Pervez Musharraf
President
Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Firstly, I would like to congratulate all those who were involved in completing this ground breaking film. Particular credit goes to Shoaib Mansoor for taking on this Herculean task. Shoaib's thirty years track record speaks volumes of the passion and hard work he has poured into raising the level of quality programming, production and direction in Pakistan. I salute him for his body of work that represents the best in humour, script writing and story telling on Pakistan television. What is remarkable is that Shoaib's acumen is not restricted to direction but also spans music, literature and cinematography.
In today's world, a country's cinema has acquired tremendous importance. Films are considered a reflection of a nation's thought, culture and entertainment. Take the example of the Irani cinema, just next door to us. The quality of the films coming out of Iran have overcome the negative perception of that country in the western world to win and be nominated for several different awards at the Oscars in the United States and the coveted Cannes Film Awards in Europe.
We have a rich history in film and television. Until the 1960s our films were at par with other regional films in quality and substance. Even though our film industry has been dormant in the last three decades, our television has continued to bear the torch of this tradition till today. As you know, if we ask anyone in the world familiar with South Asian media, they would point to Pakistani dramas and Pakistani music as representing the best in sophistication and literary nuance. I am sure that our film industry can leverage these strengths and be recognised internationally in both the musical and non-musical genres. On its part, the government will support efforts to upgrade the physical and technical infrastructure related to film production in Pakistan. The rest is up to our artist community to showcase to the world.
I am a firm believer in competition leading to quality. The point of view that we have to preserve our culture by blocking foreign productions from entering the country, are possibly short sighted and quite unrealistic. We live in the information age where it is no longer possible for the governments to control the information that people want access to. We should openly discuss how to balance our responsibilities with our rights as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. There ought not to be pre-conceived notions about what the people of Pakistan want.
What comes first, good movies, or good cinema halls? I believe it is good movies. The experience of Irani Cinema, as a medium of social enlightenment is indeed very relevant for Pakistan. I would request individuals with experience in film making to come forward in light of this ground breaking film. We need to start making more films that not only capture our nation's hopes and aspirations but also explore the musical as well as non-musical genres of film making. You will find the government, supportive and encouraging towards all such endeavours.

Cinema is a creative medium which reflects culture and heritage and brings different people, civilisations and regions closer together. Cinema has played a very effective role in positively impacting the outlook and thought process across a broad spectrum of society. In Pakistan, the cinema industry is passing through challenging times although there is a revival of cinema all over the world. We have the creativity and the talent to play a bigger role on the global cinema stage and the government will encourage all efforts to revive the domestic cinema industry.
We also need to build in our society greater tolerance and the ability to hear different points of view, enter into healthy debate on different issues and shun extremism and intolerance. Our major objective is to take Pakistan speedily along the road to progress and promote peace and harmony. Our cinema should reflect our culture, faith, values and be reformist and instructive. The Geo film production ?Khuda Ke Liye? by Shoaib Mansoor deals with important issues and I am sure it will generate healthy debate in Pakistan and the rest of the world. The film is interesting, moving and will generate interest in different segments of society at home and abroad. I am encouraged by Geo Films? efforts for the revival of cinema in Pakistan and wish all stakeholders success in their current and future ventures.

If you have the will, we have the way

By Imran Aslam

Cinema is the retrieval of dreams that we lose when we go into a deep slumber. It is magic and binds us all together in a collective awe, astonishment, laughter, fear and undiluted joy. It creates mythologies, fantasies and pantheons while providing an escape from mundane reality. It is also the reflection of the societies it inhabits and is a collaborative effort that provides the Arts and Sciences an opportunity to break moulds and threaten paradigms. Sounds, light, music, movement, emotion, conflict, resolution, often at variance and mercurial, are somehow garnered and etched on the canvas we call 'the silver screen'.
But the lights went down on Pakistani Cinema after going into an inexorable fade. We waited in the stalls, whistling in the dark for some flickers to appear and dance on the screen. We waited for snatches from some familiar tune to revive our mute senses. We waited till silence overcame us, till mediocrity and narrative obsolescence humbled our senses. We watched the magic from international cinema on pirated cassettes, LDs and DVDs and felt some how unclean, as if we were committing some prohibitive act. Missing were those essential ingredients that spark off cinema - collective experience and shared emotions. As cinema dwindled and cinema houses sold all sorts of wares except dreams, we withdrew into an insular world-into anomie. But in all of us, infected by the virus of the big screen, lived that child from cinema Paradiso.
Someone had to step forward and put the reel on the projector. Someone had to point a torch and usher us through the darkened aisles. Someone had to remind us, through posters still clinging tenaciously, a bit torn, a little faded of Raagni, Swaranlata. Noor Jehan, Sabiha, Santosh, Darpan, Ejaz, Rattan Kumar, Sudhir, Allaudin, Talish, Aslam Pervez, Mussarat Nazir, Neelo, Firdous, Waheed Murad, Shamim Ara, Zeba, Mohammad Ali, Rani, Shabnam, Rehman, Nadeem, Bahar, Aliya, Rangeela, Nazar, Diljeet Mirza, Lehri, Ali Ejaz, Subbah Dutta, Nannah and even Reema, Meera, Nirma, Chakori, Nargis, Anjuman, Akmal and Sultan Rahi. Someone had to play us the melodies of Baba Chishti, Master Abdullahh, Khursheed Anwar, Master Inayat Hussain, Robin Ghosh, Deboo Bhattacharya, M Ashraf and Nisar Bazmi. Someone had to make us hum along with Irene Parveen, Noor Jahan, Ahmed Rushdie, Saleem Raza, Masood Rana, Bashir, Nasim Begum, Mala, Alamgir and A Nayyar. Someone had to bring back the Khalil Qaisers, the AJ Kardars, the Sharif Nayyars, the Hasan Tariqs, the Samina Peerzadas, the Usman Peerzadas, the Zaheer Raihans, the W Z Ahmeds, the Riaz Shahids, the Ihtishams, the Shabab Kiranvis, and the Nazrul Islams. Someone had to help revive the Cinema in Pakistan.
GEO films is committed to playing the role of that 'someone'. We stand for the revival of not only Cinema in Pakistan, but also the revival of the habit of going to the cinema. 'Khuda Kay Liye' is not just a great film; it is a plaintive cry against the forces of obscurantism that want to take us back into the Dark Ages. We want to go back to the Dark Ages of our choosing - where the comforting whirr of the projector heralds the arrival of images. We offer Pakistani Cinema our platform to incubate, propagate and disseminate. The transfer of an idea onto celluloid and then onto our collective psyche is a pleasure we seek.
We hope Shoaib Mansoor's brave and courageous film, which is about this very instant in our history, will not be a flash in the can. There are many young filmmakers whose eyes are full of images, whose minds wander through imagined editing and sound floors. Their wait may be over soon. The audiences who had waited may soon hear the bells sounding, hurrying them back into the cinema halls.
We know that when there is a will, there is a way. Let Geo films show you the way.

