Making a change

Ashar Hussain, son of veteran actor Talat Hussain, makes his directorial debut with “Aisa Kuch Ker Ke Chalo”.

KARACHI: Ashar Hussain, son of veteran actor Talat Hussain has taken a step into direction and production. Hussain has made his debut with a teleplay titled “Aisa Kuch Ker Ke Chalo”, which will be telecast on August 14 on TV One. “Aisa Kuch Ker Ke Chalo” deals with corruption and illiteracy in Pakistan.

How did you come up with the idea of airing this teleplay on August 14th?

Honestly the date, August 14, never crossed my mind when I was working on the concept with my writer, Nayyar Mukhtar. The entire idea at that time was to do something new yet something that reminded us of the old days when streets used to be empty. Not because of terrorism and other such issues, but because people were relaxing, enjoying life, watching and appreciating TV dramas that depicted reality.

The idea of the teleplay being suitable for August 14th actually sprung up when Studio9 started to market the play. It was then when we all felt that the teleplay will have a greater reach and impact if it is telecast on Independence Day.

Do you think the issues of illiteracy and corruption are those which mirror our society in general?

Yes, issues such as rapid growth in population, illiteracy and corruption are the major concerns in our society. We have addressed the issue of corruption and also touched upon the problems being faced in the field of education.

The issues being addressed in the play are based on our research of facts and what goes around in our system.

What is better, the directorial debut or the first step as a producer?

I think being Talat Hussain’s son and some prior experience of acting certainly helped me during the project. I had wanted to do a project like this and this being my very first project I think I was nervous but equally excited.

Learning and fulfilling both roles was extremely challenging especially when it is your debut as a director and producer.  I thoroughly enjoyed both, but I was more inclined towards direction, understanding the character, empathising, framing and all other technical aspects.

Tell us a little about the cast?

The cast comprises Talat Hussain, Mehajabeen, Hassan Niazi, Faiq Khan, Farah Ali and Shabbir Rana.

Please elaborate on the fact that the commercial projects are no longer dealing with real life issues facing Pakistan?

I am extremely young from a director and producers perspective to comment on this. But if you ask me from a viewer and a business graduate’s perspective then yes, I totally agree that commercial projects are no longer dealing with real life issues because they are commercial projects. A commercial project’s aim is to maximise profitability that comes with glamour not real life issues.

Ideally there should be a mix of projects to cater to the glamour element and projects that address real life issues since finances and profitability have become a major issue in the industry. As per my understanding drama is about conflict. Production houses and channels need to take care of their profitability, but they should not ignore the responsibility of educating people through their work.

Any final words on what would you like to say about the teleplay?

I think “Aisa Kuch Kar Ke Chalo” is an attempt to bring about change in Pakistan. Every one of us should watch it and also think about it and then help to bring about a change. Our moral victory would be if viewers appreciate the work, provide us with feedback as we do appreciate constructive criticism.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2010.