Amjad Hadi Yousafzai
“In Pakistan, you have to die to become a legend.” This remark is often attributed to renowned singer Atif Aslam, and it reflects a bitter truth. In our society, individuals associated with the arts are rarely granted the recognition and respect they deserve during their lifetime. More often than not, artists struggle in obscurity and neglect throughout their careers, only to be celebrated with awards, ceremonies, and glowing tributes after their passing.
Contrary to this prevailing trend, Aziz Tabassum” the founding director of the Pashto film industry” is among those fortunate artists who not only received a Presidential Award during his lifetime but were also recently honored at a grand official ceremony. This initiative is commendable, as it challenges the tradition of recognizing our heroes only when it is too late.
In 1970, at a time when Pakistani cinema was facing numerous challenges, Aziz Tabassum directed the first successful Pashto film” Yousaf Khan Sherbano”. In doing so, he did not merely create a film, he laid the foundation of an entire industry. The film gave the Pashto language a strong presence on the silver screen and played a key role in integrating regional cinema into the national mainstream. According to Professor Hanif Khalil, the film was produced at a cost of approximately 300,000 rupees but generated 4 million rupees in revenuean extraordinary achievement for that era. It ran continuously in cinemas for 55 weeks, proving that films made in regional languages could achieve remarkable commercial success.
A ceremony titled “Tribute to the Icon That Shaped the Pashto Film Industry” was held at Nishtar Hall, organized jointly by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, the Global Pashto Jirga, and Colors of Life. A large number of local artists, writers, film personalities, and admirers attended the event to pay glowing tribute to Aziz Tabassum’s services.
During the ceremony, video clips from his superhit films were screened, transporting the audience back to the golden era of the 1970s. A short documentary highlighting his artistic journey, struggles, and achievements was also presented. A performance by Nadia Khan and Yousaf Khan on a popular song from the film Adam Khan Dar Khanai energized the gathering. Additionally, Faisal Khayal, son of Ustad Khayal Muhammad, and Mashal Khan, grandson of Hidayatullah, captivated the audience with live singing. An exhibition of posters from Aziz Tabassum’s films also drew significant attention, reviving memories of the golden age of Pashto cinema.
Veteran film stars including Asif Khan, Aman Khan, Jameel Babar, and Ajab Gul shared their thoughts at the event. They noted that although cinema culture worldwide faces challenges, filmmakers abroad continue to move forward by adopting modern technology and contemporary demands. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s film industry has struggled to keep pace with changing times, resulting in its current state of decline. They emphasized that Aziz Tabassum served the Pashto film industry in an era when modern cameras, technical facilities, and large budgets were unavailable. Despite these limitations, he directed 42 superhit Pashto films and eight Urdu films, setting a remarkable example. He also introduced legendary artists such as Badar Munir, Baidar Bakht, Yasmeen Khan, and Naimat Sarhadi to the industry.
Eighty-year-old Aziz Tabassum expressed his gratitude to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority and literary figures, saying that recognition of his work during his lifetime was a matter of great pride for him. The gratitude and contentment visible in his eyes testified to the fact that acknowledgment during one’s life is more meaningful than any posthumous honor.
This ceremony was not merely a tribute to an individual; it was also a declaration that we must learn to honor our artists while they are still alive. If we truly value our culture, language, and arts, we must encourage and appreciate our creators during their lifetimes so that death is no longer a prerequisite for becoming a “legend.” Atif Aslam’s remark reflects a harsh reality, but the ceremony honoring Aziz Tabassum shines as a ray of hope. Perhaps we are slowly learning that nations progress by celebrating their heroes while they are still among them, not by remembering them only after they are gone.
