Screening of Suno Gup Shup

Friday, February 21, 2025 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | A-16 Academic Block, LUMS

The Gurmani Centre for Language and Literature recently hosted the screening of Suno Gup Shup, a documentary by Kamran Asdar Ali that revisits the legendary 1970s Pakistan Television (PTV) show Such Gup. The event offered a deep dive into the cultural and political legacy of one of the country's most influential satirical programs.

Such Gup was a trailblazing show that revolutionized political and social satire in Pakistan. Through its sharp wit, humorous skits, and bold commentary on bureaucratic inefficiencies, the education system, and politics, the program made a lasting impact on Pakistani television. Directed by Shoaib Hashmi, Such Gup—along with its sequel Taal Matol—set the foundation for later satirical shows like Fifty Fifty and Hum Sab Umeed Se Hain. Shoaib Hashmi, often credited as the pioneer of political satire in Pakistan, brought his expertise in theatre, his education from the London School of Economics, and his training from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts to shape a genre that was both intellectually stimulating and subversively entertaining.

The documentary Suno Gup Shup provided a rare and nostalgic reunion of the entire Such Gup cast, who reflected on their roles, the creative process, and the show’s deep political undercurrents. They shared their experiences of working under Hashmi’s direction, highlighting the humor, irony, and subtle critiques embedded in their performances. The film also shed light on how the show bravely addressed sensitive issues of its time, such as the liberation of Bangladesh and the plight of prisoners of war, in a manner that was simultaneously satirical and thought-provoking. The documentary paid tribute to the late Nayyara Noor, whose melodious and meaningful songs enriched Such Gup, further solidifying its place in Pakistan’s cultural memory.

Following the screening, an engaging discussion took place, featuring historian Ali Usman Qasmi and filmmaker Kamran Asdar Ali. Asdar Ali spoke about his motivation behind creating the documentary—to preserve Pakistan’s cultural history and honor the legacy of Such Gup. He also discussed the challenges faced in locating original scripts written by Shoaib Hashmi and the scarcity of archival footage available from Such Gup and Taal Matol. He shared how Navid Shahzad’s son generously provided studio space for the documentary’s production, a gesture that helped bring this significant project to life.

A key highlight of the discussion was the exploration of Such Gup’s distinct Lahori humor—marked by absurdity, irony, and an intelligent wit that set it apart from conventional satire. Panelists emphasized how the show’s humor was rooted in subtle critique rather than exaggerated caricatures, making its commentary on political and social issues even more powerful. They also touched on the challenges that Such Gup faced, including censorship and bans from various newspapers and press outlets, due to the show’s fearless engagement with contemporary issues.

The screening of Suno Gup Shup at the Gurmani Centre was a powerful and nostalgic journey into Pakistan’s television history. It not only celebrated the creative genius of Shoaib Hashmi and his team but also highlighted the enduring relevance of satire as a means of questioning authority and engaging with society. The event left the audience with a renewed appreciation for Pakistan’s rich comedic and political satire tradition, reinforcing the idea that humor remains a potent tool for social critique and cultural expression.