Ace filmmaker Shahzad Rafique, one of the most distinguished and celebrated directors of the film industry talks to Daily Times about his educated approach to cinema, his camaraderie with actors Ahsan Khan and Meera, and his upcoming directorial venture, ‘Ishq Khuda’.
Q. Tell us a little about ‘Ishq Khuda’.
A. Well, it’s a pure love story, as the title signifies. It’s based on a journey from just a mere cliché of falling in love to the actual depths of love and all its manifestations. From ishq majazi to ishq haqeeqi. It’s just based on that beautiful, profound journey. The film has been shot entirely in Pakistan. We shot for a week in Swat, and the view this time of the year was just breathtakingly beautiful. I would’ve been a fool to have been shooting in the West, and making it look like India or Pakistan.
Q. Why did you choose Ahsan Khan and Meera to play lead roles in your film?
A. Ahsan Khan is a phenomenal actor. I was bowled over by his performance in ‘Nikaah’, and wanted to work with him again ever since. He’s the sort of actor, who has tried his hands in both drama and film, and never fails to disappoint. He’s a director’s actor to say the least and just knows his craft. One thing I know for sure is that he is the next big thing in Lollywood. He was just suited for the role and was my first choice for it. Ahsan is just very geometric and mathematical with his approach to acting. His entire demeanour is really calculated when he’s on camera. As far as Meera is concerned, it goes without saying how talented and versatile she could be, hence her large fan following. Again, Meera seemed perfect for the role and I knew she’d do justice to it.
Q. Your last directorial venture was ‘Muhabbatan Sachiyan’, which had an amazing background score and some great playback singing. Tell us about the music of ‘Ishq Khuda’.
A. Other than the background score, ‘Ishq Khuda’ has a total of eight tracks, all of which are slow, melodious and wonderfully composed. There’s only one fast track, which has a nice, catchy beat to it. I’ve teamed up again with Wajahat Attre after ‘Muhabbatan Sachiyan’ for the music, which is a collaboration of many versatile artists, including Riazur Rehman Sajid, Shazia Manzoor, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sanam Marvi. So there’s a variety of vocals and crooning with some powerful lyrics.
Q. Would you comment on the current Lollywood scenario, regarding the diminishing demand for Pakistani films?
A. I believe in a progressive approach towards Pakistani cinema. Yes, the market may not be hot at the moment, but it’s all about perception. That could change with good, strong-scripted and fine quality movies.
Q. But despite that, don’t you feel the screenings of Hollywood and Bollywood movies in Pakistan is seriously damaging the market for home cinema and ending it faster than it already is?
A. To an extent, yes! You see, foreign movies add to moviegoers’ IQ. When the same people watching Hollywood or Bollywood movies watch Lollywood films, they would expect something if not better then at least at par with what they’ve already seen. It’s a ruthless competition, but all the more better, as only then it gives a filmmaker an opportunity to experiment and come up with something that people will truly fall in love with. This is just how it works. To get or to not get eaten up by foreign influences is just in your own hands.
Q. What do you think of actors and actresses trying their hands at production or direction?
A. I think it’s wonderful and I would totally encourage it. Trying one’s hand at different arenas of film business is something I admire. Even if one fails in one venture, you have nothing to lose, as you just gained experience if nothing more.
Q. How far do you think you’ve come in your journey as a director?
A. Yes, I’ve matured both as person and as a director, learned from my highs and lows, but still kept going, as filmmaking had always been my passion. But when I look back now, I realise that it’s not just me who’s changed so much, professionally and personally, but cinema as a whole seems to have transformed enormously. You see, film and science is a combination that is interconnected somehow. New scientific inventions are constantly giving way to better screenings and resolutions, better equipments and better filmmaking technologies.
Q. Who do you think has the most potential amongst the contemporary Lollywood actors and actresses?
A. Pakistani film industry is a powerhouse of talent; Saima, Humaima Malik, Meera, Shaan, Ahsan Khan, to name a few.
Q. What’s next for you?
A. After I’m done filming ‘Ishq Khuda’, I’ll start work on my next film titled ‘Aik Thi Sara’, which is loosely based on poetess Sara Shagufta’s life.
Q. Why do you think we have a shortage of actors and actresses for the silver screen, as compared to our drama and theatre’s strength?
A. I totally agree with the shortage of actors and actresses in Lollywood, and I believe there are a few reasons for this. Whatever abysmal amount of actors we do have are at the finishing point of their careers and there are no fresh faces to be seen. I think it’s all because of misconceptions regarding the film industry in Pakistan. Young women and male actors, if at all, would rather work for a drama serial than show their acting skills in a movie.
Galaxy Lollywood wishes Shahzad Rafique all the best and hopes that the film goes on to become a superhit.
