Naveed Raza's first film was never released
In an interview with Imran Ashraf, Naveed Raza revealed that he worked on a Syed Noor film that never saw the light. He began by sharing that he once participated in a Lahore talent show, which he ended up winning. "My winning prize was starring in a Syed Noor movie. It was called Price of Honour, but it never got released."
He added that the film had long wrapped up production. "It was properly shot for 30 days, non-stop. I went to Shabab Studios daily. When I wasn't acting, I'd be behind the camera," he said.
The Teri Behisi actor also mentioned that around the same time, he assisted the production of another one of Noor's films. "It was called Jugni, if anyone remembers it. It had Moammar Rana and Shaan."
Dialing back to his own forgotten project, Naveed said, "The funny thing is, I went to Karachi and started believing I was a star. I had done a film by Noor sahab, so I expected my phone would be ringing constantly. I left my job in the Health Ministry because I believed my career was about to launch."
However, the Chalawa actor didn't hear back for six months. "Nobody seemed to remember the film was ever in production. I kept wondering, 'So many A-listers came to the show. Everyone saw it happen. Why is this happening now?'"
Naveed recalled calling up the filmmaker, only to be reassured that the film was coming soon, though that never happened. He recalled giving up two months in, as his hopes of achieving his dreams began to wane.
Admitting that the disappointment drove him to tears and sleepless nights, he said, "I was so sure that I would support my father through his retirement."
Eventually, Naveed took charge of his life again and, down the line, met up with Humayun Saeed, who offered him his first drama serial, Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain. "Humayun said, 'You're going to do my drama.' And that was all that needed to be said."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Naveed Raza's first film was never released
In an interview with Imran Ashraf, Naveed Raza revealed that he worked on a Syed Noor film that never saw the light. He began by sharing that he once participated in a Lahore talent show, which he ended up winning. "My winning prize was starring in a Syed Noor movie. It was called Price of Honour, but it never got released." He added that the film had long wrapped up production. "It was properly shot for 30 days, non-stop. I went to Shabab Studios daily. When I wasn't acting, I'd be behind the camera," he said. The Teri Behisi actor also mentioned that around the same time, he assisted the production of another one of Noor's films. "It was called Jugni, if anyone remembers it. It had Moammar Rana and Shaan." Dialing back to his own forgotten project, Naveed said, "The funny thing is, I went to Karachi and started believing I was a star. I had done a film by Noor sahab, so I expected my phone would be ringing constantly. I left my job in the Health Ministry because I believed my career was about to launch." However, the Chalawa actor didn't hear back for six months. "Nobody seemed to remember the film was ever in production. I kept wondering, 'So many A-listers came to the show. Everyone saw it happen. Why is this happening now?'" Naveed recalled calling up the filmmaker, only to be reassured that the film was coming soon, though that never happened. He recalled giving up two months in, as his hopes of achieving his dreams began to wane. Admitting that the disappointment drove him to tears and sleepless nights, he said, "I was so sure that I would support my father through his retirement." Eventually, Naveed took charge of his life again and, down the line, met up with Humayun Saeed, who offered him his first drama serial, Mehmoodabad Ki Malkain. "Humayun said, 'You're going to do my drama.' And that was all that needed to be said."
Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Bilal Maqsood objects to toxic paint on living statues
Strings alum Bilal Maqsood took to Instagram on Saturday to post a photo of a young living statue performer, calling attention to the hazards of the craft. Addressing the Health Ministry in his caption, Bilal wrote, "You'll find so many kids like this on Khayaban-e-Ittehad and Sea View - their faces painted with shiny silver or gold paint, performing on the streets in this heat." In the photo posted by the singer, the child performer was dressed and painted head-to-toe in gold, sticking out a peace sign to pose for the capture. "What's heartbreaking is that the paint is often made from aluminum powder or lead-based chemicals, which are extremely harmful. Prolonged exposure, especially under the sun, can cause serious skin issues and even lead to skin cancer," Bilal continued. "Something needs to be done. Please regulate this. Educate and protect these children before it's too late," he added. "Don't know who to tag. Any help would be appreciated." As of late, living statue performers – especially children – have been cropping up all over Karachi along traffic signals and footpaths. Bilal's showbiz peers seem to realise this too, as some of them shared his note to their followers. Actors Ayeza Khan and Naveed Raza were among those who elevated the message on Instagram Stories. Netizens in the comments section also validated the Sajni singer's plea. "I honestly have been thinking about this for so long! Finally somebody bought it up!" a user wrote, while another said, "Such a valuable share. We see them every day and just pass by. Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness. I hope the good voices are heard and these little ones are off the street Insha Allah." Other users urged the authorities to act, given how rapidly the issue has been spreading. "Finally someone with a platform has brought this to light. The number of such poor and desperate children has increased in the twin cities as well. It is so concerning. They need to spread awareness and pass some sort of law to discourage acts that are so harmful to their health," one user wrote. Bilal's post hardly comes as a surprise for those closely following his recent endeavour. Earlier this year, he parterned with ConnectHear to integrate Pakistan Sign Language interpretation into Pakkay Dost – his puppet show for kids. He said in a statement, "Our mission is to bring joy, learning, and cultural enrichment, and create a brighter childhood for all children. This collaboration is a significant step towards making Pakkay Dost truly inclusive and ensuring that every child can experience the magic of our show."
Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Express Tribune
Lahore cinema centenary marked
LAHORE: On the completion of 100 years of Lahore cinema, the first three-day International Conference on Creative Arts has been organised by the Punjab University Graphic Design Department, British Council and other institutions at the College of Art and Design. Addressing the event, PU Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali expressed his desire to establish a film academy at the university in collaboration with the industry. He regretted that the people in the film industry had not been valued. He said that the stars of the film industry deserved honorary PhDs. The VC said disregard for modern trends had led to the decline of the film industry and the youth should revive the splendor of cinema by adopting modern techniques. He said people from the film industry should come to the university and pass on their experience to the new generation. Film director Syed Noor said he was witness to 53 of the 100 years of the cinema industry and he had seen its extreme rise and fall. He said he had never seen a conference in which the trend of filmmaking had been promoted among students. He said filmmaking was now being taught in universities and students acquired degrees but did not become filmmakers. He said good filmmakers would be produced if passion in this regard was created among the youth. Comedian Iftikhar Thakur said Hollywood and South Indian films were successful because of graphic design. If the film industry wants to move forward, the field of graphic design should be promoted.
