In a reflective episode of a podcast interview, veteran artist Usman Peerzada sat down to look back at a career that spans over a decade of radio, television, theatre, film, and major cultural festivals.

The conversation moves between memory and meaning, but it stays rooted in one idea: art as a lifelong calling, not just a profession.

When asked about his biggest regret, Peerzada does not mention a missed role or a personal setback. Instead, he points to a larger cultural loss, the end of the World Performing Arts Festival. He recalls how it was built with years of effort, sacrifice, and collective energy, becoming a rare platform in Pakistan where international artists could meet, perform, and exchange ideas freely. For him, it was more than an event; it was a cultural bridge that once felt alive and expanding.

Sharing his thoughts on the effects, after 9/11 and the wave of conflict that followed in different parts of the world, the region was increasingly viewed as unsafe.

International artists stopped travelling, and slowly the festival became impossible to sustain. What remains for Peerzada is a deep sense of loss for something that required immense personal and creative investment.

Looking at today’s entertainment industry, he acknowledges how much it has grown in terms of output, especially in television drama. But he also points to a quieter concern: repetition.

In his view, storytelling often feels similar, with familiar faces and predictable patterns dominating screens. While the industry is active, he suggests it sometimes lacks freshness and variety in creative expression.

Still, his perspective is not pessimistic. He strongly believes that Pakistan is full of raw talent, especially in music and performance. For him, the real challenge is not the absence of ability, but the absence of structure and opportunities that allow that talent to fully evolve.

For the next generation entering the field, his message is direct. “The world is changing fast, and creative survival now depends on discipline, seriousness, and sustained hard work. Talent alone is not enough anymore.” Emphasising the need for vision, leaders who can imagine, build, and protect cultural spaces in a long-term way, rather than focusing only on short-term output.

In his most philosophical reflection, Peerzada expands the idea of creativity beyond the arts. He describes the artist as a “creative soul,” someone who carries a deeper purpose. For him, creativity exists in many forms, whether in art, science, teaching, or mathematics.

“Since God is the ultimate creator, anyone who creates is, in a way, participating in that divine act, making it not only an expression, but a responsibility; not just a career, but meaning,” he added.