The much touted term revival of Pakistani cinema brought with it some side effects too; one of them being the actors from the 90s and earlier getting fewer and fewer acting jobs.

The reasons behind this trend have been many. Firstly, the major chunk of the industry shifted to Karachi that made it difficult for the old school actors to get new projects. Secondly, there has also been an unhealthy trend amongst the new age film-makers to not cast the actors from the ‘Lollywood Era’ in their projects.

This issue has been raised at multiple occasions and forums by many and it was highlighted that these actors are unjustifiably neglected when it comes to acting jobs. Noted director, Saqib Malik, who is coming with his directorial debut Baji, is one of such people who highlighted this issue and even cast some of the old school actors in the same. Baji, in fact, is based on the aforementioned trend, to some extent. 

Here is a list of all the old school Lollywood actors who will be seen on the big screen this year, thus putting an end to this rather unjustified trend:

Meera in Baji and Parey Hut Love

Among the leading ladies of the 90s Lollywood, Meera seems to be taking a bigger slice of the cake after having bagged one of the leading roles in Saqib Malik’s much awaited film, Baji. In addition to that, she will also be seen shaking a leg in one of the wedding songs in, Shehryar Munawar, Maya Ali starer, Parey Hut Love.

Zara Sheikh in Heer Maan Ja

From her hit films like Tere Pyar Mein, Salakhein to her being the first choice of multiple ad campaigns, Zara pretty much ruled the screens with whatever limited space was available, back in her time. After a prolonged sabbatical, the lady is back again and will feature in one of the dance numbers (and she may be playing one of the characters too) in Hareem Farooq’s Eid release Heer Maan Ja.

Babar Ali in The Legend of Maula Jatt

The actor who started as a lead actor, in PTV’s hit TV show, based on Muhammad Bin Qasim, and later turned to cinema with hit films Like Jeeva and Ghar Kab Aaoge, has been missing from our cinema screens from quite some time now. The actor actually left Pakistan a while ago, because of some personal issues. However, he will soon be seen in Bilal Lashari’s much-awaited The Legend of Maula Jatt in a special cameo.

Resham in The Legend of Maula Jatt

Like Babar Ali, Resham also started her career from TV and later was introduced to films by Syed Noor wherein she featured in hits like Jeeva, Sangam Ghunghat and many others.

The lady made a comeback with a forgettable flick Swaarangi in 2015 and then remained absent from the scene. She, however, will now be seen in a cameo in The Legend of Maula Jatt.

Saud in Delhi Gate

Saud – one of the critically acclaimed film actors of the 90s – starred in countless films such as Ashiqi Khel Nahi, Pal Do Pal and Salakhen. His most recent appearance was in Noor Bukhari directorial Ishq Positive. The actor will now be seen again soon in a film called Delhi Gate, directed by Nadeem Cheema.

Sana Fakhar in Wrong No. 2

The leading lady of Pakistan’s first digital film Ye Dil Apka Hua moved to TV and earned various accolades after the film making activities dwindled in the country. She did a supporting role in the forgettable flick Jackpot and also starred in some equally forgettable dance numbers in a few films. The lady will now be coming back to big screens in a special supporting role in Wrong number 2, directed by Yasir Nawaz .

Nisho Jee in Baji

Nisho Begum remained a popular face in the golden age of Pakistani cinema. She is Afzal Khan Rambo’s (the voice behind Donkey King’s Mangu) mother in-law and Sahiba’s mother, another acclaimed actress from the 90s Lollywood.

Shaan Shahid in Zarrar

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The versatile Shaan Shahid has never been out of the film business and is amongst the few faces who remained relevant across pre and post-transition that Pakistani cinema went through. Although, his Film Arth 2 didn’t do well at the box office, he is coming back with another directorial – the much awaited Zarrar – an action spy thriller, releasing this Eid-ul-Adha.

Reema in a film opposite Shaan

Reema has remained one the most popular faces of Lollywood over the past three decades. Starting from Bulandi opposite Shaan which made the two stars a household name, the lady later forayed into direction with Koi Tujh Sa Kahan with reasonable success.

She has been absent from screens post Love Mein Ghum but is soon expected to get back to the big screen with a film that will feature Shaan as well. The work on film may start soon and it will be a romantic comedy.

Faisal Qureshi in Sorry – A Love Story

Not a lot of people know that besides TV, Faisal Qureshi made a foray into films as well, albeit with limited success. He starred in the first Sindhi language film too. The actor is all set to try his luck again with a Sohail Javed directorial Sorry – A love story. He’s also supposed to have cameos in Baji and Mahira Khan starer Superstar.

Here is hoping that all the above actors succeed in their respective stints. GL wishes them the best of luck.