The topic which Zobia has touched--may not be as new or unique as one may tend to think or ponder. However, it is an interesting one from the point of view of thousands --- if we are to mention PAK_SHOWBIZ only.
There was a newspaper debate in early 80's on almost the same subject which was participated by over 2 dozen scribes. I wish they had archives of same on the net..thought I am sure they do have copies of those issues as DAWN has this unique system of maintaining the original issues since 1949.
PARENTS or anyone---have every right to check their children or interact with their children whenever the age to decide what profession to be adopted or which line of interest is to be considered...as an extra-curricular activity. Most of the weightage also rests on how the family atmosphere and all round situation has been?
We know that there are spoilt brats! Every family may have them and by spoilt brats I mean those who are not monitored by their parents generally (not only for adopting the profession of showbiz etc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). If we have spoilt brats then the situation could be hapless as well as helpless for no power on earth can make them mend their manners.
PAK_SHOWBIZ (PS) since the great film industry of Lahore (1948 onwards) has--somewhat--enjoyed an odd reputation--that people, despite enjoying the stuff extricated by PS people---have never desired to see them physically in their homes. The people have, in majority and till the arrival of TV, limited their presence till the silver screen. Why? I may not have an answer to that---that I was not brought up in Lahore!
TV came as an answer to the film on dramatics where the artiste from Radio prevailed initially. All from the respectable families...though comparatively less educated...yet the ordained manner of talking and addressing each other----against the horrendous style I have witnessed of the FILM Industry stalwarts & the manner in which they conversed.
All the above--and some more tidbits---had an impeccable impact on the minds of people that the took the TV also to be the same....otherwise TV NEVER EVER had the atmosphere which we started witnessing from late 80's and finally...its at the point of no return now!
Having said that....and considering my 42 years sporadic experience in PS I strongly feel that the concept of considering the TV INDUSTRY as corrupt and filthy is W.R.O.N.G !
We must remember that not ALL are as flimsy and bare as people may think. I have known many many female artiste of Pak TV Industry who have lived to their resolve of restricting themselves to their work only. GOSSIP ( which I fear is the only other thing which keeps this Nation alive..!!!! ) has however been UNBEATABLE so far and the conviction with every kind of bull****...instigating one or the other...has actually started making people believe the FALSE as TRUE. I repeat.. CONVICTION... and that too with AUTHORITY !!
I will not quote others! I'll take my example! I have three daughters. All working ones now. Two married..one a mom. When they adopted their professions (all three Gold Medalists in Communication Designing and the youngest having won the FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP last September for 2 years all expense paid..higher studies in USA) we discussed when they sought my opinion. In my heart I had a desire that one of them takes up Medical Profession...but I respected their wishes and there was no point of agreement as it was never debated..and they just did it. Even the marraiges of two...were at their choice except that my Dad cleared their suitors. It was all due to the prevailing atmosphere in our family. IF any of the three daughters of mine had preferred show_biz...I would have never objected for the confidence I carry on them...as to how they'll carry themselves. In fact my middle one has been offered leading roles by many directors umpteenth times. Maheen Khan has requested me scores of times to persuade her for fashion modeling. Vinny...,Hasina Moin..all have been after her but she say's that her mind is not set towards that angle at all. I have not an iota of any restrain or unwillingness and I respect her thoughts...that's what I told all who mentioned or approached me fearfully & under the breath.
Now for another example!
I take myself as a role model on how one can remain within and not one of those ones..in PS.
Of the hundreds of recordings...in Pakistan; Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Multan, Faisalabad, Islamabad, R'pindi, Murree, Bhurban, Nathiagali, Peshawar, Khyber Pass, Nowshera, Risalpur, Mingora, Miandam, Behrein, at overseas in Malaysia, Dubai, Bangkok, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London...etc etc with the top boozers, smokers, card players...both male and females artiste....cracking jokes and enjoying wisecracks and despite JAAN KI QASAM HAI SIRF AIK BAAR MERI KHATTIR... I have never ever ever touched booze that I am a tea-totaler. I use to smoke like a fish...3 packs a day till 2nd August-2008 that I threw away the cig pack and haven't touched it since then..till this day ALLHAMDOULILLAH. So the point here is that it ALL depends on how ONE carries him or herself.....!! ONE can work in the darndest circumstances with worst ever atmosphere.. by restricting him or herself...to the extent of the contract or work. There is no binding or visa for crossing the boundaries. ONE has to look after one's ownself in their own firm and positive way....that's the name of the game....for PS and if there are still points...then the debate can never end...afterall....pen or keyboard in one's control and libing in free world with some topic or the other to discuss due to adequate time in hand and for some 'tafreeh'....let the debate go on and on and on and on and on and on !
Astala Vista!
