Interview with Fariha Rashed

Published in The Saturday Post Issue 201

Meet Fariha Rashed, the owner and CEO of a quarterly, in print magazine called Ink. She is a freelance writer and has written for many publications like Libas, FAQ, The Khaleej Times, Times of India, Anokhi Vibe, Lucire, and Images (Dawn). She has quite a diversified profile and various interests. She is a senior partner at Pitch Media Inc., a project she runs with her design partner. Read more to learn more about Fariha’s projects and where she derives her inspiration from.

By Sadaf Fayyaz

 

 

 

How would you introduce yourself and your work to our readers?

I would introduce myself as a person who is passionate about any work she takes up, especially when she initiates something herself, such as Ink [a quarterly, print & online, entertainment based magazine]. Ink is a labor of love. :)

Tell us something about your education and childhood.

I was moving around a lot from country to country as my father was in Foreign Service. Hence, I have studied in many different systems across the world. As a child, I was also very quiet and reserved.

When did you start writing? What was the inspiration behind it?

I began writing after I graduated from Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) in 2003. I was inspired by fashion, and wrote most articles related to the topic when I started out as a freelancer.

Tell us something about INK.

 

 

It was launched in the market in November 2008. It’s a quarterly, print and online [http://www.ink-on-the-web.com] magazine which covers all aspects of entertainment, locally and internationally. We have writers from and correspondents based all around the world. Our tagline is 'Whatever Entertains You' and every Ink issue has a new theme, based on entertainment.

What is the motivation and inspiration behind INK?

The motivation comes from the will to bring something new into the market. The inspiration is all the great talent inherent in Pakistan.

Tell us something about your freelance work.

Before I began Ink, I had been writing as a freelancer for various local and international publications for five years.

What is your biggest passion?

Doing something worthwhile in life!

Discuss your work on "Mind The Gap" and "A Mighty Heart". How was the experience?

“Mind The Gap” was a talk show of sorts, dealing with the communication gap inherent between children and their parents, due to the age gap. It was a show I worked on as a part of the Production team, while working at GEO TV some years ago. The show was aired and I believe was quite a success. The experience was exciting!

I worked as Assistant Costumes, for the movie “A Mighty Heart”, while Director Michael Winterbottom was shooting in Pakistan for three days. The experience was eye-opening as for the first time I realized and learnt what a professional, united team works like.

Tell us something about your art work. How do you define art in your own words?

Art is something I always did as a hobby, as it relaxes me. For me, art is best explained in Eckhart Tolle's words, "All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness."

Out of painting, writing, photographing, editing, fashion designing, which acumen defines you the most? Why?

All of them put together define me best and most accurately, I can never be happy pursuing one path only.

What acts as your source of inspiration?

Hard work and dedication!

Tell a little about your work at Pitch Media Inc.

Pitch Media Inc. is a project by Ink, it is primarily a design and PR company run by myself and my partner Haroon Khan who is a graduate [with honors] of NCA. He takes care of the design side and I take care of the PR / Marketing side. We create brand identities, layouts and designs for print & electronic media, written content and much more.

Having a diverse profile, how would you explain your family's support towards your career?

My family has always been supportive. They like to see me work hard and do what I love doing. They have never tried to discourage me from anything. My mother and sister in particular have been amazing support systems throughout.

Any obstacles so far, that you faced being a female?

Not really - you have to stand your ground and be confident as a human being and everyone will respect you, whether you are a man or a woman.

How much do you believe in woman empowerment?

I believe every woman is empowered - she just has to recognize and act on it.

How do you take critiques on your work?

I welcome them, as long as they are constructive.

What is your biggest desire and expectation from life?

Well, my biggest desire is to succeed at every step of life.

What is your message for the readers of The Saturday Post?

Thank you for reading through this interview and God Bless!

