Nadeem Baig is a seasoned Pakistani film and television actor known for his hit films like Dillagi, Chakori, Aina, Mukhra, Dehleez, Brandish, Shararat, Shama, Pakeeza, Zarrar, Ahaat, Chand Aur Chandni, Bulandi and many others. His real name is Mirza Nazir Baig, and he is 84 years old. The veteran actor also appeared on television in 2014 in Hum TV’s drama series Mol.
Recently, Nadeem Baig gave an exclusive interview to journalist Ambreen Fatima, where he opened up about the downfall of the Pakistani film industry and also responded to questions regarding the resemblance between films and dramas in Pakistan.
Talking about it, Nadeem Baig said, “It is because all the legendary filmmakers have passed away. Now, the people who are making films come from television. At least they are making films, but you all know what has happened to our industry. Cinemas have closed, studios have shut down, the entire film environment has disappeared. We lack facilities, resources, and work opportunities. We should still be thankful that people are doing whatever they can within their capacity.”
While discussing the downfall, Nadeem Baig said, “The major reason for the decline is that we went through a partition and lost a big market in East Pakistan. After that, studios began to vanish. Besides this, there are no film academies in Pakistan, and ticket prices have become too expensive. Our main audience was the lower-middle class, who used to visit cinemas for entertainment, but now they cannot afford it. We have talent—we only need to utilize it in the right way.”
He further added, “The studios have been shut down and turned into commercial areas. The entire atmosphere has changed. It is saddening to see that there are no more studios, no activity, and films are barely being made. Only Evernew Studio has somewhat maintained its original shape.”
