KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi has underscored the need to prioritize local entertainment content over foreign productions, highlighting that Pakistani television dramas frequently outperform major international streaming series in terms of global viewership on YouTube.
Appearing on a recent podcast, Quraishi pointed out that Pakistani dramas attract millions of global viewers across free digital platforms. “If you look at our episodes on YouTube and compare them to an episode on Netflix, ours would have more views,” he stated. Noting that Pakistani serials successfully compete with global streaming giants due to their extensive episode counts, the actor added that every country naturally prioritizes its own entertainment ecosystem.
Discussing regional media dynamics, Quraishi remarked on India’s decision not to air Pakistani television serials, attributing it to the competitive threat they pose and India’s focus on retaining local narratives. Despite this, he expressed support for Pakistani artists like Mawra Hocane who have crossed over to work in the Indian entertainment industry.
Turning to the film sector, Quraishi emphasized the necessity of higher production budgets and delivering on audience expectations to ensure box office success. “If we make people spend Rs2,000 at the cinema, they want to get what they are promised,” he noted, stressing that emotional resonance is key.
Furthermore, the acclaimed actor strongly advocated for the introduction of a proper royalty system for performers, arguing that creators rightfully deserve a share of the revenue generated by their work. He urged fellow artists to stand up for their rights and push for systemic changes that benefit future generations of creators.
On the career front, Quraishi is gearing up for his upcoming television drama Wafa Jurm Ho Jaise, following his recent critically acclaimed performances in Behroopia and Khaie.