Interview with Mehr Hassan

Published in The Saturday Post, Issue 199

by

Sadaf Fayyaz

Meet Mehrunnisa (Mehr) Hassan, a brilliant actress who has worked in films in South India, Bollywood, Hollywood and Lahore. While her calling is film work, she is also an internationally recognized dancer and has won several awards for her videos and dance performances with her Guru Ustad Samrat. Her versatility comes from many dimensions such as acting, modeling, singing and dancing.

Tell something about your childhood and education.

I was born and raised primarily in the US though my family made frequent trips to South Asia during summer and winter breaks. I received two double promotions in my formative years and ended up in college at the age of fifteen.
I was originally studying to be a psychiatrist! However, I always had an inclination towards acting and performance, and I decided to pursue acting as a major instead. I specialized in Shakespeare and other period works. While I was in college, I went to India for a break and started my career in South Indian films. Until I graduated, I used to study during the semester and do film work in the summers.

Tell something about your dance training.

In the US, there is a lot of emphasis on art training from one’s formative years, so I was exposed to different types of dancing (ballet, jazz, modern etc) at a fairly young age. I started my formal training with my Kathak Ustad (Ustad Samrat) when I was about twelve years old.

What is your inspiration?

In reference to dance, it comes from my Guru Ustad Samrat. As far as acting is concerned, I have been very fortunate to have had many mentors in the course of my journey. Dr. Tompkins in particular had a great deal of impact on my decision to pursue acting as a profession.

ou enjoy the most? Why?

(Laughing) You left out singing! Each one offers fulfillment to a different aspect of creativity. I started dancing before I could even walk properly, so I suppose that is my first “natural” love. I adore acting also; it allows me the opportunity to see life thru the eyes of my character. There is a great deal of cross over between the various forms of art. There is a lot of acting in dance, and my dance training has helped me tremendously in the technical aspects of acting, especially in film. I recently started composing and singing songs as well, and that allows for the tapping and exploration of a different creative source within. I am not terribly fond of modeling unless I am working with a photographer with highly innovative ideas. That experience also varies according to different photographers, though I am not complaining because I have had the privilege of working with some of the best.

You mentioned singing; tell us a bit about that.

During my training with my Ustad, he would often make me recite classical ‘gaths’ and ‘torras’ for the pieces that we were to perform on stage or in videos. Also, in some of his own compositions and studio recordings, he asked me to perform some of the vocal recitation. That’s how I started singing. I had some vocal training from doing musical theatre and have always enjoyed writing poems and short stories. I decided to try and combine writing and music. I have been working on my own debut album for the past few months and hope to release it in 2010.

You have leant so many forms of dancing, which one is the most challenging and difficult one?

Each form offers its own set of challenges. I think Kathak is one of the most detailed forms of dance and the most enjoyable genre for me personally; it is also the most challenging one as well.

Which out of modeling, acting, dancing and singing do you find the most challenging?

There are challenges that one really enjoys. I adore the creative process of breaking down a character in acting or understanding the intricacies of movement in dance. Singing is new to me, so I’m enjoying the challenge of acquiring the technical knowledge needed to present my style of singing well. Modeling is also challenging because I have little patience for it and it depends on the photographer I am working with.

Share your experience of working with Samina Peerzada in film Shararat.

I think Samina Peerzada is a really talented director and a lovely person. Unfortunately, Shararat for many reasons (too many to list here) didn’t turn out to be the best vehicle to display her abilities as a director or mine as an actor. Nevertheless, it was the first time I got the opportunity to work under the direction of a female, and that too with my leading an all star cast, which was quite educational.

You were flown in from the US for Ijaz Bajwa’s directorial debut Channa Sachi Muchi. How was that experience?

It was amazing. I think he is an exceptional producer/director. He asked me to come in to do a special appearance for CSM and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The choreographer for the piece was Khannu Samrat and I was thrilled to be working with him again on a film, post Shararat. He is a brilliant dance director. We all worked really hard and I am hopeful that audiences will Inshallah enjoy the results.

Out of all your films, which one is your favorite?

