“The entertainment industry needs to help redefine masculinity in the country, and create a positive image of Pakistani men around the world” – Adnan Malik
Adnan’s character in film ‘Cake’ is a vital and important development in our rather decaying Lollywood industry, where masculinity has become a distorted commodity we sell to our viewers. Adnan Malik’s incredibly unique and refreshing take on the ‘typical Pakistani man’ in breathtaking film ‘Cake’ is laudable. His character, Romeo is sensitive, compassionate and barely raises a voice yet throughout the entire film still stands tall with a backbone far more burly and strapping than any on-screen male character we’ve all seen in a while. The actor sat down with ‘BBC Asian Network’ and raised incredibly valid questions and points, addressing Pakistani male mentality and chauvinism, not only on-screen but in reality too
Men in Pakistan lack a bundle of essential feelings; aggression and a sense of patriarchy loom over a perishing sense of empathy and tenderness
He correctly questioned the dearth of men who did respect women, regardless of relation, be it in our dramas, our films or even in reality
The actor brought up the heated debate around consent, that’s currently being discussed on an international level too, in the wake of sexual allegations and harassment against women in Hollywood
Adnan rightfully stated that “more diverse representations on-screen will help teach boys how to treat women”
Television and film do shape our thoughts, there’s no question about it. Whether you’re an avid film buff or a passerby in the realm of Pakistani entertainment, subconsciously what we see slowly carves into our thoughts – and notably in Pakistan, what we see on-screen more often than not does stem from a harsh reality (many socially-driven dramas, like ‘Udaari’ or ‘Chup Raho’, are just a few examples that provide reasonable fidelity).
He urged for the need for role models like Romeo because the visual medium is often swept aside as merely for entertainment, and nothing really more
Yes, that’s the primary purpose, but it barely scratches the surface. Cinema, television, even advertisements are a deeper kernel to change. These are indispensable channels that can help change the world.
He said how he isn’t particularly keen on doing anything that’s “morally repugnant unless it’s consciously done that way, and then I know I’m playing a dark character”
The actor expressed how most men are pretty much a breed born to impress through a display of boldness – and it’s this very trait that must be extinguished
He admitted that he will only take up roles that fit into his moral didactic compass
The actor gave Mahira Khan as an example of a very strong prototype representing Pakistani women, and the same must be emulated for men
We’re wondering the same thing too, Adnan, truly
Watch the riveting statements Adnan Malik makes in the full interview with ‘BBC Asian Network’
Have you seen ‘Cake?’ We have, and it’s revolutionizing for Lollywood, and we urge you support Pakistani cinema and watch it too!