By Aijaz Gul

The Sub-Continent was never a stranger to film making. The newly independent country of Pakistan was also well acquainted with the art and film production, distribution and exhibition were nothing new to it, even before August 1947. Everything was in place. Lahore was part of the Northern Indian circuit of the Indian film distribution network; there were three film studios in Lahore and several production and distribution offices and many cinemas located across Punjab and NWFP.
And then there were the major names of the Indian film industry working in Lahore during the thirties and forties. Noorjehan had started working in films in Lahore after her return from Kolkata. Shaukat Rizvi, M Ismail, Ragni, Chishti, Master Ghulam Haider and Dawood Chand were only some of the notable names of Lahore film industry. Lahore had produced renowned films like 'Gul Bakaoli', 'Yamla Jatt', 'Khazanchi' and 'Khandan' in Lahore- all of them, incidentally, starring Noorjehan. All in all, Lahore was the centre of Punjabi films and the Pakistani film industry.
Come August 1947, things changed rapidly. The bulk of the Hindu film talent left for India but a few notable Muslim film figures in Indian cinema migrated to Pakistan. But the main question was: Could a new Muslim country have a flourishing film industry with songs and dances as its basic element? Pakistan's first film 'Teri Yaad', released in September 1948, was a mass of contradictions. Filming for the movie started before Independence and was completed after August 1947. Produced by Sardari Lal and directed by Dawood Chand with Asha Posley, Nasir Khan and Pran in lead roles, it was a badly scripted film with poor production. It failed miserably at the box-office but Asha Posley did become the heroine of first Pakistani films, notwithstanding her below average performance in the following years.
More disasters followed in shape of director Luqman's 'Shahida', Dawood Chand's 'Hichkoley', Nazir's 'Sachai' and Ajmeri's 'Ghalat Fehmi'. But the tables turned for the Pakistani film industry with the release of Nazir's two smash hit Punajabi musicals 'Larey' (1949) and 'Pehrey' in (1950). And the rest, as the cliché goes, is history.
Actress-singer Noorjehan and her director-editor-producer husband Shaukat Hussain Rizvi, actress Swaranlata and her actor-director-producer husband Nazir, director Fazli and composers Rashid Attrey, Master Inayat Hussain and Khursheed Anwar were some of the talented people who laid the foundation of Pakistani cinema. But it was Anwar Kamal Pasha who became our first writer-director, and what the French call, a total filmmaker. Son of famous dramatist Hakim Ahmad Shujah, Anwar Kamal won enormous success at the box-office with hits like 'Ghulam', 'Do Ansoo', 'Gumnam', 'Qatil', 'Sarfrosh', 'Chunmahi' and 'Anarkali'. He must also be credited for turning out a strong film team and strict discipline on the film set and introduced new talent in every discipline from direction (Khalil Qaiser, S Suleman) to editing (M Akram) to acting (Aslam Pervez, Nayyara Sultana, Bahar) to playback singers (Mala). But Anwar Kamal's contribution to the Pakistani film industry waned when he lost confidence in his later years and bowed out by the late-fifties.
The major directors who followed Anwar Kamal included Masood Pervaiz, Khalil Qaiser, M J Rana, Hassan Tariq, Riaz Shahid, Pervaiz Malik and Nazrul Islam. Their genuine cinematic work ranged from 'Shaheed', 'Farangi', 'Susral', 'Yakey Wali', 'Neend', 'Umraojan Ada', 'Anjuman', 'Arman', 'Ehsan', 'Bandish' and 'Nahi Abhi Nahi'.
Big production and distribution banners emerged in the form of Eveready Pictures and Evernew Pictures. Shaukat Rizvi set up the country's first new studios: Shahnoor, followed by Evernew Studios set up by G.A.Gul, Bari Studios set up by Bari Malik, A.M. Studios set up by Ashfaq Malik and later Shahab Khairanvi established the Shabab Studios. Saeed Haroon is credited for establishing the Eastern Studios at Karachi and publishing a decent monthly film magazine, Eastern Films.
East Pakistan was already making Bengali films at Dhaka and in the early-sixites, Dhaka also entered low-budget realistic Urdu filmmaking with 'Chanda'. These were musicals shot at actual locations and free of make-believe studio sets and pretensions. Rehman, Shabnam, Nadeem and Shabana became bankable superstars from East Pakistan. Dhaka also gave Pakistan the first colour film 'Sangam' and first cinemascope film 'Bahana'.
Karachi also played its share with refined Urdu films like 'Anchal', 'Insan Badlata Hai' and 'Arman'. J.C.Anand, Syed Fazlani, Pervaiz Malik, and Nisar Murad were the big names in the Karachi film scene. Sindhi film production also began in Karachi with 'Umer Marvi'. Nisar Bazmi, a migrant from Mumabi, changed the Pakistani orchestra concept with his rich and extremely well-coordinated and well-arranged orchestra in films like 'Aisa Bhi Hota Hai', 'Lakhoon Mei Eik' and 'Andableeb' and actors like Mohammad Ali, Zeba and Waheed Murad gave nationwide popularity to Urdu films produced in Karachi.
Meanwhile, the Urdu and Punjabi film scene at Lahore was dominated by Sabiha, Santosh Kumar, Sudhir, Musarrat Nazir, Shamim Ara, Habib, Kamal, Akmal, Allaudin, Talish and Firdaus. Lahore produced its first colour film 'Naila' in 1965. Based on Razia Butt's bestseller, Naila was a sophisticated film with Shamim Ara, Santosh Kumar and Darpan in lead roles. Produced by G A Gul and directed by Sharif Nayyar, the film celebrated its Silver Jubilee (25-week run) at many stations and created box-office history. Laboratory Consultant Pyarey Khan must be credited for introducing colours to Pakistani cinema and the colour films that followed, like 'Andaleeb', 'Zerqa' and 'Heer Ranjha'.