I love each role that I have had the privilege to portray, but the character I enjoyed most because of its complexity was in “The Gold Bracelet”. The film is about a Sikh-American family and the effects of 9/11 on them. It was a unique and heartfelt perspective.

Your performance is influenced by…

It depends on each individual piece. My greatest influence in dance has been my Ustad. In acting it depends on the nature of the role. Anything can inspire you. Sometimes watching a child reacting to something can help me gain insight or sometimes watching complete strangers on the street can inspire me. It just depends on the details and requirements of the performance.

How did your family support you in continuing your career?

My mother has been my biggest strength, not only in terms of my career but also in my life. She is a true visionary lady and has been very exceptional herself in her own field of work. She has been my greatest source of inspiration.

Share a few lines on your upcoming Hollywood film Heartland. When it will be out?

Heart Land is a romantic comedy. It was directed by two time Emmy winner Fred Holmes. It is a very funny film and one that I particularly enjoyed because I seldom get to do comedy. It was an honor to work with such an esteemed director. The film is currently in post production and is set to release later this year.

Who are your favorite actors?

I don’t really have favorite actors, but I enjoy actors in particular roles. I suppose amongst the actors that I have found to give the most consistent performances in terms of what I have enjoyed are: Meryl Streep, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino. In South Asia, I like Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Tabu and Naseeruddin Shah.

Is there any specific role that you have a great desire to play?

There are many, I would love to do an action flick. I would love to do a role that revolved around classical dance. In general, I am most drawn to strong female characters that show independence and a strong spirit.

What is your source of motivation?

The fire within!

What is your biggest desire as an artist?

It is to be able to use art as a means of both entertainment and education. One has a unique opportunity as an artist to move people that one has never even met to a higher state of consciousness and awareness. I hope to have in my body of work, at least some pieces that have been able to have a positive influence on society.

With whom are you working with?

I am working on many projects! I am in the final phases of completing my first audio album and quite excited about it. In dance, I am continuing my work with my Ustad. In film, I have four releases lined up for 2010 so far (two in Hollywood, one in India and one in Pakistan), with more to come.

How do you take criticism?

I take it as an opportunity for exploring the inner self, learning and growing.

What is your biggest expectation?

My biggest hope is that I am able to influence and motivate those that enjoy my work to work for the greater good of humankind. I strongly feel that we are all essentially connected and that love, understanding and tolerance are the common denominators to which we must all learn to adhere.

Lastly, what is your message to readers of The Saturday Post?

The person you are going to spend the most amount of time with in your life is yourself. Find your joy, your passion, your truth, your inner voice and let it be the light that guides you.

Interview with Faraz Inam of Alpha Bravo Charlie

Published in The Saturday Post, Issue 196
Interview by Sadaf Fayyaz

Meet Faraz Inam, the actor from the legendary drama serials Sunehray Din and Alpha Bravo Chalie. We had the opportunity to catch up with Faraz and learn of his experiences working in these dramas and what he’s up to these days.

Tell something about your education and background.

I was born in Oct 1970 in Rawalpindi. My childhood was spent at various PAF Bases since my father was a fighter pilot. I completed my BComm from Islamabad in 1991, and in 1996 I graduated with a Masters in Business Administration from LUMS. I am currently working in an Abu Dhabi Bank and managing a Corporate Unit in Dubai. I am married with three kids.

Tell something about your first drama and acting experience:

I was given the opportunity by chance when a friend of mine had the role in Sunehray Din, but he had to back out as he was leaving to study abroad. He referred my name to Shoaib Mansoor who then called me for an audition and then eventually offered me the role of GC Faraz. Alpha Bravo Charlie was a natural progression to Sunehrey Din since the role of Captain Faraz was a continuation of GC Faraz.

What was response from your family when you started acting?

My parents were very supportive, but they were also concerned whether acting would impact my studies since I was doing my Bachelor’s at the time.

What was your first reaction before camera?

