Lollywood: Pakistan on the Screen
By Umar Siddiqui
Northridge, CA
Films and dramas have become a staple in Pakistani households. A cultural symbol, the colorful Pakistani entertainment industry, “Lollywood”, is revolutionizing. The dramas and movies both have not only grown to carry appeal, but they have also spread social messages.
The current and upcoming films are Baaji, Parey Hat Love, and Superstar, and the industry is still experiencing a revival. It began to grow again with films like Bolin 2011 and Waarin 2013. In the intervening period there were movies like the first JawaniPhirNahi Ani in 2015, that starred Humayun Saeed, Hamza Ali Abbasi, and Sarwat Gilani, Bin Roye, also in 2015, that starred Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed, and the first installment of Wrong No., also in 2015, which starred Sohai Ali Abro and Danish Taimoor. A later feature film, Teefa in Trouble, from 2018, starred Ali Zafar as Teefa and Maya Ali as Anya. The story was concerned with the issue of classism and forced marriage. The premise is that Anya runs away from her forced marriage with Teefa, and the two fall in love. Anya, however, is not allowed to marry Teefa, since he is of a lower class. Her father disapproves of the match, but Teefa finally seems to win his approval when he risks his life for Anya. Another 2018 film, Parwaaz Hai Junoon, starring MeekalZulfikar, Hamza Ali Abbasi, and Kubra Khan, revolves around patriotism and the Pakistani Air Force, as the title translates to “Soaring is Passion.”
There have been a huge number of dramas produced for the Hum TV channel as well as Geo TV, ARY Digital, Bol TV, Express TV, and others. An older Hum TV drama, from 2011 roughly, was “Humsafar.” It starred Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan in the lead roles. “Sammi”, is another Hum TV drama from 2017, that centers around the cultural stigma of giving birth to a girl and selling her off. Another Pakistan drama on ARY Digital, “Daam”, centers around a friendship that transcends social classes.
It would be safe to say that the Pakistani entertainment industry is growing. It is a mark on the identity of all people that claim to be Pakistanis in any way. As it sheds light on the pressing issues that are impacting society in Pakistan today, it makes Pakistanis aware of what is happening at home. With award shows like the Hum Awards and IIFA Awards and actresses like Mehwish Hayat receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz award, the industry is soaring to new heights.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