After the partition of Pakistan in 1971, East Pakistan became Bangladesh and we lost over 100 cinemas and a major production centre. Later, the Karachi film scene also became inactive because many actors and directors decided to work at one centre- choosing Lahore due to its more active production activity. Javed Jabbar made history in 1975 with the first Pakistani English film 'Beyond the Last Mountain' which was also produced in Urdu as 'Musafar'. It was a good attempt away from the stagnated formula filmmaking of the time. There were others who tried their hands at experimental films including Ashfaq Ahmad (Dhoop aur Saey), Kanwar Aftab Ahmad (Jhalak), Ahmad Bashir (Neela Purbat), Saroor Barabankavi (Akhri Station) and A.J.Kardar(Jago Huwa Savera).
Violence, vengeance, gunplay and hard action took the front seats by the mid-seventies with 'Maula Jatt.' Directors Yonus Malik, Hassan Askari, screenwriter Nasir Adeeb along with action heroes Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Qureshi raised hell on screen for almost ten years. Even the illegal videos menace that started in the early-eighties could not affect the impact of violence on screen. This was because videos essentially provided Urdu/Hindi films from Mumbai and violence was mostly seen in Punjabi film. It was our Urdu films which were largely affected by the video menace that later graduated into VCD, DVD, Cable TV and its notorious CD Channels where uninterrupted telecast of latest hits continued twenty-four hours a day. Filmgoers stopped visiting cinemas and watched their favourite film in the convenience and comfort of their living room. Cinemas were demolished in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad and replaced by shopping centres. The number of cinemas was reduced from 700 in 1977 to merely 200 in 2007. The film industry suffered more with the reduction in annual film production from 111 in 1977 to 43 in 2007. Studios were reduced from 11 in 1977 to barely 3 in 2007.
The creative contributors of the Pakistani film industry from the last sixty years have made their mark in every discipline of the film industry, from direction and scripting to acting and music. Names like Sabiha, Santosh Kumar, Musarrat Nazir, Allaudin, Talish, Nadeem, Shabnam, Babra Sharif in acting; Anwar Kamal Pasha, Masood Pervaiz, Khalil Qaiser, Hassan Tariq, Pervaiz Malik, Nazarul Islam in direction; and Noorjehan, Mehdi Hassan, Khurhseed Anwar, Inayat Hussain, Rashid Attrey, Chishti, Robin Ghosh and Nisar Bazmi in music are milestones of Pakistani film history.
A selection of some of the best films from over 4500 films produced here in the last sixty years was extremely difficult to compile and it can read as under:

Synopsis of the movie:

The film is about the difficult situation in which Pakistanis in particular and the Muslims in general are caught up since 9/11. There is a war going on between the fundamentalists and the liberal Muslims. This situation is creating a drift not only between the western
world and the Muslims but also within the Muslim community. The educated and modern Muslims are in a difficult situation because of their approach towards life and their western attire. They are criticized and harassed by the fundamentalists and on the other hand the western world sees them as potential suspects of terrorism just because of their Muslim names.