I was never camera shy and I didn’t even consider that I was acting in front of a camera. Shoaib Mansoor kept the shooting atmosphere as low key as possible. He would tell us not to act, but to react to situations that he described to us, which allowed us to act more naturally.

What was the response when these two serials aired?

Both of the serials got a very good response as there was a sense of belonging towards the army amongst the younger generation and their parents. The serials reflected how young men in the Pakistani army spent their lives and how they got trained. This project was given to Shoaib Mansoor by ISPR in order to provide a glimpse into cadets’ lives. I’ve heard that after ABC was aired, many young men felt inspired to join the forces, and that is a great achievement of this play.

Out of all the co-stars, with whom did you enjoy working the most?

I enjoyed working with Abdullah because we had quite a number of scenes together. Working with the rest of the crew was also a great experience.

These two plays are legends of Pakistan now, what response did you get when these aired?

People were very kind to give us a lot of accolade and respect. It was nice of them to come up to me and praise the serials and our work in it.

What was your inspiration while acting in these two plays?

I had idolized a life in uniform for myself; these drama serials allowed me to act the life I had always fantasized of. Perhaps that was my inspiration for working in these plays.

If there is a part three of these series, would you like to work in it?

If there were a third part to the series, Faraz would definitely be playing a role in it. I don’t know to what extent it’ll become a reality, but I would certainly like to consider playing my part in the third serial as well. All I would need to do prior to that would be getting a hair transplant and losing some weight (laughs)!

How did you take critics on your work?

Interestingly, I have not had the privilege of having my acting critiqued, but I would definitely take it positively if the opportunity came my way.

What is your biggest desire?

(Hazaron Khawahishain aisee kay har khawahish pay dum niklay, bohut niklay mairay armaan laikin phir bhi kum niklay.) On a serious note, I would like to do more for my nation by either joining politics or a welfare organization.

Lastly, what is your message to the readers of The Saturday Post?

Our country Pakistan is passing through a very challenging phase. We are actually fighting for our identity envisaged by our founding father Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Despair, despondency and disaster are prevailing in our country. In such a situation, we as individuals should try to reach our goals and targets, which would sum up to the collective success as a nation. Believe in yourself and have faith in God.

Interview with Shahvar Ali Khan

Published in The Saturday Post, Issue 194


by Sadaf Fayyaz


Meet Shahvar Ali Khan, a newcomer in Pakistan's music industry. Leaving his corporate career, Shavar has embarked on a journey to do what he's always wanted - create soulful music. His song No Saazish, No Jang, has created much buzz not only in Pakistan but across the border as well. Read on to learn more about this talented singer, his inspirations and goals in life...

Tell us a bit about your background - your education and childhood.

I have done Bachelors of Arts (Honors) in Economics and International Studies from Trinity College, USA. I am still a child, but to answer your question I am a typical Lahorite. I did my schooling and high school from USA.

Tell us something about your musical training.

I am trying to learn classical from Ustad Basharat Hussain, athough I don’t think I would be able to learn it in this lifetime. The more you get into music, the more you realize that you know absolutely nothing.

What was your family’s response when you started music?

They encouraged me a lot since my parents themselves are artists and NCA graduates. I would say that the support has been unbounded and immense. The penchant to do something ‘creative’ is to some extent innate.

Does your music spread love or peace or both?

I aspire to be a “People’s” songwriter-singer and hence believe in writing and singing peace anthems, and concurrently, clichéd romantic songs that can be sung around trees. In terms of lyrics my mentors are Sahir Ludhianvi and Javed Akhtar who have given us the best revolutionary and romantic stuff. As long as my music emotionally resonates with the common man on the road, I would be content. Frankly, I have not been able to understand neither peace nor love up till this point. I am in love with the very idea of falling in love and romanticize about peace. Some people say I have a sense of peace in my voice, but if I say anything more than this, it would be deemed as too much of a self-obsession, so let me stop here.

What were the initial difficulties that you faced?

