Pakistani actor’s stand against ‘item songs to sell movies’ has the Internet buzzing

Pakistani actor Hamza Ali Abbasi's Facebook post against 'item numbers to sell cinema' sparked many remarks in the comments' section, of which many reminded him of 'Jawani Phir Nahi Aani(JPNA)' — a 2015 film with 'bold scenes' in which he plays the lead.

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Hamza Ali Abbasi, a Pakistani theatre, film and television actor took to the social media to slam item numbers. (Source: Hamza Ali Abbasi/Facebook)

On and off, there has been a lot of debate and discussion around the objectification of women in item numbers in Bollywood movies. From music composer Pritam Chakraborty to actor Juhi Chawla, many from the fraternity and outside have slammed the trend. But this time, the debate is not in India, but in Pakistan. Hamza Ali Abbasi, a theatre, film and television actor took to social media to slam item numbers in Pakistani films.

In a Facebook post that he shared on Twitter as well, Abbasi wrote that it was disappointing to see brilliant Pakistani film-makers “use ITEM NUMBERS to sell their films”. While his post sparked many remarks in the comments’ section, with many reminding him of “Jawani Phir Nahi Aani(JPNA)” — a 2015 film with “bold scenes” in which he plays the lead. Replying to such comments, Abbasi edited his Facebook post and asked them to type in “Hamza Ali Abbasi JPNA” on Google to find out the exact truth.

According to a Dawn report, Abbas defined his involvement in the project as against his beliefs. He even resigned as the culture secretary of PTI following the release of the trailer of JPNA.

Read his Facebook post here.

“Its heart breaking and disappointing to see some brilliant Pakistani film makers still using ITEM NUMBERS to sell their films. How can the censor board allow such filth to run in cinemas and how can PEMRA allow this to be run on channels? Pakistani artists finally managed to get enough respect in the society that now young educated boys and girls from good families are coming into this field, please dont spoil this hard earned respect by putting on a flesh show and calling it glamour!!! Item songs degrade women and objectify them….which goes against the essence of Women’s Empowerment and Women’s Rights, our religion and our norms. (All those ignorant friends commenting about JPNA, please go to Google, type “Hamza Ali Abbasi JPNA” and you,ll get your answer)”

pic.twitter.com/huhyAqvkgA

— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) July 23, 2017

While Abbasi clearly took a stand against the objectification of women for ‘selling cinema’, some people interpreted it as a post against ‘women going against their culture’. Here are some of them.

Awesome Dear @iamhamzaabbasi that’s the Lines every Pakistani want to say. They should promote their own culture not any other 🙂

— LaiLa Afridi |🇵🇰 (@iLaila_Khan) July 23, 2017

Hmm its bad to see girls wearing short dresses in films.They should know that it’s totally insane.But they only want to earn money ☹️

— Remshah Ahmed Khan (@KhanRemshah) July 23, 2017

Hamza bhai u r right this is the serious issue . I request plz dont spoil my society for my generations we are nation makers now

— Ahlam Dreams (@ahlamdreams50) July 23, 2017

This is what others had to say.

The so called item songs don’t degrade a women’s position
But its ur own thinking how u see a women degrade a women’s image

— Jasleen (@jasleen_kaur22) July 23, 2017