This paradox is resulting in great suffering for a forward looking Muslim. This is the theme of the film "Khuda Key Liye", which in English means "In the name of God". The interesting thing about the film is how it connects the happenings in the three continents. Unlike the usual Indian and Pakistani films based on romantic sagas, dances and songs. This film is based on some very serious issues, raising a lot of controversial questions engaging the Muslim minds these days. It helps the Muslim Youth find a
direction...The right direction, which we all are looking towards.

Places/Locations:
* USA (Chicago)
* UK (London)
* Lahore Tribal Area (Para Chanar)

Sound Track:

* Dunya Ho
Vocals: Ahmed Jahanzeb, Shuja Haider
Lyrics: Shoaib Mansoor
Composed by Shuja Haider, Ahmed Jahanzeb

* Hamaray Hain
Vocals: Ahmed Jahanzeb, Shuja Haider
Lyrics: Shoaib Mansoor
Melody by: Lagan Band
Arranged by: Ahmed Jahanzeb, Shuja Haider, Kami Jee

* Bandya
Vocals: Farah Zala, Khawar Jawad
Lyrics: Bulhey Shah
Music: Khawar Jawad
* Janie Janie
Vocals: Ahmed Jahanzeb
Lyrics: Shoaib Mansoor
Melody: Lagan Band

* Allah Ho
Vocals: Saeen Zahoor, Zara Madani
Lyrics: Unknown
Arranged by: Khawar Jawad, Rohail Hyatt

* Mahi Way
Vocals: Khawar Jawad, Faiza Mujahid
Lyrics: Faiza Mujahid
Music: Khawar Jawad

* Khuda Key Liye
Vocals: Ammar Hasan
Lyrics: Shoaib Mansoor

* Bandya
Vocals: Khawar Jawad, Faiza Mujahid
Lyrics: Bulhey Shah
Music: Khawar Jawad

The movie will be in theatres on 20th July 2007

Main cast in the movie

Shan
Shan, the highly talented son of legendary writer/director Riaz Shahid and legendary
actress Nilo, debuted in the film "Bulandi" in 1990, opposite Reema. Over the course of
his career, his ambitious and motivated acting has gathered many encomiums from the
public. An opinionated, engrossingly captivating actor, Shan has a knack of bringing out
the best in movies- the ultimate acting skill.

Iman Ali
Iman Ali, the daughter of television and film actor, Abid Ali and his wife Humaira Ali is
rated amongst the top models of Pakistan by fashion critics. A popular actress herself, her
powerhouse performances have gained her the respect of many critics.
"However clichéd it may sound, cinema was my dream. But I did not want to see myself
on screen in one of the films that are made just for the heck of it. I looked for a film that
had something to say about us as people, about society, about me, about women... a film
that leaves and indelible imprint on viewers' minds and brings about a positive change-
however small it may be. And I wanted to a film with one of the best directors who could
understand my passion and my mind. In a nutshell, I wanted to work in an intelligent,
passionate piece of cinema. A dream that realised in the form of Mr Shoiab Mansoor with
Khuda Ke Liye.
I was lucky to have a director who happened to be on the same wavelength as I was. I did
not want to miss the opportunity of being a part of this brilliant piece of cinematic art.
Working in Khuda Ke Liye introduced me to a different spectrum of emotions, thoughts
and experiences. It made me learn and unlearn so many things that I feel I emerged as a
richer person than I was before- courtesy of Mr Shoiab Mansoor. I hope that u also
experience what we went through while watching the film and emerge richer for the
experience."

Fawad Khan
With his chiselled good looks, Fawad is someone to watch out for. Already experienced
in acting with his stint as Bond to Ahmed Ali Butt's Jutt and a few commercials, this EP
vocalist is already a popular icon for the Pakistani youth.

Naseer Uddin Shah
An actor of international acclaim and one of the most recognisable faces of Indian
cinema, Naseer Uddin Shah has won numerous accolades for his astounding
performances in both art films and commercial cinema. A rare combination of talent,
intelligence, wit and charm, Naseer has played an unimaginable range of roles, some of
them no actor would dare to attempt.

Austin Marie Sayre
Austin Marie Sayre is a beautiful, charismatic and highly talented actress who dreams to
take the film industry by storm. She plays an important role in Shoiab Mansoor's film
Khuda Ke Liye. Becoming the first Hollywood actress to act in a Pakistani movie,
Sayre's love for acting can be gauged from her spellbinding performance in the film
which will surely make the viewers sit up and take note. With her combination of beauty
and talent, she is all geared up to set the theatre screens in Pakistan ablaze.

Rasheed Naz:
Born in 1948 in Peshawar, Rasheed started his artistic career in 1971 and now in 2007,
after 36 years in this field, he is considered a symbol of commitment and hard work. He
has many awards on his shelf, including PTV National Awards. He was nominated 4
times for the Pride of Performance Awards.

