Shaan was recently at a CPEC ‘Cultural’ Event and was asked to speak. He took the stage and literally burned the government in front of Minister and State for Information and Broadcasting, Maryam Aurangzeb and other members of hakumat.
He went on his rant for about 15 minutes or so, and we listened to all of it and here are the highlights:
1. ‘Hum itne saalon se baatein kar rahay hai, aagay bhi inshAllah baatein ho hogi’
He started his speech with this line. Yup, it was a takedown of epic proportions, you guys!
2. He put the ‘elders’ of the film industry on blast.
Shaan said that the ‘past’ of Lollywood should be able to stand in front of the future with pride, however, that is not the case.
3. The issue with Indian movies
Shaan mentioned how people kept talking about how Indian movies need to be banned and then goes on to point at Maryam Aurangzeb. He says that since she’s the chairperson of the Punjab Censor Board she has the power to do these things, yet she doesn’t do it.
(PS: early on in his speech, he refers to Maryam as his ‘sister’ and someone whom he shares an incredibly personal relationship with)
4. He got into a little verbal disagreement with Zeba Ali
Zeba Ali is a veteran actress, and while it’s completely inaudible what she’s saying, Shaan fought back until he was told off by other older actors and told to ‘show some respect’.
5. The matter of 32 crore
Apparently, the government has announced a package worth 32 Crore PKR for the film industry. Shaan seems right through it and he doesn’t let them go easy.
’32 Crore humaray marham patti mein na istemaal karein, apne mahal pe lagale!’
6. Shaan also complained that those who are meant to listen to what he’s saying, aren’t bothered.
The host interrupted him to ask what the point of his speech is, and in response, he delivered this burn. At this moment it could be safe to say that Maryam regretted every decision she ever made.
7. He even attacked VIP Protocol
He said, coming into the event he wasn’t able to walk in because security was way too tight and the guards were putting the bigwigs of the film industry through quite a wait to get in. He addresses Maryam directly when he says ‘agar stars ko bulana ho tou ugli baar PM She-M bulanay ki koi zaroorat hai.’
So, Shaan went on for quite a while but his points were essentially the same. He really took the industry and the government by the collar and gave them a reality check. He may have crossed some lines but it was just entertaining to see him going after everyone, and clearly, the audience loved it!
He wasn’t the only one who voiced concern over the government and how they treat the industry. Babra Sharif and Sheema Kirmani took the stage and called on Maryam Aurangzeb to be more proactive in her dealings with the industry. They all went as far as saying ‘bas jhoot na bolay hum se!’
Guess this wasn’t a good night to be Maryam!