Instep interview
Overload are definitely not over and out… they've just been reinventing themselves!They are the boys who wowed us with drums and percussion and created a new sound around the hypnotic dhol of Pappu Saeein. Now they have parted ways with the great guru, but they are carrying on with a new vocalist in Meesha, an album in both English and Punjabi and a deal with Universal that will take them across the border!
By Aqsa Hussain
A contract with Universal Music group - How did it all happen?
We played at the Shalom music festival in Delhi in March this year. The entire Indian press was there. Other big artists present and playing were Medieval Pundits, Anoushka Shankar and Prem Joshua. The audience loved Overload, the event got a lot of coverage. Some of Universal's representatives were present at the occasion so they must have conveyed their thoughts to the company. We just got a call from them saying they wanted to sign us up and they loved our music.
Your last album was in 2006. It's been such a long time. When's your new album coming out and does it have a different sound to offer?
It's been a year and a half since our last and we like to spend time on our music because once it's out there its forever. We cannot change it so it has to be great no matter how long it takes. The new album is ready. We've just been waiting on a few contracts and deals to come through and the situation of the country to improve which I don't think will happen in many decades to come - but now that the contracts have come about and we can support ourselves we'll be releasing the second album titled 'Pichal Pairee' on Eid. Our first worldwide release will be in November on Universal records. It's got a lot more of drums and music as compared to the previous album. Vocals will also make an impact. Its very intense but at the same time very absorbable.
Overload is known as a high quality instrumental band without a vocalist, but with hypnotic sounds, dhols and rhythms. Your signature sound is what has made you a big name. Since being instrumental was your USP, now with Meesha (Saba Hameed's daughter) on vocals, will Overload be able to maintain it's uniqueness since she sings in English? Music in that language can't cater to masses.
We never actually planned on being a particular kind of band. We didn't have a vocalist on the first album because there was simply no space in our music for one. By the way, Meesha is singing in both English and Punjabi. We were never a band for the masses but I think this album will reach out to a bigger audience. Some people may complain about us changing our sound a lot but we've proven ourselves and made all the statements we had to with the first album and our concerts. Our dhol act is stronger than ever! It remains a vital part of our live act and we have some interesting stuff played by the amazing Nasir Saeen from Daska, a village in Punjab.
Overload has grabbed two LSA nominations... are you happy?
We've actually been nominated thrice including this year and we've received one 'Best Live Act' award for 2006. The band is really happy about it because we're not really into the fashion scene. We only go to events because we're friends with the fashion crowd but actually we are hard core musicians and it's great to be acknowledged by fashion gurus. With Meesha's presence we will be recognized more as a fashionable band since she's also a famous model. Plus we're working with HSY very actively also - making music for his shows and collaborating with him on a video!
How do you see LSA cancellation?
I think it's a disappointment for everyone. Every year the entire fashion, music, art, television and film scene get together to celebrate one year's hard work and its not thrilling that this year there will be none. Its like Basant - we used to have Basant every year but now because of the sad state of affairs of our country we just don't celebrate anything. We're supposed to be happy as individual people and as a nation but it's become a crime to be happy in Pakistan!
What about your upcoming videos... since fans still can't get over Dhamaal's video!
I know Bilal Lashari did very well with the video! We believe in perfection as far as our work is concerned that's why we spend time on both videos and audio. We know that videos cost a lot of money We're doing the video of 'Cursed' again , putting some vocals in there also for the international market. We are also shooting another video of one of our new tracks which will be released with our album & we're really excited about our new lineup & image.
Are you proceeding to India anytime soon?
We already have a few gigs lined up in India but I don't think Bollywood is our scene. It would be interesting to make a few 'item numbers' for Bollywood but that is not our aim. A lot of our Universal dealings and plans come about via India so we will be interacting with them a lot more.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ahmed Jehanzeb's Interview - The Youth
AHMED JEHANZEB
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Young and Melodious… A perfect blend!
The diversity of his vocals makes one wonder about the musical dynasty he has grown within. The Wonder Boy, as his fans call him, has proved that training in specific field you want to pursue, is extremely important and that’s the reason he stands amongst millions! Around seven years back it was “Ek bar Kaho”, a monster hit which made Ahmed Jehanzeb a household name, and since then there’s no looking back. Ahmed came out with a best selling album “Parastish” in 2003 and now is back with a big bang. Yes, he has come out with a brand new album, “Laut Aao”, which according to him would prove him as a more mature singer. Recently, Youth Magazinehad a one to one with this amazing singer who with his courtesy won our hearts. Interview took place at Ahmed’s funky studio.
It’s been five years since your last album? What are your expectations and how is it going to be different from Parastish?