Simi Raheal:
Simi has been associated with show business since the past three decades. She made her
debut with Ashfaq Ahmed's
Magnum Opus, Aik Mohabbat Sau Afsanay. The veteran TV actress has again become a
familiar face on television due to her diverse repertoire of commercials, music videos and
dramas.

Hameed Sheikh:
Hameed Sheikh was born in Quetta, Pakistan. He did his schooling from Sanda Man
High School, Quetta. He started his acting career from his school. His first TV Drama
was from PTV Pakistan Television with Jamal Shah and Faryal Ali Gouhar. Hameed
Sheikh did more than 20 TV serials, he is nominated Best Actor from PTV.

In anticipation of Shoaib Mansoor's Khuda Key Liye

Shehzad Rafique:
I think Shoaib Mansoor is one of the best directors of his batch at PTV. He has done some of the most remarkable and most memorable television productions in his career which Pakistani television can be proud of. This is his first Pakistani film and I can see his cinematic sense reflected in the promo. It means Shoaib Mansoor is the exception to the norm of TV directors that lack film sense and that he is as prolific a director in cinema as he has been at TV.
We need modern cinema, as the cinematic techniques are changing and getting more advanced. I have very good hopes from his film and think this film will be representative of today's modern cinema.

Amjad Islam Amjad:
At present, our industry has reached the point where stepping back is almost impossible. This is the time for the survival and revival of our film industry. My expectations are very high regarding Shoaib Mansoor, a creative and intelligent man who has proven himself many times, who comes forward and works hard and seems like a breath of fresh air for the industry. Although this is his first feature film, he understands the medium very well and in view of his previous work, I believe he is going to make a difference through this film.

Reema:
There are lots of expectations. Those who know Shoaib Mansoor since his TV days, including his colleagues, the general public and others are expecting a lot. In my opinion, living up to their expectations, especially for the big screen is a major challenge for Shoaib Mansoor.

Usman Pirzada:
Shoaib is a very good director and I have always enjoyed his work. He has now stepped into filmdom and a whole different ball game. As far as the expectations from his film are concerned, I think he must have done a good job.

Shakeel:
Actions speak louder than words. I had good experience of working with Shoaib in "Ankahi" and noticed his way of working. He is an extremely talented and versatile director. No one could create the same impact as Shoaib after he directed "Fifty Fifty" and made song videos like never before. He has proven himself as a talented director.

Syed Noor:
Shoaib Mansoor is a very talented and serious person who works with complete devotion and perfection. All his previous work, be it music or drama, has always been appreciated and loved by the public and professionals alike. Keeping his level of intellect in mind, I believe he must have made something extraordinary. I am expecting a great work from a great mind.

Rashid Khawaja:
I strongly believe that if Shoaib Mansoor has made a film then it must be some piece of work. But I am afraid that our people are disappointed regarding cinema nowadays and have stopped going to cinema at all. Shoaib Mansoor entering the cinema business, which I believe is a sure sign of light in the dark.

Marina Khan:
Expectations from Shoaib Sahab are very high. Keeping in mind his calibre and his ideas, I think he is going to live up to the expectations. I wish him all the best.

Shehnaz Sheikh:
I am not expecting something out of this world from Shoaib Mansoor because I have no clue about his experience handling the big screen. He has a lot of potential concerning the mini-screen since he has good control over it, but the big screen is a different ball game altogether.

Rukhsana Noor:
I think if people like Shoaib Mansoor step into the film world, the future of Pakistani cinema will definitely improve. We need educated people like him. I have not watched his film but have seen some of the songs on television and, as we have seen his previous works, his artistic and aesthetic sense has always shown things with a different perspective and as the name of his film suggests, he must have touched religion with an intellectual perspective. This will be a bold and big step. I wish him all the best.

Anwar Maqsood:
I have done a lot of work with Shoaib and think that he is a very intelligent and hardworking person. Shoaib Mansoor is one of very few people on the TV scene who truly know their work. The public has appreciated all his private dramas because Shoaib handles everything, from recording to editing, himself. I hope that the film's script is his own and that people will also appreciate this film.

Haseena Moin
The films that were facing the deteriorating situation in Pakistan will be able to stand on their own feet after the release of "Khuda Kay Liye". I have full confidence in Shoaib Mansoor because he has undertaken a commendable job by completing this film with untiring labour and sheer dedication. The topic of the film is also quite unique as most people shirk from even discussing it. I am sure this film will see tremendous success.

Mani
The interest in this film has grown, especially after the incident of Lal Masjid, due to the fact that there are two types of people in Pakistan: one, the people who are very emotional and have a bent towards extremism and two, those who have liberal mindset. The concept of this film is quite good and I would like to say that Shoaib Mansoor has tapped the hurting vein.
Shoaib Mansoor is fully aware, how to take out a carved role from inside a person. Shan is the best actor and appears quite different from his other films. Similarly, Shan's role seems quite different in this film and I think that now that his image has improved, he should now stay away from loud characters holding "gandasa" (bamboo).

