WHILE there is a ban on Bollywood movies in our cinemas, I think it would be appropriate if old Lollywood or Hollywood classics were revived.

Most cinemas owners have said that they face tremendous losses as the general public craves Bollywood’s latest blockbusters.

Last week, we watched Saqib Malik’s Baaji which has received interesting reviews. Without going into the review of this one, I was reminded of another old film called Baaji starring Shamim Ara and Nayyar Sultana. The very unusual storyline, the lilting music and songs continue to haunt us. Same goes for Waheed Murad’s Armaan, Ehsaan and so many more of that time and era.

The new generation is totally oblivious to the glorious period of Pakistani cinema. It is imperative for us to ensure that our children enjoy movies we grew up watching. If this is not technically possible then perhaps old Hollywood movies like Ben Hur, Lawrence of Arabia, Gone with the Wind or An Affair to Remember could be screened.

Our entertainment-starved society needs to be kept alive and movies provide the best escape after a long day of hard work or weekend.

Talat Rahim

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2019