It’s been a while and I am pretty much eager to take my album out in the market. Somehow it kept getting delayed for one reason or another. As far as the sound, packaging and effort goes, I would say I’m satisfied and hope that this new album stands out for it’s musical coherency and lyrical genius. It was first time for me to work in India. Also, first time in my life, someone else arranged all my compositions. It took me a while to get adjusted in India and get used to working conditions there. You see, video isn’t made in a day, nor an album is completed in a month. I’m pretty much satisfied though, it has turned out really well and I believe it would be worth waiting for.
What’s the difference that you feel in working here and working there?
There’s not much of a difference. But definitely Bollywood is a bigger market. We have greater talent and bigger musicians. After Hollywood, Bollywood is the biggest wood. Professionalism is very much there. Everything’s very well managed, organized and executed. They even made me get up at six in the morning for my video, because everything had to be executed as per plans. We Pakistanis have got to be focused. We are just a step behind. We should hunt local talent and let it come forward on merit basis and demolish parchi system, sources and references.
Tell us about the videos in your album? Have you made any so far?
We’ve so far made two videos from the album. Chandni has been completed and is all set to release soon. Wouldn’t reveal everything now but it’s on the way to reach television channels. It’s the most expensive video ever made in India and Pakistan.
Why is hype created when our artists go there?
You see music is not taken that serious here. Religious factors become hindrance at times, which according to me shouldn’t happen. In India all big shots are Muslims. I don’t mind our artists going there and working. You see if they don’t get work here, where would they go then? All an artist wants is work and appreciation, life becomes miserable for them to survive otherwise. If Madonna offers me to get shifted to Hollywood and work there, I might say yes at the very moment I get this offer. Why? Because artists move where they are provided with work and acknowledgement for their work, in terms of money, respect and fame.
Do we lack talent in terms of music or what? Why entertainment seems to have taken a back seat?
Well, we have hell loads of talent man. We are no less than any other nation when it comes to talented people, musicians. But see, here politics has taken over, 24/7 channels are flooded with saucy news, views which eventually tend to make us confused. Sometime back it was only entertainment and now there’s politics everywhere. Political unrest in the country has done a big damage to our entertainment industry.
What’s the thing about music industry here that pisses you off?
Everyone has made categories. If you want to succeed you have to sing pop. I mean why man? Why can’t we subcategorize it? Why am I forced to deliver pop when I’m not delivering it from the day one? There are different genres and an artist should only restrict himself to the genre he tends to follow and is very good at. I’m not a pop singer at all, but I’m advised to sing pop, if I wish to succeed. All the ones who’ve changed their track due to this reason have lost their identity.
Who are your favorite singers?
Favorite singer would be Rahat Fateh Ali in the contemporaries. Many kids in the business are not even near him. I mean NO WHERE near Ali. Even Aasha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar expressed the desire of singing with him and that is a great achievement and an honour for not only him but for Pakistan too. We should respect legends like Rahat. I personally, as a musician get frustrated when I think about how we dealt with a legend like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan during him lifetime. We should learn from this and should acknowledge legends like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. There’s another guy Adnan, who teaches at NAPA, can you imagine he’s the one who taught Faraz Anwar and Shallum. He has given us guitar masters and no one knows him. It’s frustrating. Other than the two, I like Shafqat bhai, Sheeraz Uppal, and Sajjad Ali. In bands I like Aaroh and Mekaal Hassan Band. MKB is the perfect example of a perfect band. Oh yeah, Junoon has really done justice to rock.
So, are you dancing in your video like most of our artists do in their videos-made-in-India? Is any actress featuring?
I’m not dancing but performing, that would be Ahmed Jahanzeb’s step two. And about the Bollywood actress being featured in the video, I would say, there’s so much glamour that you might end up finding resemblance of the model featuring in our video with some actress but no, not any actress featured.
Are you nervous of any criticism that might come along your way by the music industry gurus?
Yeah man…I’m very nervous. I have faith in Allah, so yeah satisfied too. Efforts and hard work wouldn’t go in vain.
How did you join hands with Shoaib Mansoor for Khuda kay Liye? How did it all happen?
Actually, Shoaib Mansoor knew my father since radio days. Papa introduced me to him back in 1996 when he was busy editing Alpha Bravo Charlie. I found Shoaib Mansoor to be very much involved in his work. One fine day, after many years, he called my father and asked about me. Let me tell you here that though I couldn’t follow his other directions but I was a big fan of Supreme Ishq. He came to Karachi, stayed with us for five days and worked here at my studio. He would get up early in the morning and sleep late night. He would only take one cup of tea and nothing else. He would just attend phone calls and work.
Khuda kay lye turned out to be a massive hit, do you still think there was something left to be fixed up in the movie?
