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I very much belong to Pakistan and its film industry, says Shabnam

I very much belong to Pakistan and its film industry, says Shabnam

The veteran star wishes to make her comeback in Pakistan's entertainment industry soon, hopefully with Nadeem Baig!
25 Nov, 2019

Veteran film star Shabnam says she has a great desire to make a comeback in Pakistan’s film industry where she continuously worked from 1960s to 1980s.

Talking to Dawn by phone from Dhaka on Sunday, she said in her times every film used to be message oriented. Cinema is a vital medium when it comes to shaping up the masses’ opinion on different social issues in a positive manner.

“In the recent past I was offered a couple of roles; one in a private TV production, Mohini Mansion Ki Cinderellayain, and the other in a film Aina 2 -- a sequel to her 1977 hit Aina -- abut both the projects later wrapped up.”

Commenting on a film -- Punjab Nahi Jaungi -- Shabnam said it was good, but it looked more like a TV drama than a movie. She said capturing a film remaining in the conventional cinema frame was important to keep the spirit of a cinematic experience alive.

Regretting the present situation of film studios in Lahore, she said: “During one of my visits to Pakistan I visited the Bari Studios and felt so bad about the fact that most of the cinema had gone to go-downs."

"My friends advised I should avoid visiting Evernew or other studios of my times as almost all of them had now lost their element,” she added. Many of her movies were shot at the Evernew Studios.

To a question, she said if some meaty role would was offered to her, either in television or film, she would love to perform because an artiste remains an artiste for life. She was of the view that given the kind of chemistry she had developed with her costar Nadeem in different movies, they both could work again in some film or TV serial.

“I very much belong to Pakistan and its film industry, but my regret is that an actress who won Nigar Award 13 times -- a record till to date, now has no space in an industry that used to be her home”. “I am saying it because people make promises and then break them, they have countless excuses to give. I was offered a few roles, but later there was no follow-up”.

To a question, she said that she kept visiting Pakistan time to time and met her friends here, including actor Nadeem, “It has always been wonderful when I am here in Pakistan and meet my friends,” the actress said.

“Currently, I mostly stay at home, but never miss my morning walk,” she said when asked about her routine back in Dhaka these days. Mentioning some of her favourite movies Shabnam named Gumnaam, Pehchan, AAhat, Doorian, Dil Lagi and Ehsass.

Originally published in Dawn, November 25th, 2019

Comments

Zak Nov 25, 2019 02:40pm
Shabnam will always be in our hearts. She gave great performances back in the 60s and 70s. She was a heart thrrob and so pretty. Hope she is hired for a good movie in Pakistan.
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Saif Zulfiqar Nov 25, 2019 03:41pm
Shabnam we in Pakistan miss you very much and remember your beautiful films. You are always welcome to Pakistan.
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Nasir Khan Nov 25, 2019 05:27pm
Nice to know that Shabnam has nostalgic feelings about Pakistan. I am 65 yearsold. All mine & my friends memories go back to those years when we used to look upon her as an iconic figure . And she still is
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M. Emad Nov 25, 2019 05:53pm
Shabnam is almost a forgotten name in Bangladesh.
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Shahid Nov 25, 2019 06:44pm
It will be a great honour and a blessing for our film industry and Pakistan to see Shabnam stage a comeback.
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Hawk Nov 25, 2019 07:09pm
She is the asset for Pakistani film industry.
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Ahmad Nov 25, 2019 07:37pm
Queen of Pakistan films, queen of hearts. Pakistan awaits your return.
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Pakistan Nov 25, 2019 08:48pm
Great actress and person. Pakistan misses you
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Junaid Ali Nov 25, 2019 08:51pm
Madam Shabnam will always be remembered as one of the best actress in Pakistan’s history
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Mike Nov 26, 2019 06:44am
First love of Pakistan. Legend
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Saira Nov 26, 2019 08:17pm
Well for those who remember, she did not leave Pakistan on a good note. But we Pakistanis are big hearted and forgive and welcome!
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Saqib Nov 26, 2019 08:40pm
Shubnam you are still alive in our hearts .we never forget the time when we wait for ur movie every thursday on ptv .iys almost 30 years back.you are pride of Pakistan..please come back.
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Tony G Nov 27, 2019 01:29am
She is such a genuine talent and performed all emotional roles so perfectly. We don't find many like you now.
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