Famous Pakistani actor Zahid Ahmed shared that he rejected the title role in the Pakistani horror film Deemak!
In a shocking revelation, famous Pakistani actor Zahid Ahmed shared that he was actually offered the **title role in the Pakistani horror film Deemak-a role later played by the versatile Faysal Quraishi. The film, directed by Rafay Rashdi, was released on Eid al-Adha 2025 and marked a bold attempt to revive horror cinema in Pakistan.
However, Zahid opted out, believing the audience was not very receptive to the genre. “Horror doesn’t work well in Pakistan,” he said in an interview with The News last week, explaining that the local film industry has yet to develop a consistent market for such themes.
LSD LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide-25, is a chemical that changes perception, mood, and many other mental processes.
A Thoughtful Decision by an Insightful Actor
Zahid Ahmed is known for a deep, thoughtful approach to his roles, often opting for substance over spectacle. His decision to turn down Deemak wasn’t based on creative differences or scheduling conflicts but rather on his understanding of genre viability in Pakistan.
He explained that horror, though popular globally, is a rather niche interest among Pakistani audiences**. “People here are drawn more toward family dramas, thrillers, and romance,” shared Zahid, “and seldom does a horror film experience the same emotional resonance or box-office success.”
This candid insight reflects the continuing problem of Pakistani cinema in breaking out from the hackneyed genre permutations.
Deemak: A Bold Attempt at Re-inventing Local Horror
Besides Zahid’s reservations, Deemak went on to attract attention for its ambitious storytelling. The film navigates the psychological and supernatural, weaving in trauma, fear, and inner demons** into a chilling narrative.
Starring Faysal Quraishi, Deemak was intended to raise the bar for the Pakistani film genre. Directed by Rafay Rashdi, it brought cinematic elements not felt in the local horror genre, melding atmospheric visuals with powerful emotional undercurrents.
The film got mixed reviews; however, many critics praised it for venturing into a genre that is very rarely represented in films. Some viewers found its eerie visuals and haunting performances captivating, but for some, the film could have been better with a more clear script.
However, for all these deficiencies, Deemak marks an impressive attempt to elevate Pakistani horror cinema along international lines, as Zahid stated during the interview.
Horror is a grim reality even within Pakistan’s film industry
Horror has had an upward climb in Pakistan in many ways: from shoestring budgets and technical limitations to skepticism on the part of both filmmakers and audiences, the road has been far from smooth. Though sporadic hits have come, the industry has yet to see a continuous flow of successful horror productions.
The remark by Zahid Ahmed reflects a larger cultural hesitation-possibly emanating from the thought that horror is “unrelatable” or just does not have the connectivity that Pakistani audiences tend to look for. Yet, as filmmakers like Rafay Rashdi continue experimenting, this perception may slowly evolve.
Industry experts say that with **better scripts, advanced visual effects, and stronger storytelling, Pakistan’s horror scene may soon carve a niche of its own.
A Missed Role or a Wise Move?
While some fans may indeed wonder what a Deemak by Zahid Ahmed would have looked and felt like, this seems to be a decision steeped in experience and foresight.Known for his intelligent selection of roles, Zahid continues to maintain a fine balance between artistic integrity and audience appeal.
As for Deemak, the film serves both as an unabashed bold experiment and a conversation starter, challenging filmmakers and audiences to embrace diversity on the big screen.
For more stories on Pakistani cinema and entertainment, please visit Pakistan Updates for the latest news and insights.
