here has always been a dearth of quality books on history of Pakistani films; let alone the ones with profiles of eminent personalities. Ardent readers still consult Ganjay Farishtay, and Loud Speaker, a collection of caricatures by legendary short-story writer Saadat Hasan Manto. The ‘sketches’, mostly about the celebrities of the 1940s were written in the early ‘50s, and painted a clear picture of the culture of Bollywood.

Material regarding the golden days of what we know as Lollywood is almost nonexistent. Queries about the industry’s rise (the ‘50s), immense success (the ‘60s) and end of a love affair with East Pakistan (the ‘70s) are often met with cold silence. Most of those who had witnessed the ‘history in making’ are either dead or on their last legs, so the recently published Awaz Khazana Vol.5 by Atlantis Publications is the closest one could get to actual information. It is a collection of interviews where celebrities of the olden days give an account of their work, struggles and goals. Like its predecessors, it is a compilation of interviews preserved in Lutufullah Khan’s audio collection. Lutufullah Khan (1916-2012) had an enviable archive with precious voice recordings from the bygone era, most of which had been inaccessible for decades. The collection contained interviews with anyone one could think of; politicians, people from the entertainment industry, international stars and literary figures. Four volumes from the series Awaz Khazana were already published in 2022.

Transcribed under the able guidance of Dr. Muhammad Khurshid Abdullah, four volumes were composed of non-filmi figures, with the exception of music director/producer Khwaja Khursheed Anwar. The publication of volume five serves as the perfect well of information for those who want to go back in time. The interviews were conducted when Pakistan held both East and West wings, the film industry was booming, and cinema was part of the lifestyle. From researchers to film enthusiasts, the book features nearly everyone associated with the industry; music directors, lyricists, actors, producers and directors. Mostly conducted by the legendary broadcaster S.M.Saleem, the interviews are more of a trip down memory lane.

The book begins with interviews of senior actors Kumar (remembered for the role Sangtrash in K.Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam), and Shahnawaz, who had earlier worked in Bollywood. They share their experience as well as compare the work ethics in both India and Pakistan. The film volume also has rare interviews of actresses Zeba, Nayyar Sultana and Bahar from the very initial days of their careers. Zeba went on to become a box office queen in 60s and 70s, while Nayyar Sultana and Bahar excelled in character roles. With multiple interviews of actor/singer Noor Jehan, actor Darpan, comedian Nazar, leading lady Sabiha Khanum, famed ghazal singer Farida Khanum, actor/director Shamim Ara and character actor Saqi, the book also features rare interviews with actors Azad and Alauddin. Santosh Kumar’s interview was taken in the twilight of his career, where he could be heard promoting his own production Pak Daaman. Sabiha Khanum was appreciated for her dual role in the film; the use of contact lenses for the ‘evil’ look on Sabiha Khanum is still remembered by those who have seen the movie. Rafiq Rizvi, Zia Sarhadi, Shaukat Hussain Rizvi and W.Z.Ahmed also shed a light on the film-making, in Bollywood and Lollywood.

Awaz Khazana Volume 5 serves as the perfect well of information for those who want to go back in time. Mostly conducted by legendary broadcaster S.M.Saleem, the book features interviews with nearly everyone associated with the industry including music directors, lyricists, actors, producers and directors. They were taken when Pakistan held both East and West wings, the film industry was booming, and cinema was part of lifestyle.

Mention of leading actress Firdaus Begum and the nightingale from the East, Firdausi Begum may confuse the reader momentarily, but the brilliant interviews are taken in such a comfortable manner, that this minor confusion would not matter at all.

International movie star and renowned broadcaster Zia Mohyeddin and ace singer Lata Mangeshkar are surprise inclusion while actors Muhammad Ali, Sudhir, Waheed Murad, legendary writer Riaz Shahid, directors Hassan Tariq, Khalil Qaiser and Nazrul Islam are notable omissions from the list.

The 1970s were ruled by actresses Shabnam and Rani, but the interviews included in the book were conducted way too early in their careers. Rani was given just a few moments before the ‘talk’ shifted to Mukhtar Begum, her mentor. Mukhtar Begum happened to be married to the famed writer/director Agha Hashar Kashmiri and the interview diverted to the man known as the Shakespeare of Urdu drama. On the other hand, Shabnam was interviewed during her first trip to West Pakistan. She may have had a couple of hits in the East, but those were the days when she was still struggling with her Urdu diction. Shabnam’s husband, the legendary music director Robin Ghosh, also chipped in during the interview.

Shabnam’s frequent co-star Rehman’s interview serves as an eye-opener. Actor/Producer Rehman came to the recording studios, when he was on his way back from London, after the successful operation of his broken limb. He was recovering from an accident where he ended up losing one of his legs and was looking for some help from the film fraternity, regarding his own production Milan.

Legendary singer Ahmed Rushdi’s interview was recorded in 1964, a couple of years before he became the voice of Waheed Murad, Nadeem and Muhammad Ali. The three interviews of actor/producer Darpan give a clear picture of the flamboyant nature of the star, who returned to Pakistan after an unsuccessful four-year stint in Bollywood in the 1950s. He tasted success in the late ‘50s, eventually turning to production in the ‘60s. His non-professional attitude led to his downfall, and by the end of the decade, he was completely out of work. He eventually died young at the age of 51.

One does not often get to read about the first successful film director Anwar Kamal Pasha, and the book solves the problem. A former officer from excise and taxation, he was the son of Hakim Ahmed Shuja, a famed playwright and poet. Anwar Kamal Pasha in a fortunate position as director/producer, as his films happened to run successfully despite screening of Bollywood films in Pakistan.

Throughout the 604 pages, the book is filled with interesting anecdotes from the ‘horse’s mouth’, which is as interesting as talking to them. With more anecdotes than controversies, the book offers much to those who want to relive the past. It may not be what the reader needs but is something they have really wanted for ages.