Aabis Raza is a passionate Pakistani director. He hopes to see diversity in the television landscape apart from the typical ‘mother-daughter-in-law’ relationship, divorce and marital issues. He is working on a new horror drama serial starring Marina Khna and Sajid Hasan. Let’s get to know him better!
Walk us through your journey in the entertainment world.
After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Sciences, I started a web development business. However, it was not profitable. I grew fond of acting so I went to Arts and Council of Pakistan to create their website. I expressed my interest in acting and eventually ended up doing four stage plays. They offered me to do television. I agreed to it but it took too much time. I realised that this field was right for me. I pursued editing and held the position of an editor in 2000. I directed aplay titled ‘Ab Kya Hoga?’ It had no face value but I learned from that experience. I requested Faysal Quraishi to do a project of mine and he ultimately agreed. I finally established myself as a director. I usually directed sitcoms. I wanted to do substantial work but the market was not so fond of it. I asked my seniors at GEO that I wanted to direct serious work so I created my first dramatic project titled ‘Coke.’
What are you passionate about?
My passion is filmmaking. I try to use film techniques in the dramas I make.
How important is work ethic to you?
It is fundamental. I am a Capricorn and we value work ethic over anything.
What kind of dramas are you fond of making?
I am interested in periodic and historical plays.
Share some details about your new drama(s).
I am currently working on a horror drama serial titled ‘Bandish.’ It is a working title and stars Marina Khan and Sajid Hasan. For a very long time, Iwas makingmellow, domestic dramas but with such genres, you get a chance to experiment further.
What are some aspects of direction that you would want to see implemented in Pakistan’s media industry?
We are limited to one genre only; domestic issues, violence and weddings are the only themes we tackle. Channels have set a trend that such dramas would only work. They are not experimenting much. Direction wise, it is hard to experiment unless there is a dedicated channel involved. I would like to seeconcepts of web series and Netflix materialize in Pakistan. We need independent directors, who can work individually, think outside the box and direct according to their interests.
What stories appeal to Pakistanis the most? Your reasons?
In any region, a television show’s popularity is based on its cultural and societal connections. Unfortunately, our audience connects the most to socio-political and domestic issues including divorce, disease, disabilities, weddings and so on. I personally think we should not limit ourselves to such challenges only. We must think globally and promote different cultures too.
Who has played a pivotal role in your life?
I would say my mother. My father and my wife have supported me as well. FaysalQuraishi helped me the most in this field. I am a part of this industry because of him.
Published in Daily Times, November 23rd 2018.