I am still very much in the initial phase of my career. Whatever little recognition that I have received from both sides of the border has been purely based on word of mouth and through the spread of the song No Saazish, No Jang on social networking sites and some air play on radio too. I thank all my friends for supporting me. I guess the most difficult aspect of my struggle has been giving up on a settled corporate secure career (9 to 5 day job). I remember the day I gave back the keys of my air conditioned company car and found myself strolling on the road within seconds. Many felt that I was wasting my education, my degree by throwing away a secure career, but that is the trade-off required to aspire for greener pastures.

There is so much competition in music industry, where do you see yourself after some years?

I am not here to compete with anyone at all; I just realize my own potential. I know that there are very competent singers, lyricists and far better musicians around, I just aspire to connect with my audience creatively. As a student of consumer behavior, I try to understand the pulse of our times. I want to position myself as a combination of a songwriter-singer.

In which language do you love singing?

I love singing in Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.

How often do you jam?

I try to practice every day. The day I don’t practice, I can’t sing. I am not a very spontaneous artist. Things have to be really planned and rehearsed in my case to perform.

What is your inspiration?

My inspiration in terms of singing comes from Hemant Kumar, Muhammad Rafi, Geeta Dutt, Saleem Raza, Ahmed Rushdie, Asha, Nayarra Noor, Guru Dutt, Prasoon Joshi, Khurshid Anwar, O.P Nayar, Sohail Rana, Farida Khanum, Iqbal Bano, Asha Bhosle, Geeta Dutt, Muhammad Rafi, Manna Dey, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Begum Akhtar, Noor Jehan, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Amanat Ali Khan, Salamat Ali Khan and Talat Mehmood, in terms of lyrics, they are Sahir Ludhianvi and Javed Akhtar. I am a big fan of retro South Asian Film Music too. Among western musicians, I am inspired by John Denver, Little Richard, Louis Armstrong, Norah Jones, Clapton, Beetles, Sinatra and Bob Dylan.

First instrument you learnt playing?

I have never played an instrument in my life. I compose a melody after writing my lyrics intuitively through singing and humming; by figuring out the scale on the keyboard/harmonium/tanpura and letting the words find the melody. I then develop an idea of the instrumental mood I require for my melody and work with various musicians and arrangers depending on the melody that I’ve developed and the mood I want to inject in the song.

When and how did you get interested in music?

My dad used to make us listen to Raags on PTV when we were kids. Slowly I was drawn towards that stuff, since it is an acquired taste. At school singing became a pastime; people were drawn to my voice I guess, that was the only thing that made me distinctive from my friends. I liked the attention. (Laughs)

Will you remain solo or form a band?

Solo for now, but will surely have a house band especially in terms of live performances. I have learnt a lot from some extremely talented musicians in this short journey and would love to collaborate with as many as possible.

Who are your favorite bands and musicians?

They are Strings, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, Qasim Ali Naqvi, Syed Farhad Humayun, Qasim Mahmood, Shahzad Hameed. In terms of music prodcution, I like Rohail Hyatt. I also like Shantainu Moitra, Pritam, Vishal-Shekhar, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Salim-Sulemain, Himesh Reshamiya, and Sajid-Wajid.

You motivation and learning comes from?

My motivation comes from immortality and my learning comes from wisdom of seniors and the energy and innocence of juniors.

What is your biggest desire and expectation?

My desire is to become Pakistan’s global peace icon and a renowned songwriter-singer. My expectation is to become a famous star.

How do you take criticism?

I take criticism as a food. No artist can survive without it. My best friends are my harshest critics.

How do you define music?

Pyaar nahi hey ur se jisko, who murakh insaan nahi. (The one who doesn’t love music, is not a human being).

With whom are you currently working with?

I am working with my Ustad Basharat Hussain, Shumair Joseph, Bobby, Samar, Nasirsahib, Qasim and a few others from Bombay too.

What is your message to the readers of The Saturday Post?

Khwaab Dekha Karo (Do dream)…