Rehan Shaikh
It is an excellent film. The topic is quite unique as such issues get less acclaim in our society due to fear of discussing such topics. I am so happy that this topic has been portrayed brilliantly and brought forth for the public in an excellent manner. Rasheed Naz, Shan and Naseer Uddin Shah have portrayed their important roles in a successful manner. The dialogue delivery of the Naseer Uddin Shah is a cut above the rest. I hope the film's release will leave the best impression on our film industry.

Anjum Shehzad
After watching this movie, directors like me are optimistic that more films like it should be produced. The viewers praised every scene and dialogue because this film raises our voice. Whatever we think and what is inside, all has come to life on the cinema screen. Whatever we want to see in our country is present in this film. All the people fully enjoyed this film.

Humayun Saeed
I like working in films and I especially like such films that have a unique style. I have high expectations from Shoaib Mansoor. Shan is an excellent actor and Iman and Fawad have also done a good job. Watching this movie will be a breath of fresh air for the audience since they too were waiting for such a movie to be produced. Judging from the praise "Khuda Kay Liye" is getting at this early stage, I think that if 1-2 films of this standard are made every year, it will be possible to revive the film industry.

Javed Sheikh
I have known Shoaib Mansoor for quite some time. He is a very talented Pakistani director and the best part is that he is now stepping into the film world. Looking at his record, 'Ankahi', 'Fifty-Fifty', 'Alpha Bravo Charlie', 'Sunehrey Din', 'Dil Dil Pakistan', 'Supreme Ishq', whatever work he has done has never let him down or spoilt his name and I really hope that this film brings him even more success. I feel proud that Pakistanis are capable of producing such films. You can judge the quality of his work from the fact that a huge star like Naseer Uddin Shah is a part of the film and must have signed the film after being satisfied with the quality of the film. I have 100 percent faith that this movie will earn a unique name for itself as well as achieve an important position in our film industry.
90 percent of our audience watches Indian movies and if they can watch Indian movies on cable and cassettes, then Indian movies should be permitted in cinemas too. We should not worry that Indian movies will prove competition for our movies. How can we compete until and unless we learn first? I have seen the film and I knew that Shoaib wouldn't make a shallow movie. This movie made me cry and before watching the movie I had said that movie will earn fame and after watching this movie I am proud that we have such filmmakers.

Faisal Qureshi
In my opinion, if more and more good films like this one are produced then no actor would like to play a role brandishing a 'gandasa' or wearing a 'dhoti', thereby destroying his image or act in such films that might blur his character.

Shakil
Good hopes can be pinned on this film. I have been associated with Shoaib since a long time. We have worked together many times, in fact the first drama produced by Shoaib was with me.
At a time when cinema houses in Pakistan are empty and there is nobody to watch movies, Shoaib Mansoor has compelled the people to return to the cinema houses by producing such an excellent film. According to the feedback that I have received so far, I am sure this film will prove to be a turning point not only for the cinemagoers but also for the film industry.
I would like to say in particular that with the events taking place in Islamabad, the choice of this topic is something very extraordinary. The public wants to know the path we have adopted and whether the choice is right.
As a matter of fact, we can convey the right message to the general public through films alone and Shoaib Mansoor has effectively utilised this medium.

Ahmed Jehanzeb
I had dreamt of working with Shoiab Sahab and felt great pleasure in rendering the music for this film. Most of the music has been copied but I really like the original soundtrack "Bandaya". I feel no shame in saying that this film will eliminate the past impression of our film industry and will be 100 percent up to the standard expected by the public.

Shabbir Jan
I am sure that this film will Inshallah succeed. Film "Khuda Kay Liye" imparts a message that, if successfully communicated to the public, will be a comeback for our film industry. It is the beginning of the improvement of our film industry and with it, Inshallah the caravan will maintain its march ahead.

Fawad Khan
All this seems incredible to me and I deem it my good luck that I had a chance to perform in a film directed by Shoiab Mansoor. I think that this film will prove to be the greatest film in the history of Pakistani cinema. It is a unique experience to watch a film with other cinemagoers and if you are watching yourself, the feeling id out of this world. The people here today are all related to showbiz but I believe that it will garner an even greater response from the public.

Seemin Raheel
I felt very emotional and cried when I watched this film. It is a complete Pakistani film and I was sure that only Shoaib Mansoor, with his sofa mindset could have done such an excellent job.

Iman Ali
I do not commit to any project until I feel that it has touched my heart. I did this film because the topic did touch my heard and I liked the scrip a lot.
We shot many scenes at the Afghan border and one location had snakes and other animals slithering about. I felt a little afraid but my spirit dedication and determination to prove myself saw me through to completing the film.
Iman Ali also said that she has not decided about acting in more films. "Everyone performed their role well and not every director is Shoiab Mansoor "

Humayun Kazmi
Shoaib Sahab has performed a miracle with this film. I am proud to be even a small part of the film and I hope that it will prove to the only film that has completed such a huge project based on such an important topic.

Amna Khan
This film has said so much that there isn't anything left to say. The support that this film has got is testimony to its success and it is difficult to expect such films in the near future.
Amna Khan also said that Fawad Khan, Shan and Iman Ali's characters were very appealing and Naseer Uddin Shah's performance cannot be praised enough.

Rubina Ashraf
I donot like acrobatic feats in the films, but I hope that this film will be different from other films.

