.
Recommend
Chandra May 16, 2017 10:27am
Sounds like no-nonsense person, good for Pak film-industry
Recommend
haider shaikh May 16, 2017 11:08am
He is a REAL Hero. He is a true SHAN of Pakistan. Because he has very inspiring and thoughtful views about the film industry and life at large.
Recommend
optimist May 16, 2017 11:13am
As they say, patriotism is the last refuge of politicians and scoundrels.
Recommend
NURUL HUDA May 16, 2017 11:25am
If Zindagi gulzar hai's female lead character "Kashaf murtaza" was supposed to be a male character then shaan will be the perfect choice for that character.
Recommend
bhoy indian May 16, 2017 11:25am
Being patriotic is fine. Everyone is patriotic. But what he said smacks of jealousy. SRK gave a big break to Mahira Khan in an Indian film at a time when a lot of people in India are against working with Pakistani actors. Pakistani actors and singers are still working in Indian films. Maybe Shaan needs to be rational and see things from both sides.
Recommend
MFMALIK May 16, 2017 11:27am
I wish other people in showbiz would have same views as of him.. What a man he is!!
Recommend
Zak May 16, 2017 12:20pm
'Shaan: It’s because you have to be a Pakistani first for Pakistanis to love you. You have to sacrifice, give and never stop believing in this country. I have been in the business for 25 years and I have seen it grow, come down and then blossom again. But I didn’t go anywhere els' Sir, in a few words, you have summed up the ethos and resilience of this unmatched unique nation. Thank you with great admiration. You epitomize Pakistan.
Recommend
Ahmad May 16, 2017 01:07pm
I'd Love to see Our Film Industry Grow But I would not deny the fact that Indian Movie industry is a Huge machine churning out Hundreds of Movies every year doing Business of Billions. SRK and Other Super Stars in Bollywood Are Industry within themselves, A single Movie having Khans or Bachan Saab in it Earns Millions and Thousands of people earn their livelihood from those very movies even our Cinema owners and People linked to Cinemas in Pakistan.
Recommend
Salman May 16, 2017 01:13pm
An entertainer needs to entertain and they will be loved and respected. Their country has nothing to do with it. People love SRK in Pakistan and he's not Pakistani.
Recommend
Raja farhat abbas May 16, 2017 01:41pm
Well done Shaan you are a true Pakistani Patriot and i salute you.
Recommend
Raja farhat abbas May 16, 2017 01:42pm
@Zak ...I agree with you Zak,long live Shaan and Pakistan Zindabad.
Recommend
udtapak May 16, 2017 03:14pm
@a I think Shaan is trying to get some fame here by branding SRK. But hey, everyone is entitled to an opinion.
Recommend
ripan May 16, 2017 03:28pm
SRK is the world's biggest movie star and highest earning actor. Don't compare yourself with him.
Recommend
Faizan A. Shaikh May 16, 2017 03:42pm
His stance on picking one medium and making a name there seems justified b/c one reason for our film industry's downfall was we did not in reality have any film stars. Now as well, films are being made and progressing a bit but a major factor lies in film actors being involved in them. Some larger than life charismatic people. TV actors and actresses somehow do not have that charisma or do not appeal to general public on the same scale as film actors. Hope more people start investing on new talent and making them movie stars.
Recommend
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad May 16, 2017 03:53pm
Shaan is 100 percent right in his assertion about putting one's country first. As said by the great 35th American President John. F. Kennedy in his inaugural address on Friday, January 20, 1961, more than 56 years ago: Quote Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country? Unquote Keep it up and hang on tough Shaan. May God Almighty bless you and your loved ones. Aameen, Tsum Aameen.
Recommend
bharat May 16, 2017 03:59pm
Well i disagree with him completely. India would never outsource films to Pakistan or ever outsource even a small aspect of it to Pakistan. We would involve our smaller film industries within for cost cutting but never Pakistan. W
Recommend
Logicaldude May 16, 2017 04:25pm
See how easy it is to be loved in Pakistan, make one sentimental statement with no real basis and accolades are pouring in. Is there only one basis for love in Pakistan? A bigger statement would have been to say that I am a first and foremost a human being and I love and respect all forms of life.
Recommend
Kiwi May 16, 2017 04:30pm
I totally agree with Shaan Bhai. I have traveled more than 50 countries and loudly saying to all Pakistanis make at least two/five International/Hollywood quality movies. Pakistan got tons of stories to tell world, we have best music, fashion and pretty male or female actors. There is huge market for Pakistan movies and music don't forget whoever watch Bollywood will watch Pakistani movies and listen music. Just simple example I was on Holidays in Fiji and Hawaii when I heard Atif Aslam and one of Coke Studio on Radio while I was driving. Entertainment industry is Business like another business on world stage. Remember Bollywood is dying and Pakistan producers of music and movie industry got great chances to succeed. Please STOP making movies on female abuses all time, there are tons of other stories.
Recommend
kashmiri May 16, 2017 05:47pm
As long as one can distinguish between soft patriotism and harsh intolerant nationalism one is OK in todays world. But once you relate your patriotism to being a devout Muslim, disparage other faiths, become a victim of protectionism and not open to competition from anywhere it chooses to come from and talk of my people rather than humanity as a whole then you are on a slippery slope to self destruction. No, you don't have to be Pakistani to be loved by people in Pakistan. You have to be a good honest decent person - then not only Pakistanis but the world will love you.
Recommend
AJR May 16, 2017 06:39pm
I don't think so, I love and respect many people who are actually not pakistanis
Recommend
Awaz... May 16, 2017 09:39pm
This guy is sitting in a cage. Come Out Sir!!!
