During the fading moments of the Lahore film industry of the 90s, every passing year saw the movie business dwindle, with fewer films being made and the returns on investments getting progressively worse.

Despite the troubling scenario, the industry kept stumbling forward, with many new starlets venturing into the film business looking for that big break. To some of such ambitious newbies, it seemed the only way up the career ladder was by elbowing out the queen bee – or whoever else that stood between them and stardom. Taking potshots at star rivals was the norm, which besides settling scores or stirring a new feud also generated more media buzz than the sloppily produced films of that era could manage. The actresses got the attention they craved for – by hook or by crook, and mostly, by bayaanbazi and catfights.

Back to the future?

Fast forward 20 years, and it seems we are dealing with an unwelcome case of a blast from the past. While it seemed the two former reigning stars Reema and Meera had finally made peace, with the latter even agreeing to shoot for a promotional number for the former’s film Love Mein Ghum, their squabbles have reared their ugly head all over again. Just last year, the Reema and Meera rivalry took an ugly turn when the two divas had a bitter exchange at the Lahore Press Club in late February. Apparently, things got so heated that even a physical altercation was involved, with Meera later complaining bitterly that “Reema is jealous due to my popularity and professional work.” However, thenceforth Meera became quite occupied with the promotions of Baaji and the controversy seemed to have fizzled out.

That is, until now.

In an interview with EntertainmentPK, Meera criticized her formal rival rather brutally, questioning her entire stock of lineage. “I was always more concerned with Reema’s talent than her background. I never raised a finger at her background. But she could never become a complete actress,” is what the diva said, and this too was the least offensive of all the things the Salaakhain star stated. Perplexingly, Meera has had quite a good year, with her comeback performance winning kudos, and her special appearance in Parey Hut Love also generating a decent amount of buzz. So why try to stir the hornet’s nest now?

And then there’s the case of then-upcoming starlets of the 90s, Sana Fakhar and Noor Bukhari, who also happen to be real-life cousins. Over the years, the two have shared a tumultuous off-screen relationship, however, they seemed to have made peace and Sana was even signed by Noor to be part of her comeback film Ishq Positive.

In an interview with a satellite channel recently, when Sana was asked about her supposed feud with her cousin, she responded by saying that these squabbles were simply concocted by media-wallahs and were not true. However, only a few moments later when prodded to comment on Noor’s rumored fifth marriage, the Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa star cattily quipped: “This (i.e. Noor’s alleged marriage) seems to be old news, mere khayal mein un ki shaadi ka number ab bohat agey barh gya hoga. I am sure she has gotten married a few more times, by now.”

Noor chose to respond to Sana with more composure, saying: “I am very happy with my life, and am not even a part of show-business anymore so I don’t know why some people discuss me and take my name. I hope Allah sab ko hidayat de.” It seems all common sense and some level of maturity is thankfully not lost on the former queens of the Lahore industry, after all. Previously, the Ishq Positive actress had addressed the rumors regarding her tying the knot for the fifth time in an Instagram post where she said: “For God sake get a life. Doesn’t (the media) have any content then (sic) to discuss my life and me all the time?” Makes sense!

Final word

During the Lollywood era, it seemed most catfights were a result of turf-wars over the limited space in filmdom. However now, there are close to 50 movies that have been announced or are at various stages of production, therefore the mind boggles as to why we are witnessing the return of nasty politics that distracted the film fraternity previously from what it was supposed to do i.e. make quality films. Is it a case of media playing upon some uncontrollable impulses of certain celebrities, or the stars using such episodes to stay in the limelight? It might be a combination of both, from what we can tell, however for the industry as a whole it would be far healthier if stars maintained a professional decorum and refrained from personal attacks and mudslinging that more than anything, reflects poorly upon themselves. Here’s hoping that better sense prevails in tinsel town!