Ajab Gul

By M. Saeed Awan - The News on Sunday, Jang Publications, Pakistan.

He started his career from Peshawar television and soon become a popular artist. Qayamat say Qayamat Tuk was his first movie in Lollywood, which proved big hit. He continued working in several films but was sidelined because he refused to accept roles in gujjar films. Then he came with powerful film Khoey Ho Tum Kahan with Meera that brought money, respect and intelligence for him. After that now he is with Kyun Tum Say Itna Pyar Hey, which is potential blockbuster and has earned appreciation. Here he shares his future plans with Instep.

Instep: What expectations did you have from this film?

Ajab Gul: It is all grace of God who gave success. When you work hard and are critical of yourself, then healthy results are natural. Though like every producer I had fears but my team and I were quite optimistic about its result.

Instep: What do you think of the state of Lollywood? Why have fewer and fewer films been coming out every year?

Ajab Gul: An industry, which is mostly occupied by jahils, had to be naturally reduced to a state of desperation. I dare say that we had very few professional producers but more people out to make a quick buck. What miracles do you expect from these people? The maker should know the mood of the audience before making a film. When the majority of people watch Indian films and reject Pakistani films why haven't the producers reviewed their policy?

Instep: Do you think Indian films should be allowed here?

Ajab Gul: Definitely but I believe in the barter system. I also suggest that artists from both countries should work together and leave it to the audience to compare. I have no fear of Indians but am eager to work with them, learn their skills and show them mine. We still have some very talented artists and technicians despite limited sources.

Instep: How can the Pakistan Film Industry compete with the Indian film industry that has captured the bulk of our audience.

AG: Pakistan film industry can compete with the Indians as in the past. And we have done it. Don't you think that Kyun Tum Say Itna Pyar Hey has no international standard? Certainly we are capable if we come out with fresh subject, music and costumes. Please don't compare jagga type films with them. Salakhein and Kyun Tum Say Itna Pyar Hey type Urdu films should be entertained for comparison.

Instep: What do you plan to do next?

Ajab Gul: I have started working on the next film. Next month I am going to South Africa to see the location. I plan to shoot it in Italy and England as well. I am in a mood to cast actors from South Asian countries. The film will be a mix of Urdu and English.

Instep: What type of subject would it be next time?

Ajab Gul: See, I only say that now we should cease to make films for Majha Sajha type people. Our target should be educated class who love entertainment. Poverty stricken people have neither money nor time. When we touch the international standard we will definitely be able to earn a good reputation and money to boot. And above all the attention and cultural attack of Indian films could be reversed. So my next subject will be fresh not formula.


	\| Back \| By M. Saeed Awan - The News on Sunday, Jang Publications, Pakistan. He started his career from Peshawar television and soon become a popular artist. Qayamat say Qayamat Tuk was his first movie in Lollywood, which proved big hit. He continued working in several films but was sidelined because he refused to accept roles in gujjar films. Then he came with powerful film Khoey Ho Tum Kahan with Meera that brought money, respect and intelligence for him. After that now he is with Kyun Tum Say Itna Pyar Hey, which is potential blockbuster and has earned appreciation. Here he shares his future plans with Instep. Instep: What expectations did you have from this film? Ajab Gul: It is all grace of God who gave success. When you work hard and are critical of yourself, then healthy results are natural. Though like every producer I had fears but my team and I were quite optimistic about its result. Instep: What do you think of the state of Lollywood? Why have fewer and fewer films been coming out every year? Ajab Gul: An industry, which is mostly occupied by jahils, had to be naturally reduced to a state of desperation. I dare say that we had very few professional producers but more people out to make a quick buck. What miracles do you expect from these people? The maker should know the mood of the audience before making a film. When the majority of people watch Indian films and reject Pakistani films why haven't the producers reviewed their policy? Instep: Do you think Indian films should be allowed here? Ajab Gul: Definitely but I believe in the barter system. I also suggest that artists from both countries should work together and leave it to the audience to compare. I have no fear of Indians but am eager to work with them, learn their skills and show them mine. We still have some very talented artists and technicians despite limited sources. Instep: How can the Pakistan Film Industry compete with the Indian film industry that has captured the bulk of our audience. AG: Pakistan film industry can compete with the Indians as in the past. And we have done it. Don't you think that Kyun Tum Say Itna Pyar Hey has no international standard? Certainly we are capable if we come out with fresh subject, music and costumes. Please don't compare jagga type films with them. Salakhein and Kyun Tum Say Itna Pyar Hey type Urdu films should be entertained for comparison. Instep: What do you plan to do next? Ajab Gul: I have started working on the next film. Next month I am going to South Africa to see the location. I plan to shoot it in Italy and England as well. I am in a mood to cast actors from South Asian countries. The film will be a mix of Urdu and English. Instep: What type of subject would it be next time? Ajab Gul: See, I only say that now we should cease to make films for Majha Sajha type people. Our target should be educated class who love entertainment. Poverty stricken people have neither money nor time. When we touch the international standard we will definitely be able to earn a good reputation and money to boot. And above all the attention and cultural attack of Indian films could be reversed. So my next subject will be fresh not formula.