Shoaib Mansoor had a clear heart about what he had to do with the movie. But somehow for some reasons, some people ditched him at eleventh hour, that’s why certain elements that needed to be fixed, remained untouched. Otherwise Khuda Kay Liye would have been a movie of the century. But I wouldn’t blame Shoaib Mansoor for that, because he had to compromise on a lot of things.
When did you actually start learning music? Who was your Ustaad?
I’m still learning, it continues forever. I started when I was 12 and my beloved ustaad’s name is Ustaad Raees Khan.
How has the journey been from Ek bar kaho till now?
The journey has been unbelievable. The feeling of being a chosen one by the God is inexplicable. Really!! But maintaining it is an equally uphill task.
We heard you’re Sonu Nigam’s big fan?
Yes – I like Sonu Nigam. We both respect each other’s work. His voice is versatile and has a big name and protocol. He has seen good and bad days and has come a long way.
You acted too, how did that happen? Plus, have you thought of taking it seriously?
Yeah, sometimes I think I should take acting seriously. But I don’t know somehow or the other my acting projects have been strong. There’s one project coming on HUM TV soon. The Ghost. Babar Javed does it. It has hundred episodes and will run for six months. I’m expecting people would like my acting in it. I’m playing opposite Sawera Nadeem. It happened a few times that I almost forgot all my dialogues when in front of her. And as for how did it all happen, I was sitting very casually, when the director of Laila Majnoo came and asked me if I was interested in acting for his play, for which I replied in affirmation but asked him to wait for papa’s permission. He said, only girls ask for permission and laughed at me. Anyway, papa had no issues and this is how I went on to start acting for a play named Laila Majnoo. It turned out to be a successful one and then Ek Bar Kaho followed, its theme song became a massive hit and all else is history.
What would you be if not a singer?
If I were not a singer, I would definitely be a cricketer. My father was a social person and there would be parties with legends like Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas and many more. So, by sitting amongst them I learned a lot about cricket and was pretty much talented at playing it..
What are your interests other than singing?
Singing is my passion. It’s not an interest. Other than that I love traveling. Though I feel a bit uncomfortable while traveling in plane but exploring the world, different cultures, meeting new people is my craze. I’ve been traveling right from my childhood. Father was in merchant navy so we’ve spent all our childhood traveling.
Which is your favorite country and city?
Favorite country would be South Africa and city would be Durban. I’ve spent six years of my life in South Africa, did my early schooling there and have lots of memories attached.
We do not get to see you much on TV shows, why?
Channels aren’t paying artists much. In fact, it really pisses an artist off when you see channels earning a lot and not paying an artist who drags audience to their shows because of his/her talent. The energy and time he/she gives to his/her performance goes unnoticed and unacknowledged in terms of money, which is unfair. And for that I took a stand and said NO to every offer that asked me to perform for free. And I’m happy that singers like Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam took stand as well and now when they pay, we perform.
Favorite movies?
Hollywood : Legend of the Soul
Lollywood: Khuda kay Liye
Bollywood: Black
What’s your desire as a musician?
I want to come up with an idea of a whole musical team. Somebody who can be huge and his/her diversity of music can be widely appreciated and listened by all age groups. I want to come up with the concept of 50 musicians performing on stage and I singing and directing them and dealing with everything. Something unusual and that can take music to the next level in Pakistan.
What about the contest about the name of album?
We were going through this contest and in the middle of it I got a call from India that my album has been named. “Laut Aao” is the name of the album. Surprisingly a fan suggested the same name in the contest, so we went for it. I had a “Mai aur Tum” like concept for the name, but my Papa, brother liked Laut Aao, so did I.
Is there anything else other than albums for your fans?
I’ve nearly twenty tele-films up my sleeves and I’m working on them these days. The whole concept of tele-films will be changed. Story lines would be very well conceptualized. Music, direction, acting, shooting everything would be perfectly done. By judging the pulse of the market and needs of the viewers, we’ve decided to change the whole scenario of tele-films.
Ahmed enthusiastically talked about tele-films and declared that they’ll be no less than feature films. So, it’s definitely going to be a treat to watch.
Do you have any message for Youth?
First understand and then do. What basically our youngsters are afraid to do is hard work. All we want is comfort and luxury without putting in any effort to get it. We run after short cuts. Can you imagine a traffic policeman was having tea under a tree (traffic ki waat lagi hui thi)! He was tension free, people damned and moved, he remained calm and cool and kept sipping one cup after another. Wow. This is how jobs are being done here.
For those who want to be Ahmed Jehanzeb…?
Read all the contracts before you sign. Never sign it before completely going through it. Don’t easily give your trust to anyone and be selfish at times when it comes to another person using you.
In the end to make this interview memorable Ahmed sang us a song and trust me, listening to his vocals and that too live, are a treat to listen!
