Famous senior Pakistani actor Tauqeer Nasir has talked openly about the lack of professionalism in the TV industry, commenting on the behavior of new actors and providing them with useful tips.

With an extensive and distinguished career, Tauqeer Nasir has appeared in a range of classic dramas such as Yaad Piya Ki Aaye, Thakan, Kashkol, Sona Chandi, Landa Bazaar, Rahein, Raza Raza, Panah, Ek Haqeeqat Ek Afsana, Samundar, and Dehleez. His work in the arts was acknowledged by the Government of Pakistan, which granted him the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Imtiaz. He worked as the Director General of the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) as well.

While appearing as a guest on a recent show, Tauqeer Nasir talked about PTV’s golden period and the downfall of the TV industry these days. He attributed the success of that time to legendary writers who passed away some time back and described how professional and disciplined they were. He remembered learning from masters like Ashfaq Ahmed, who guided him, while directors like Yawar Hayat and Muhammad Nisar Hussain supervised rehearsals strictly, which were rigorous and disciplined. There was no talking during rehearsals, while nowadays rehearsals have almost become a thing of the past.

He condemned the non-seriousness of present-day actors, especially actresses who, in his opinion, spend two hours on make-up but do not concentrate on their scripts. He commonly tells them that if they spent as much time on their scripts as they spend on their looks, their performances would be much better. He was also disappointed at the way assistant directors now give scripts to actors mere seconds before a shot, and how many actresses are found talking on their phones even when they are in the middle of a take.

In his opinion, nowadays, everything on set is taken care of apart from acting and professionalism, and the whole system has turned corrupt. Several veteran artists and drama fans on social media shared his point of view, admitting to the erosion of professionalism and artistic commitment in the business. Others disagreed, however, and maintained that contemporary actors had to conform to new technology and new times and hence it was impossible to impose earlier rules on the current business.

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