Daily Times

In my emerging days as an artist, I have seen younger generation giving lot of respect to their senior artists. They were ready to listen to their advice. They were ready to learn music from them despite long hours of learning. With the passage of time, things changed. The new generation became song writers, musicians, composers, editors, and video makers etc., all in one. They wanted to rise in no time. Long hours of Riazat were not their ball game. A few managed well but many went into oblivion after giving one hit or two. The bands such as Jal, Junoon, and Vital Signs etc. broke up.

Lately some new bands have emerged with platforms like Pepsi Battle of the Bands. One such band is ‘Bayaan’ who won the completion last year. Their recent music video for the song “Hum Nadaan” sponsored by Pepsi was materialized by Hamza Bin Tahir and Awais Gohar, the emerging director duo. The concept created by Tahir and Gohar enhances the message of peace and coexistence that the lyrics and composition intended to extend. The video has been exceptionally well directed and Gohar’s cinematography holds great promise. Tahir’s editing is flawless as well.

Bayaan is a well-known band that has been excelling in popular music since the last four years. They are following the tradition of international bands by creating meaningful and motivational lyrics. Their compositions match the lyrics and the singing is a treat to the ears. My advice to such talented youngsters is to collaborate with senior generation as well.

The concept created by Tahir and Gohar enhances the message of peace and coexistence that the lyrics and composition intended to extend

One of the highlights of the project was the use of revolving stage that carried different happenings on the same time line. Different sets were erected on the revolving stage showing different sections of society motionless due to hate and meaningless rivalries. life looked still and time seemed frozen and there is the band on one side of the revolving stage singing to motivate peace and love calling it Noor-e-Azal. The writer has stopped thinking, the journalist is stationary, the politician is reluctant to hear to his voters, the child is unaware of her future and the common people in the street are ready to hit one another with weapons in their hands. But finally Noor-e-Azal, the love wins and every one unfreezes. The writer starts writing, the girl child gets the light of life, the mother smiles, the journalist woman moves and starts reading the newspaper. The people in the street throw their weapons and smile at one another. The message of love switches life back on. What a wonderful idea created and directed by Tahir and Gohar.

These young directors, qualified from the National College of Arts Film and TV Department have won several accolades. Tahir’s directorial venture La Hasil won Best Feature Film and Best Director Award at the FILUMS Film Festival and Gohar bagged an award for cinematography.

Their international awards include Beta Film Festival International Award for Best Short Film for ‘Kaalak’ and the documentary ‘Rustam’ that was officially selected for the South Asian Film Festival Toronto.

The duo’s other successful directorial ventures include another number by Bayaan titled “Khel Tamasha”, two video songs for Shamoon Ismail, “Basanti” and “Taare” and a music video for Wooly & the Uke’s song “Circus”. The duo have also made creative videos for the well-known brands, Zara Shahjahan, Khaadi and Munib Nawaz.

Their creativity and zest has indicators of their highly innovative and successful career.

Published in Daily Times, February 23^rd 2019.