Adnan Jelani
I hope that the message conveyed by this film after its screening will produce results. If the theme and project of the film "Khuda Kay Liye" is adopted by other Pakistani films, then I am sure that people will start watching Pakistani films again and our film industry will advance towards improvement.

Javeria
In my opinion, no other good film except this one, depicting Islam and Pakistan, has been produced as yet. I pay my tributes to Shoiab Mansoor for his efforts in this respect.

Bushra Ansari
Whatever I have seen in this film, we all of us need to understand it, there are many things in our lives which we see, but cannot tell it in a simple manner, but Shoaib Mansoor has said it in this film. The music, the combination and every scene of this film are superb. In a nutshell, this film was individualistic and I enjoyed it greatly. I will not compare this film with any Pakistani film because it is a film of international standard. This film has a message for the general public.

Naeem Tahir
I felt invigorated after watching this film. When we were producing this film our aim was to size ourselves up to the expectations of the general public. We have added our sentiments to this film and the message we wanted to convey has now conveyed. We wished the people to accept the realities of life. I pay my tributes to Shoaib Mansoor for producing such a fantastic film, and in addition I have a word of praise for Geo TV for the support it lent to this film. It would be my earnest desire that all the viewers of Geo TV should watch this film for the sake of their society and country. In my opinion, if the cinemas and the projectors are sound this film could be called a film of international standard..

AHSON RAHIM

For me nothing is more interesting than filmmaking. I would like to make a film because the art of story telling in film is far more superior to TV or radio. It involves and combines all forms of art. I can use film to get my message across and change society's way of thinking. I will make a film for education and entertainment.

AZFAR ALI
When I stepped into the media business, I promised myself that whatever I do should bring a change and I think that film is the only medium which can bring change. People spend their money to watch a movie in cinemas, they make an effort and leave the comfort of their homes to have a good entertainment. If I do anything in the media, I would do it with two objectives in mind: first, it should be entertaining and second, when viewers come out of the cinema they must bear good thoughts in their minds. So developing a good thinking pattern among the audience is very important besides giving them a healthy entertainment.

SAQIB MALIK
I want to make a film because I want to prove that Pakistan can also produce good movies that people want to watch. I will, of course, make a commercial film that the general public would like to watch.

ANJUM SHEHZAD
I wish to make a film because I want to provide wholesome entertainment to our people. I want to make a film for the masses. It may differ from their opinion but if it will introduce new ideas along with a good pass-time, I believe, they'll watch it. Any story that reflects the society and its people always attracts the audiences; they see their reflection with a little fantasy thrown in and that might make them to think, try and improve as a society.

HUMAYUN SAEED
I would make a film to revive cinema in Pakistan. Not to make money because money is already being made by people in television through commercials. If people from television start coming into filmmaking, our industry will become a different place and we will grow rapidly. Whenever I go on a foreign tour and get a chance to see their films, I get depressed and I wonder why can't we make such good films when we can make strong drama. Yes, I am already working on a film with Geo TV network, the music work has already been started and we will be starting the shoot.

JAWWAD BASHIR
I would like to make a family entertainment film because our people like family dramas and they need a healthy entertainment. I don't think we need a parallel or what we call an art film at present. We need to revive our cinema and it can only be done with a good family entertainment.

SALMAN SHAHID
When I will make a film, I will use this powerful medium to spread my word with power and conviction. We should take all the benefits from this wonderful and popular medium.

SOHAIL JAVED
I want to make a film because I am a filmmaker. Song videos and commercials are a regular thing but making a film is a complete job. Keeping your audience in grip so they stick to their seats is a real business and that is the actual art of story telling.

MOAMMAR RANA
I want to make a film because I love cinema. I want my cinema to live, I love film and I am totally a filmy kind of Banda.

SHAHZAD NAWAZ
Film is a professional medium and no nation can survive without its culture intact, without a culture being protected and enacted, film of course enacts culture. I would like to make a film on reality. The beauty of reality is that it is subjective and taking a subjective thing for making an objective one is what classical filmmaking is. Subject is called subject because it is subjective and it talks about people and society's paradigms and film redefines paradigm.

By Khawar Naeem Hashmi

A thing of beauty is a joy forever! -- Keats

It is not just because of the cherished nostalgia for the youth of the 50's and 60's that heroines like Zeba, Shamim Ara and Shabnam refuse to fade away. There is much more to it than the good old days. The beauty and grace of these women reflect certain optimism in the mood of the epoch in which they graced the silver screen. In spite of a chaotic political scenario, a repressive dictatorship and relative socio economic poverty in society, there were overtones of an ideological commitment and a will and determination to struggle amongst the masses that exploded into the socialist revolutionary movement of 1968-69. This characteristic reflected in all aspects of social and cultural life of the epoch and above all in cinema that used to be the most popular medium of entertainment of the masses in those times.
In the historic words of the famous English poet William Wordsworth, expressing the atmosphere in Paris at the time of the great French Revolution of 1789,
Bliss was to be alive in that Dawn!
But to be young was very heaven
Even if not of the same intensity, the movement in Pakistan was not far behind.

