Fazila Qazi – a heart-touching versatile artist

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By Faz Zia

It is sad to see how Pakistani dramas and films are losing their charm.  We still watch old dramas over and over again but now no content and no talent.  If you talk about movies sorry to say same actors you see in the evening in dramas or selling things on some live shows and in the morning they are in films, if I say these are not films it is just teleplay then is ok. 

They need to make film actors not dramas or two hours live shows actors. 

Pakistan have old talent which made their name with good work and reputation and one of the name is Fazila Qazi very reputable name of the TV industry and a good friend. Recently she was in London and we have good heart to heart talk. I took a chance to ask some questions and she gave the answers in detail. 

Q: Tell us about your career how and why you want to come into media industry?

 FQ: Although i had aspired to become a doctor, influenced by my family, my entry into the media industry was unplanned and spontaneous. I was offered a Photoshop for a reowned magazine from my mother’s friend as she had minimal budget and she could not afford top models during that time. Modelling for two years, i had later started receiving offers from various modelling agencies with regard TVCs. I eventually became the brand ambassador for ‘Qarshi industries’ being termed as the ‘Qurshi girl’.

I was a part of commercials of the top brands prevalent at that time. Later, Mr Haider Imam Rizvi, a highly respected name from Pakistan Television (PTV) offered me my debut serial named ‘Burger Family’. I then later acted in dramas including but not limited to Rouzy, directed by Saira Kazmi. Ab Mera Intezar Kar, directed by Iqbal Ansari (award winning play at the International Festival), Aasaib, directed by Iqbal Ansari, Achanak, directed by Iqbal Ansari and Aitbaar, directed by Iqbal Ansari. The above mentioned stood out to be as one of my best works and are still recognized to date. 

Q: What is the difference now and then in the industry?

FQ: The major difference between projects before and now is that there has been a huge shift technology wise as well as content wise. Moreover, there has also been a major difference in the number of dramas being produced. Previously, there was a high level of quality control and censorship.

Although back in the day, fewer dramas were produced, each one of them carried extensive quality, pertaining to the script, content and morals.

Presently, there has been a vast growth due to modernization such as speedy editing techniques, faster production methods. Although this has led to higher levels of productivity, it has further aggravated the issue of quantity over quality. Generally, it is necessary to progress with the ever changing society and times, it is joyous to see the industry growing. 

 Q: What about your challenges and struggle?

FQ: The biggest challenge to a conventional actor is to adopt to changing times as It is evident that work ethics have changed and in order to work efficiently, it is important to adhere to the demands of the modern working environment. Also, it is very important to maintain consistency with the levels of performance that an actor has set throughout their career, and there should be constant devotion and dedication towards one’s own work.

Q: In your opinion what is the importance of professionalism?

FQ: Professionalism is a vital ingredient towards success in any field. I personally believe that being professional on and off the set can positively influence your career and personality.  

Q: New actors and their attitude towards work? What do you think? 

FQ: Although it may be unreasonable to paint everyone with the same brush, there have been instances where certain individuals have not shown the levels of professionalism expected of them. It is pertinent to mention that this issue isn’t only limited to new actors, it is unfortunately found amongst the most experienced actors. That being said, I have personally had the pleasure of working with a handful of new actor who portrayed excellent attitude and professionalism towards their work and proved that being unprofessionalism is a subjective trait.

Q: Your inspiration?

FQ: My inspirations carry no age, gender or ethnicity. I have at many instances been and continue to be inspired by those who are bold, imperfect, daring and outspoken. 

Q: How you want to see Pakistani film industry in future?

FQ: In the 1970s, our film industry was at its peak, the individuals who formed our industry were of the highest caliber. It is sad to see that we did not capitalize on what our seniors had done for us and we failed to carry on their legacy. I now sincerely hope that our film industry grows for the better and produces films that raise the levels set by our seniors. It would be an honor to see our films compete and meet with the international standards of movies.

Q: Your say of #MeToo movement? 

FQ: I have always been vocal regarding issues faced by either genders pertaining to equal pay, equal treatment and equal job opportunities. Also, regardless of gender or ethnicity, I carry informed and vocal opinions regarding human dignity and human rights. I fully endorse and support the #MeToomovement, however, it is vital to note that such a movement should not be used as a means of revenge or personal gains against either of the genders. 

Q: Your future projects?

FQ: Recently, I just got done with the shooting of my debut movie in the United Kingdom. Apart from that, a couple of my serials are on set. In order to voice my feelings, I have started writing poetry which can be found on my Facebook profile and I have also started connecting and working with charities based around the world with the aim of spreading awareness about various issues and social problems. I have at many instances been a motivational speaker on many morning shows, organizational platforms and other events.