Apology: Aqsa Hussain conducted Bushra Ansari’s interview in the month of May. Youth regrets interviewer’s name for being unprinted due to technical faults.
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Young and Melodious… A perfect blend!
The diversity of his vocals makes one wonder about the musical dynasty he has grown within. The Wonder Boy, as his fans call him, has proved that training in specific field you want to pursue, is extremely important and that’s the reason he stands amongst millions! Around seven years back it was “Ek bar Kaho”, a monster hit which made Ahmed Jehanzeb a household name, and since then there’s no looking back. Ahmed came out with a best selling album “Parastish” in 2003 and now is back with a big bang. Yes, he has come out with a brand new album, “Laut Aao”, which according to him would prove him as a more mature singer. Recently, Youth Magazinehad a one to one with this amazing singer who with his courtesy won our hearts. Interview took place at Ahmed’s funky studio.
It’s been five years since your last album? What are your expectations and how is it going to be different from Parastish?
It’s been a while and I am pretty much eager to take my album out in the market. Somehow it kept getting delayed for one reason or another. As far as the sound, packaging and effort goes, I would say I’m satisfied and hope that this new album stands out for it’s musical coherency and lyrical genius. It was first time for me to work in India. Also, first time in my life, someone else arranged all my compositions. It took me a while to get adjusted in India and get used to working conditions there. You see, video isn’t made in a day, nor an album is completed in a month. I’m pretty much satisfied though, it has turned out really well and I believe it would be worth waiting for.
What’s the difference that you feel in working here and working there?
There’s not much of a difference. But definitely Bollywood is a bigger market. We have greater talent and bigger musicians. After Hollywood, Bollywood is the biggest wood. Professionalism is very much there. Everything’s very well managed, organized and executed. They even made me get up at six in the morning for my video, because everything had to be executed as per plans. We Pakistanis have got to be focused. We are just a step behind. We should hunt local talent and let it come forward on merit basis and demolish parchi system, sources and references.
Tell us about the videos in your album? Have you made any so far?
We’ve so far made two videos from the album. Chandni has been completed and is all set to release soon. Wouldn’t reveal everything now but it’s on the way to reach television channels. It’s the most expensive video ever made in India and Pakistan.
Why is hype created when our artists go there?
You see music is not taken that serious here. Religious factors become hindrance at times, which according to me shouldn’t happen. In India all big shots are Muslims. I don’t mind our artists going there and working. You see if they don’t get work here, where would they go then? All an artist wants is work and appreciation, life becomes miserable for them to survive otherwise. If Madonna offers me to get shifted to Hollywood and work there, I might say yes at the very moment I get this offer. Why? Because artists move where they are provided with work and acknowledgement for their work, in terms of money, respect and fame.
Do we lack talent in terms of music or what? Why entertainment seems to have taken a back seat?
Well, we have hell loads of talent man. We are no less than any other nation when it comes to talented people, musicians. But see, here politics has taken over, 24/7 channels are flooded with saucy news, views which eventually tend to make us confused. Sometime back it was only entertainment and now there’s politics everywhere. Political unrest in the country has done a big damage to our entertainment industry.
What’s the thing about music industry here that pisses you off?
Everyone has made categories. If you want to succeed you have to sing pop. I mean why man? Why can’t we subcategorize it? Why am I forced to deliver pop when I’m not delivering it from the day one? There are different genres and an artist should only restrict himself to the genre he tends to follow and is very good at. I’m not a pop singer at all, but I’m advised to sing pop, if I wish to succeed. All the ones who’ve changed their track due to this reason have lost their identity.
Who are your favorite singers?
Favorite singer would be Rahat Fateh Ali in the contemporaries. Many kids in the business are not even near him. I mean NO WHERE near Ali. Even Aasha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar expressed the desire of singing with him and that is a great achievement and an honour for not only him but for Pakistan too. We should respect legends like Rahat. I personally, as a musician get frustrated when I think about how we dealt with a legend like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan during him lifetime. We should learn from this and should acknowledge legends like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. There’s another guy Adnan, who teaches at NAPA, can you imagine he’s the one who taught Faraz Anwar and Shallum. He has given us guitar masters and no one knows him. It’s frustrating. Other than the two, I like Shafqat bhai, Sheeraz Uppal, and Sajjad Ali. In bands I like Aaroh and Mekaal Hassan Band. MKB is the perfect example of a perfect band. Oh yeah, Junoon has really done justice to rock.
So, are you dancing in your video like most of our artists do in their videos-made-in-India? Is any actress featuring?
I’m not dancing but performing, that would be Ahmed Jahanzeb’s step two. And about the Bollywood actress being featured in the video, I would say, there’s so much glamour that you might end up finding resemblance of the model featuring in our video with some actress but no, not any actress featured.