Recommend
Vinod Narang May 16, 2017 11:15pm
If he is so good and so patriotic why he is jealous of SRK. SRK did not become famous in one day he has been in the industry for over 25 years. He is not gsaping for fame you are. People love him because of his acting, his christma and women love him for his looks. Get over your self
Recommend
Iqbal aswani May 16, 2017 11:59pm
@Logicaldude Actually it is like it is. And see, this even compelled you to come on a purely Pakistani news site and comment on a purely Pakistani interview :)
Recommend
rLhr May 17, 2017 12:13am
@kashmiri This is the common stereotyping of Shaan and Pakistani patriotism. Indians can freely make movies & TV about Hinduism but nobody questions their "humanity". Let a Pakistani speak of Pakistani patriotism & its presented as a noxious attack on everything good & decent in the world. Nowhere has Shaan created a litmus test of devoutness for Pakistanis- devoutness is a quality most Pakistanis respect so its no surprise that some, not all, CHARACTERS Shaan has played have been shown as devout. Also, the whole shpiel about "protectionism" is skewed. India does NOT allow Pakistani dramas on Indian channels and our industries have to battle massive protectionism from India. To claim that a third world country trying to look out for its own workers/products is close-minded is to be an apologist for the McDonaldization of the world. Only a few corporate giants/ powerful countries will take over and reduce the rest to sweatshop labor. So much for the "humanity" of this vision.
Recommend
Ganga Das May 17, 2017 12:48am
Definitely, Hollywood stuff. Too good for sub-continent crap. I am impressed!!
Recommend
Brazilfirst May 17, 2017 12:56am
Love you shaan from BRAZIL.
Recommend
Basharat May 17, 2017 01:15am
While there is no denying to the fact that the Pakistani entertainment industry needs to grow but disparaging someone just because he/she works in India is preposterous.We live in a globalised world n borders r irrelevant vis a vis ent industry.The comment about SRK is especially myopic.
Recommend
tKhan May 17, 2017 01:41am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad - How long people will continue to use this washed up water down quote from JFK?
Recommend
Fardeen May 17, 2017 02:08am
I respect the actors idea on being a patriot. whenever a patriotic actor in my country gives pro Indian agenda and statements against employment of Pakistani artist....he gets equal criticism and praise from public And media...that is..people have very diverse opinions such as...negative like indianisatiion ..and positive lik..Need to maintain a cordial relationship and enhance globalisation of culture and cinema..since we guys also watch your shows and listen to your songs...and greatly appreciate them....but as I am going through the comment section..no one has liberal view on this subject....all are anti Indian for some reason...makes me a bit sad.
Recommend
Kapil May 17, 2017 03:58am
Its a good stance. Also good thinking. Art should accept different opinions - this is one of them.
Recommend
TAJ May 17, 2017 04:38am
Nationalism is an illusion that gives us a sense of high and false pride, politicians and people who want to seek attention exploit your religion and nationalism for their own benefit and some are week minded. God created universe, human greed created nations.
Recommend
Iztraab May 17, 2017 05:13am
I respect this man. A true Pakistani!
Recommend
Hashim May 17, 2017 07:36am
Straightforward, honest and blunt. Just got love and respect for this man. A true patriot. And I am totally in agreement with his views about social media.
Recommend
SANATANI May 17, 2017 08:02am
@Kiwi sir who says Bollywood is dying..dangal recently released in china done a business of INR 450 crores means more than 700 crore PKR and still running...apart from that indian film industry is not just about bollywood recent telugu film Bahubali 2 done a business of INR 1500 crore ...so instead of dying it is growing and giving good competition to Hollywood though they are still far ahead...Pakistani film industry also revived to some extent in recent past which is encouraging .
Recommend
Javaid May 17, 2017 08:08am
SS is right on the money! Cinema owners need to pay attention to what he is saying!
Recommend
khan May 17, 2017 03:37pm
Shan bahi you are the best actor of Pakistan. Great man
Recommend
Saira May 17, 2017 04:50pm
@jA-Australia Couldn't agree more!
Recommend
Saira May 17, 2017 04:56pm
@ripan He certainly has managed to build a tremendous wealth, but he is not a big actor.
Recommend
peterpan May 17, 2017 06:40pm
I'm sorry but Shaan's comments do sound a little jealous and not very mature. i don't think he was ever offered anything spectacular in India in the first place. Pakistani actors like Fawad Khan and Ali Zafar have done good work and their talent has been appreciated on both sides. What does patriotism have to do with it? Both SRK and shaan are loved in Pakistan. Art has no borders! I'm fed up with these patriotism arguments concerning Art! Its stupid.
Recommend
Jawwad May 18, 2017 02:03am
Love you Arghaman.
Recommend
Hassaan khalid May 18, 2017 01:00pm
I think cinema owners should stay away from production of films. Monopoly to any extent is not a good thing, when people get too much power people start exploiting it, cinema owners should focus on building more theaters in as many cities as possible, Any city which has a population of 500,000 should have at least 5 cinema screens. Also Shaan started working in 1989, It's been 27-28 years since he started working in this industry.
Recommend
Ahmed May 19, 2017 12:31am
@peterpan very true
Recommend
Gurpreet Singh May 20, 2017 07:13am
"Shah Rukh Khan is a 52-year-old millionaire who is desperate to grasp at whatever fame he gets" Shahrukh Khan has fans in more than a hundred countries around the world while no non-Pakistani knows you outside your own country. Grapes are clearly quite sour!
Recommend
Iqbal May 22, 2017 10:44am
this was one long interview and am surprised to see Indians commenting on it. How sad does one' s life has to be to not only visit a foreign country's newspaper site but read a lengthy interview on "some" actor and then comment on it lol.
Recommend