Anyone familiar with Pashto dramas aired on Peshawar Television would recognize 'Kalashnikov Mama'. Rahim Shahzad, renowned for his portrayal of 'Kalashnikov Mama' in the Pashto drama 'Sargardan', broadcast by Pakistan Television Peshawar Center in 1998, hails from the Nowshera region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rahim Shahzad, popularly known as Kalashnikov Mama, boasts an extensive acting career, attributing his success to the unwavering support of his fans. He acknowledges that his acclaim is solely due to the admiration of the people who appreciate his work.
Receiving his early education in Karachi, Rahim Shahzad embarked on his career in theater in the same city. However, in 1981, he returned to his hometown of Nowshera to pursue his passion for acting through stage plays.
Reflecting on his family's encouragement, Rahim Shahzad recounts his father's desire for him to pursue higher education and enroll in college. Yet, inspired by the success of Badar Munir, an uneducated actor who made a name in the film industry, Rahim decided that his matriculation was sufficient. Supported by his father's understanding, Rahim was sent to Lahore to explore opportunities, as there were limited platforms for artists like him in Pakhtunkhwa at the time.
Recalling his early days in Lahore, Rahim Shahzad faced initial struggles securing roles, enduring a year-long period without work. However, his fortunes changed when he landed a role in 'Yousaf Khan Sherbano', a renowned Pashto film. Subsequently, he received numerous offers in the film industry, which he embraced enthusiastically.
'Kalashnikov Mama' reveals that he temporarily departed from the film industry in 1993 and 1994 due to the proliferation of pornographic content in films. Unwilling to compromise his values and unable to endorse movies unsuitable for family viewing, he decided to exit the industry during that period.
After returning to his village, time passed, and one day he received an opportunity to work with PTV. Rahim Shahzad recounts that he has contributed to numerous dramas on PTV, although he has lost track of the exact number. Among his notable works are "Sargardan," "Choorla Baba," and "Rogh Lewani."
His association with various television channels, including PTV, PTV National, Khyber TV, and TV Shamshad of Afghanistan, enriched his career. However, it was his portrayal of Kalashnikov Mama in "Sargardan" that earned him widespread recognition. Even youngsters who were not born during the drama's airing recognize him by that name, thanks to its frequent reruns on PTV.
PTV played a pivotal role in shaping Rahim Shahzad's career, propelling him back into the film industry. Subsequently, he appeared in numerous films and CD dramas. Presently, he collaborates with Arshad Khan and Arbaaz Khan in their film productions. Rahim Shahzad expresses gratitude for the continued vitality of Pashto films, contrasting the decline of Urdu and Punjabi cinema. Notably, artists from Punjab also contribute to Pashto films.
Commenting on the current economic challenges faced by artists, Rahim Shahzad acknowledges the support extended by the previous PTI government. Through an artist stipend scheme, artists received monthly payments of 30,000 rupees for nine months, followed by a similar arrangement for seven months. While this assistance alleviated financial strain for many unemployed and impoverished artists, Rahim Shahzad emphasizes the importance of creating employment opportunities rather than relying solely on charity.
Advocating for governmental intervention to address unemployment among artists, Rahim Shahzad calls for the revival of Nishtar Hall as a platform for artistic expression. He believes that reopening Nishtar Hall, known for hosting plays in the past, would provide a vital source of livelihood for struggling artists in need of opportunities to showcase their talents.