Are you nervous of any criticism that might come along your way by the music industry gurus?
Yeah man…I’m very nervous. I have faith in Allah, so yeah satisfied too. Efforts and hard work wouldn’t go in vain.
How did you join hands with Shoaib Mansoor for Khuda kay Liye? How did it all happen?
Actually, Shoaib Mansoor knew my father since radio days. Papa introduced me to him back in 1996 when he was busy editing Alpha Bravo Charlie. I found Shoaib Mansoor to be very much involved in his work. One fine day, after many years, he called my father and asked about me. Let me tell you here that though I couldn’t follow his other directions but I was a big fan of Supreme Ishq. He came to Karachi, stayed with us for five days and worked here at my studio. He would get up early in the morning and sleep late night. He would only take one cup of tea and nothing else. He would just attend phone calls and work.
Khuda kay lye turned out to be a massive hit, do you still think there was something left to be fixed up in the movie?
Shoaib Mansoor had a clear heart about what he had to do with the movie. But somehow for some reasons, some people ditched him at eleventh hour, that’s why certain elements that needed to be fixed, remained untouched. Otherwise Khuda Kay Liye would have been a movie of the century. But I wouldn’t blame Shoaib Mansoor for that, because he had to compromise on a lot of things.
When did you actually start learning music? Who was your Ustaad?
I’m still learning, it continues forever. I started when I was 12 and my beloved ustaad’s name is Ustaad Raees Khan.
How has the journey been from Ek bar kaho till now?
The journey has been unbelievable. The feeling of being a chosen one by the God is inexplicable. Really!! But maintaining it is an equally uphill task.
We heard you’re Sonu Nigam’s big fan?
Yes – I like Sonu Nigam. We both respect each other’s work. His voice is versatile and has a big name and protocol. He has seen good and bad days and has come a long way.
You acted too, how did that happen? Plus, have you thought of taking it seriously?
Yeah, sometimes I think I should take acting seriously. But I don’t know somehow or the other my acting projects have been strong. There’s one project coming on HUM TV soon. The Ghost. Babar Javed does it. It has hundred episodes and will run for six months. I’m expecting people would like my acting in it. I’m playing opposite Sawera Nadeem. It happened a few times that I almost forgot all my dialogues when in front of her. And as for how did it all happen, I was sitting very casually, when the director of Laila Majnoo came and asked me if I was interested in acting for his play, for which I replied in affirmation but asked him to wait for papa’s permission. He said, only girls ask for permission and laughed at me. Anyway, papa had no issues and this is how I went on to start acting for a play named Laila Majnoo. It turned out to be a successful one and then Ek Bar Kaho followed, its theme song became a massive hit and all else is history.
What would you be if not a singer?
If I were not a singer, I would definitely be a cricketer. My father was a social person and there would be parties with legends like Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas and many more. So, by sitting amongst them I learned a lot about cricket and was pretty much talented at playing it..
What are your interests other than singing?
Singing is my passion. It’s not an interest. Other than that I love traveling. Though I feel a bit uncomfortable while traveling in plane but exploring the world, different cultures, meeting new people is my craze. I’ve been traveling right from my childhood. Father was in merchant navy so we’ve spent all our childhood traveling.
Which is your favorite country and city?
Favorite country would be South Africa and city would be Durban. I’ve spent six years of my life in South Africa, did my early schooling there and have lots of memories attached.
We do not get to see you much on TV shows, why?
Channels aren’t paying artists much. In fact, it really pisses an artist off when you see channels earning a lot and not paying an artist who drags audience to their shows because of his/her talent. The energy and time he/she gives to his/her performance goes unnoticed and unacknowledged in terms of money, which is unfair. And for that I took a stand and said NO to every offer that asked me to perform for free. And I’m happy that singers like Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam took stand as well and now when they pay, we perform.
Favorite movies?
Hollywood : Legend of the Soul
Lollywood: Khuda kay Liye
Bollywood: Black
What’s your desire as a musician?
I want to come up with an idea of a whole musical team. Somebody who can be huge and his/her diversity of music can be widely appreciated and listened by all age groups. I want to come up with the concept of 50 musicians performing on stage and I singing and directing them and dealing with everything. Something unusual and that can take music to the next level in Pakistan.
What about the contest about the name of album?
We were going through this contest and in the middle of it I got a call from India that my album has been named. “Laut Aao” is the name of the album. Surprisingly a fan suggested the same name in the contest, so we went for it. I had a “Mai aur Tum” like concept for the name, but my Papa, brother liked Laut Aao, so did I.
Is there anything else other than albums for your fans?
