Model-turned-actor and director Raeed Muhammad Alam recently appeared on a podcast where he shared his candid views on Pakistan's entertainment industry. He highlighted a shortage of genuine film heroes, stating that Fahad Mustafa is the only actor who has truly made it as a cinematic hero. Alam argued that while the industry is brimming with talented actors, true heroic presence on screen is rare.
Heroes vs. Actors: A Distinct Difference
Alam explained, “Our industry has mostly good actors, but we don't have heroes.” He elaborated that an actor can be anyone regardless of height, weight, skin color, or background—including TikTokers and influencers—but not everyone can be a hero. “For a hero, from the hair on their head to their toenails, they must carry a proper, good-looking presence, aura, and mannerism,” he said.
Industry's Reluctance to Invest in Talent
According to Alam, the industry remains stagnant because production houses are unwilling to invest in raw talent. “Heroes are made, and there is training for them. But who will take the risk? Everyone just wants a ready-made meal. If you have talent, pluck a boy or a girl, groom them for six to seven months, and cast them. But no one takes that risk,” he stated. This risk-aversion, he noted, is why the industry lacks genuine variety.
Fahad Mustafa: The Sole True Film Hero
Alam declared, “If we talk about a real film actor who has truly made it here, that is only and exclusively Fahad Mustafa.” He added, “Fahad knows how to carry himself, and he worked incredibly hard for it. But one person isn't enough, you need at least 15 to 20 heroes and heroines for an industry to develop and move forward.”
Blurring Lines Between Media
Discussing the technical execution of cinema, Alam observed that the lines between different media have blurred. Many modern stars balance high-fashion modeling and mainstream acting, but this transition has not translated well to the big screen. He cited a lingering influence of television on cinematography: “Most film direction here looks just like drama direction. That’s why it doesn't feel like a movie, it feels like a TV drama. Their shot-taking and production designs are identical.”
Digital Influencers and Acting Talent
When asked about digital influencers transitioning into mainstream media, Alam remained objective but noted that viral fame cannot substitute for emotional depth. “There's no restriction on who can enter. But they must have an innate acting sense,” he said. He emphasized, “Acting happens when your heart starts feeling it, and your mind starts understanding it. If you don't have that feeling inside you when a scene demands it, you cannot be an actor.”
Personal Journey: From ACCA to Filmmaking
Alam also shared that despite holding an ACCA qualification, he never considered a desk job. “I cannot do a standard job. Sitting in one place for two to three hours makes me incredibly restless. I feel like I'm wasting my time. I am mischievous, I need to be active, and I need to move.” This energy drove him to assist filmmaker Saqib Malik for nine years before stepping in front of the camera—a trajectory Alam said made him a far better artist. “I became a much better actor after becoming a director because I could see the flip side of the content. Showbiz is a book with many chapters, if you are a capable student, you can read multiple chapters. There is no rule saying that if you direct, you cannot act.”
Spiritual Reflection and Future Goals
Alam also addressed society's focus on commercial gain, urging a return to human empathy over financial greed. Recalling a turning point, he shared, “Some very bad, strange years happened in my life, call it evil eye, jealousy, or whatever. When you stay awake alone at night, you realise what you are losing and what you are gaining. Amid those trials, I came closer to Allah.” Moving forward, Alam has set his sights on long-term goals rather than short-term visibility. Over the next five years, audiences can expect him to transition to directing features. “In the end, my ultimate goal is the director's chair. I'll still do a couple of acting projects a year to stay close to my fans, but directing remains my favourite chapter in the book,” Alam concluded.