Another and perhaps the most significant aspect of the cinema of the time was the quality of acting of these timeless Pakistani heroines that was reflected in their genuine expressions, acting and the deliverance of the role they were portraying in the films.
Shamim Ara was perhaps the first to enter the lime light and she was at the peak of her career in the renowned film “Naila”.

Next was Zeba who played a flabbergasting role in "Arman". The tragedy of her class oppression, her emotional sacrifice and the mental and physical trauma captivated the audience so much that they moved to weep for the relief of their own sorrows. In “Daman Aur Chingari” she faced the male icons of Pakistani cinema in a highly charged emotional scene with such strength that the superiority of her acting prevailed throughout the film. There are innumerable films in which Zeba's sheer talent outdid the most dominant of artists.

Shabnam was altogether a different sort. Her Bengali features and accent instead of being a liability became a pleasant attraction for the audiences. She ruled the silver screen Longer then perhaps any other actress. From the shy girl of "Naseeb Apna Apna" to the rebellious wife fighting like a tigress to save her husband in "Anmol", she exhibited the versatility of her talent in film acting. In “Dil lagi" she showed the capacity of love to declass a women and exposed the monetary and class prejudices in love in a capitalistic society.

Shamim Ara, Zeba and Shabnum were so unique and different yet they had a common triat.... They were all at their best with Waheed Murad. And none of them were good dancers. Yet they were the most glamorous women of their time and still are for many. No one actress after them has reached even to the remotest level of their talents and glamour. Indian films were banned in those days but if they had been screened in Pakistan and films of Shamim Ara, Zeba and Shabnum would have been launched in the theatres in India, they would have easily competed and perhaps outshone the films of Madhubala, Nargis, Waheeda Rehman and others.

Their example also proves that attraction and glamour can be graceful and decline of the art. They proved that women in the previous generations had the beauty, decency, style, strength and versatility of talent that contributed to the richness of our culture.

But though these super stars of their days were glittering with glamour and stardom their private live were full of misery and unhappiness.
Shamim Ara married four times in pursuit of true love. Her first husband was Sardar Randay while the second was Majeed of Agfa Colour. Her third husband was a film director Farid Ahmed and last but not the least her fourth husband was famous writer Dabeer ul Hassan.
Zeba's private life was no different. She had a daughter Samina from her first marriage before coming to Lahore who is now mother of son Ali. Her second marriage was with action hero Sudheer which ended after few weeks due to cruel restrictions imposed by Sudheer. Her third and last marriage was to the famous film hero Muhammad Ali which lasted till his recent death.

Shabnum's private life was also filled with darkness and gloom in contrast to her apparent flashy and dazzling life. She was married to the successful musician of his time, Robin Ghosh. Another traumatic incident in 1979 haunted her throughout her life and was the start of the decline of her career. It is learned that she is seriously ill and is living in London these days.

This shows that despite being at the heights of their respective careers, enjoying the lime light and apparently living dream lives, the lives of these heroines were filled with misery and sadness. This clearly depicts the obsolete character of this capitalist system.

The crisis of the system and rottenness of capitalism have not only devastated the socioeconomic fabric of society but have changed the cultural level of this country. This decline has brought religious fundamentalism and liberal vulgarity to the fore. Both are brutally damaging and destroying art, film, literature, music and other cultural traits of society. Only through a socioeconomic transformation can such conditions be created which will not only give a cultural boost to film and other performing arts but also re-incarnate many Shamims, Zebas and Shabnams who are squeaking and squalling under this repression of false morality, social suffocation, economic crisis and social distress of an agonising and exploitative capitalism.

WHY IS CINEMA IMPORTANT ...

ACTORS

Ghulam Mohiuddin
The world has been addicted to cinema for more than a century and it is the best way to promote culture and society. I think it is our national duty to protect & promote our culture that covers all the elements of our society like arts, language, music and values.

Salman Shahid
Before cinema we had radio and before radio we had theatre, painting and photography. But cinema is the most interesting medium because it covers all the sections of media and uses all the elements of visual arts and sound. Cinema is the true representative of the 20th century.

Moammar Rana
Cinema is the most important medium in any country, watching its movies means seeing its culture. I am happy that Shoaib Sahab has made a film and I believe we need more and more films to get the real revival of true cinema.

Ali Ejaz
In my opinion, America and Great Britain have truly understood the importance of cinema and get their messages of love, decency, literature and even history across through it. I want to utilise the equipment and studios worth millions of rupees that are lying vacant to provide jobs for my technicians. When educated people will enter the industry and these Gujjars go out of the scene, everything will be alright and successful.

Arbaz Khan:
Media and cinema play a vital role in the progress of a country. The happenings in any society and culture are displayed through media or TV. Cinema is a powerful medium that can reflect culture and create awareness.

Firdous Jamal:
This is an era when media is playing a powerful and essential role and it is high time that cinema is revived. Especially in country like Pakistan, where the literacy rate is low and the vast majority of population lives in rural areas, cinema can play a vital role in creating awareness and developing culture and unity among the nation.

Abid Ali:
In today's world of communication, cinema's importance is increasing but unfortunately our cinema has gone into the wrong hands and they are making films without sense.

Humayun Saeed:
In my opinion, the revival of cinema is a healthy sign, especially for our country where people have no other source of entertainment and youngsters get themselves involved in immoral a