I’ve nearly twenty tele-films up my sleeves and I’m working on them these days. The whole concept of tele-films will be changed. Story lines would be very well conceptualized. Music, direction, acting, shooting everything would be perfectly done. By judging the pulse of the market and needs of the viewers, we’ve decided to change the whole scenario of tele-films.
Ahmed enthusiastically talked about tele-films and declared that they’ll be no less than feature films. So, it’s definitely going to be a treat to watch.
Do you have any message for Youth?
First understand and then do. What basically our youngsters are afraid to do is hard work. All we want is comfort and luxury without putting in any effort to get it. We run after short cuts. Can you imagine a traffic policeman was having tea under a tree (traffic ki waat lagi hui thi)! He was tension free, people damned and moved, he remained calm and cool and kept sipping one cup after another. Wow. This is how jobs are being done here.
For those who want to be Ahmed Jehanzeb…?
Read all the contracts before you sign. Never sign it before completely going through it. Don’t easily give your trust to anyone and be selfish at times when it comes to another person using you.
In the end to make this interview memorable Ahmed sang us a song and trust me, listening to his vocals and that too live, are a treat to listen!
Apology: Aqsa Hussain conducted Bushra Ansari’s interview in the month of May. Youth regrets interviewer’s name for being unprinted due to technical faults.
Icon of the Month: RIZWAN JAFFER -- The Youth
Icon of the Month: RIZWAN JAFFER
The young man who makes the youth vision in cafes!
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Name? Rizwan Jaffar
DOB? 19 th June.
Favorite Book? Awaz-e-Dost.
Favorite TV show? Oprah Winfrey, Hard Talk on BBC and 50 minutes on Geo.
What is Politics? Politics is to serve the country.
Political leader you like? Nelson Mandela.
Favorite Film? Rang De Basanti.
Favorite singers ? Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.
Rizwan, you're the one who according to our knowledge first started a TV program exclusively designed for Youth. How did concept of Cafe Vision strike your mind?
We started Café Vision in 2003 and it’s been five years now. I’ve been an active student and a very good debater throughout my school and college life and have won numerous awards including Pakistan’s best debater award. It was back in PTV’s era that I along with my debater friends realized that there should be a platform for youngsters to come on TV and express, so, that’s little something behind Café Vision.
Since you've been doing Cafe Vision for past few years and have a direct interaction with Youth, what according to you are the shortcomings and strengths in our youth?
I have interacted with youth even in Dubai and UK. I have huge interaction with youth of Pakistan. Shortcoming is of course desire of short cuts. They do not wish to work for long and then reap benefits.
But, our youth is very hard working. They always want to do something, and are very much enthusiastic. Problem is only of lack in guidance and consistency to achieve goals.
Have you directed any shows? I remember you did Shaista and You. Tell us more about them.
I’ve directed many shows, including Shaista and You, Café Vision, Career Moves, Taleemat-e-Nabavi, Tareekh ki Talaash, and more shows on TV One. I’ve hosted shows as well. Upcoming is a show on a different channel with a new name and a new concept. It definitely would be for the youth.
What are your other interests?
I have a book and a music library at my place. I read books, listen to music and watch TV. Internet and that’s all.
Our concept of a scout is of a volunteer who takes on a stiff dress and acts like an army man/woman, can you elaborate on it's real concept please?
Scouting is an International movement. It gives youth programs for the youngsters in the age group of 17 to 25 years. People having crossed this age become leaders. It’s basic aim is character building in youth, to give them the concept of social service so that they can work better for their country, religion and get worldwide exposure, that’s why there are lots of international conferences happening every now and then. I’ve many friends all over the world.
You’re a President Gold Medallist and successfully got your mother sponsored for performing Hajj, Masha Allah. Tell us how did it happen?
I’m President Gold Medallist in scouting. After being selected as the Best Scout, you’re given an opportunity to perform Hajj with your mother or father. So Masha Allah I performed Hajj with my mother. After that I went to Japan for representing Pakistan in an international conference.
Rizwan, tell us one thing, you've been successfully doing a show for a few years now and have produced a few more as well, but there's not much hype about you that should have been created... why? Also, Cafe Vision's pattern is being monotonous too. Are you planning to bring in some variation?
It happens. It happens with the governments as well. There’s a saturation point of watching anything. We’d been bringing in changes; we changed venues, covered different places, cities, restaurants etc
There’s a line mentioned with the name of Café Vision. “Voice of the Next Generation”, it basically gets monotonous for the ones who’ve attended Café Vision few times. But the ones who’ve not been here, it’s for them.
If you were to change any one thing about yourself and about your shows, then what would it be?
I regret that my passion for my work caused me to neglect my studies. But I think it was all a training process. If time rolled back, I would use it more constructively.
