Faisal Qureshi has long been known for his sharp, fast-paced and socially aware humour. From Kollege Jeans and the popular 3x3 sketches to some of Pakistan’s most memorable commercials, the writer, director and satirist has played an important role in shaping local comedy.
In a recent interview, Qureshi explained that his humour does not come from loud performance or slapstick comedy, but from careful observation. He described himself as a serious person who finds comedy in real-life situations.
“I take humour out of seriousness,” he said, adding that everyday human behaviour often becomes the starting point for his characters. Whether it is a small gesture, an unusual interaction or a strange attitude, Qureshi said he observes people closely and later turns those details into creative material.
He also spoke about the challenges facing Pakistan’s film industry, saying that cinema requires scale, investment and infrastructure. According to him, audiences go to cinemas to experience something larger than life, but Pakistani filmmakers often struggle with limited budgets, few training institutions and a shortage of screens.
Qureshi said the lack of cinemas makes it difficult for films to recover their costs. He noted that when several films are released at the same time, each receives a limited number of screens, making sustainable earnings difficult.
He added that many passionate people enter the industry but eventually become discouraged because there is no clear future or stable structure for creative professionals.
Despite these challenges, Qureshi said failure is a natural part of the creative process. He compared it to great artists whose masterpieces come after many unsuccessful attempts, saying every flop can become a step toward better work.