Youth parliament was my dream. Youth wants to do something for the country too. I want to do something for youth so that they come forward and give guidelines to government. Youth is the only force that can tell government that we lack dynamic leadership; we ought to use electricity intelligently etc. My next show would be on this theme.
profession, then getting time out to do this extra bit of writing can again prove to be a very challenging task. Hence, the key is to know which time is the best and then take that time to get your writing tasks done.
Tell us about "Ishq-e-Rasool mei Jiyo" (a Naat competition). How did you come up with that and how was the response?
Response was amazingly nice. Dr Aamir Liaqat who is senior to me and a good friend told me to do a religious program. The basic reason of going for a Naat competition was to change the mindset of people regarding Naat Khwans. I mean a person wearing modern dress can also recite Naat. We had countless entries and people showed great interest. We short-listed our contestants and final show took place in Karachi.
How do you see electronic media's explosion in the past few years?
Government has permitted everyone to open channels and as a result of which TV is flooded with many channels. Some people really had bad experiences. Electronic media’s journalists have made TV “shaam ka akhbar”. We lack quality directors, producers etc but it will hopefully improve. Someday we would realize that saucy news 24/7 isn’t the only thing to be shown on TV. You see BBC and CNN are sensible channels when they talk about their homelands. On the contrary, our channels act like opposition in the assembly.
Tell us any five things; a person should have before even thinking of taking media as a profession?
- Degree: It is very important. Quality education is important above all.
- Specialization: Be a master in whatever you are pursuing.
- Knowledge and information: You can’t host unless you have something intellectual and knowledgeable to share.
- Patience.
- Consistency.
How do you see girls taking media as a full time profession, be it production, acting, modeling, anchoring, reporting etc?
Our family system doesn’t easily accept women going out and working in the media. If you talk about males, even they have this marriage issue. People avoid getting their girls married to a media guy. Girls have to portray their jobs in the nicest way they can.
What do you have in store for audience?
There will be a new bi-weekly show for youngsters on a new channel. I’ve worked as a freelancer in the past and now I’m going for a job, so show would be the only focus.
What’s Youth Parliament?
At the time of celebrations on Café Vision’s 100 th episode, we thought to get some output. Youth parliament was an idea. We formed it and have thousands of members – young members. Great achievers were awarded. Great achievers are the youngsters who at this young age have done something exclusive in their own respective fields for the country, in any area like science, technology, arts, culture, education, sports, entertainment etc. The basic aim was to portray Pakistani youngsters as high achievers. We wanted to generate a positive image of Pakistan other than saucy stories and terror. Such awards motivate others to do more.
We also have a plan to award top ten achievers.
Do you have any message for the youth and Youth magazine?
Please don’t run after shortcuts. Dream for a sky of success, by doing that you’d probably be able to achieve something nearest. Don’t run after money, but run after your work and money will follow you.
I’ve read three copies of Youth magazine and believe me you guys are doing incredibly well. I just love it. I had idealized to take out exactly this kind of magazine but unfortunately couldn’t do it. I’m always interested in reading and writing, have written some articles for leading newspapers as well. So magazines are of great interest. Keep it up!
The young man who makes the youth vision in cafes!
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Name? Rizwan Jaffar
DOB? 19 th June.
Favorite Book? Awaz-e-Dost.
Favorite TV show? Oprah Winfrey, Hard Talk on BBC and 50 minutes on Geo.
What is Politics? Politics is to serve the country.
Political leader you like? Nelson Mandela.
Favorite Film? Rang De Basanti.
Favorite singers ? Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.
Rizwan, you're the one who according to our knowledge first started a TV program exclusively designed for Youth. How did concept of Cafe Vision strike your mind?
We started Café Vision in 2003 and it’s been five years now. I’ve been an active student and a very good debater throughout my school and college life and have won numerous awards including Pakistan’s best debater award. It was back in PTV’s era that I along with my debater friends realized that there should be a platform for youngsters to come on TV and express, so, that’s little something behind Café Vision.
Since you've been doing Cafe Vision for past few years and have a direct interaction with Youth, what according to you are the shortcomings and strengths in our youth?
I have interacted with youth even in Dubai and UK. I have huge interaction with youth of Pakistan. Shortcoming is of course desire of short cuts. They do not wish to work for long and then reap benefits.
But, our youth is very hard working. They always want to do something, and are very much enthusiastic. Problem is only of lack in guidance and consistency to achieve goals.
Have you directed any shows? I remember you did Shaista and You. Tell us more about them.
I’ve directed many shows, including Shaista and You, Café Vision, Career Moves, Taleemat-e-Nabavi, Tareekh ki Talaash, and more shows on TV One. I’ve hosted shows as well. Upcoming is a show on a different channel with a new name and a new concept. It definitely would be for the youth.
What are your other interests?
I have a book and a music library at my place. I read books, listen to music and watch TV. Internet and that’s all.
Our concept of a scout is of a volunteer who takes on a stiff dress and acts like an army man/woman, can you elaborate on it's real concept please?
Scouting is an International movement. It gives youth programs for the youngsters in the age group of 17 to 25 years. People having crossed this age become leaders. It’s basic aim is character building in youth, to give them the concept of social service so that they can work better for their country, religion and get worldwide exposure, that’s why there are lots of international conferences happening every now and then. I’ve many friends all over the world.
You’re a President Gold Medallist and successfully got your mother sponsored for performing Hajj, Masha Allah. Tell us how did it happen?
I’m President Gold Medallist in scouting. After being selected as the Best Scout, you’re given an opportunity to perform Hajj with your mother or father. So Masha Allah I performed Hajj with my mother. After that I went to Japan for representing Pakistan in an international conference.
Rizwan, tell us one thing, you've been successfully doing a show for a few years now and have produced a few more as well, but there's not much hype about you that should have been created... why? Also, Cafe Vision's pattern is being monotonous too. Are you planning to bring in some variation?
It happens. It happens with the governments as well. There’s a saturation point of watching anything. We’d been bringing in changes; we changed venues, covered different places, cities, restaurants etc
There’s a line mentioned with the name of Café Vision. “Voice of the Next Generation”, it basically gets monotonous for the ones who’ve attended Café Vision few times. But the ones who’ve not been here, it’s for them.
If you were to change any one thing about yourself and about your shows, then what would it be?
I regret that my passion for my work caused me to neglect my studies. But I think it was all a training process. If time rolled back, I would use it more constructively.
Youth parliament was my dream. Youth wants to do something for the country too. I want to do something for youth so that they come forward and give guidelines to government. Youth is the only force that can tell government that we lack dynamic leadership; we ought to use electricity intelligently etc. My next show would be on this theme.
profession, then getting time out to do this extra bit of writing can again prove to be a very challenging task. Hence, the key is to know which time is the best and then take that time to get your writing tasks done.
Tell us about "Ishq-e-Rasool mei Jiyo" (a Naat competition). How did you come up with that and how was the response?
Response was amazingly nice. Dr Aamir Liaqat who is senior to me and a good friend told me to do a religious program. The basic reason of going for a Naat competition was to change the mindset of people regarding Naat Khwans. I mean a person wearing modern dress can also recite Naat. We had countless entries and people showed great interest. We short-listed our contestants and final show took place in Karachi.
How do you see electronic media's explosion in the past few years?
Government has permitted everyone to open channels and as a result of which TV is flooded with many channels. Some people really had bad experiences. Electronic media’s journalists have made TV “shaam ka akhbar”. We lack quality directors, producers etc but it will hopefully improve. Someday we would realize that saucy news 24/7 isn’t the only thing to be shown on TV. You see BBC and CNN are sensible channels when they talk about their homelands. On the contrary, our channels act like opposition in the assembly.
Tell us any five things; a person should have before even thinking of taking media as a profession?
- Degree: It is very important. Quality education is important above all.
- Specialization: Be a master in whatever you are pursuing.
- Knowledge and information: You can’t host unless you have something intellectual and knowledgeable to share.
- Patience.
- Consistency.
How do you see girls taking media as a full time profession, be it production, acting, modeling, anchoring, reporting etc?
Our family system doesn’t easily accept women going out and working in the media. If you talk about males, even they have this marriage issue. People avoid getting their girls married to a media guy. Girls have to portray their jobs in the nicest way they can.
What do you have in store for audience?
There will be a new bi-weekly show for youngsters on a new channel. I’ve worked as a freelancer in the past and now I’m going for a job, so show would be the only focus.
What’s Youth Parliament?
At the time of celebrations on Café Vision’s 100 th episode, we thought to get some output. Youth parliament was an idea. We formed it and have thousands of members – young members. Great achievers were awarded. Great achievers are the youngsters who at this young age have done something exclusive in their own respective fields for the country, in any area like science, technology, arts, culture, education, sports, entertainment etc. The basic aim was to portray Pakistani youngsters as high achievers. We wanted to generate a positive image of Pakistan other than saucy stories and terror. Such awards motivate others to do more.
We also have a plan to award top ten achievers.
Do you have any message for the youth and Youth magazine?
Please don’t run after shortcuts. Dream for a sky of success, by doing that you’d probably be able to achieve something nearest. Don’t run after money, but run after your work and money will follow you.
I’ve read three copies of Youth magazine and believe me you guys are doing incredibly well. I just love it. I had idealized to take out exactly this kind of magazine but unfortunately couldn’t do it. I’m always interested in reading and writing, have written some articles for leading newspapers as well. So magazines are of great interest. Keep it up!
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