Faizan Haqqee tells ‘a story worth telling’

VJ-producer to release documentary series on history of subcontinent

KARACHI: Faizan Haqqee, popularly known for his stint as a VJ, considers himself consumed by wanderlust. His fervour for travel enhanced after he hosted travelogue series Paris to Paris in 2007, which took him on a journey from France to Italy.

35 days and 13 episodes later, the show in which he also served as cameraman, guide and editor, became a hit and led him to take up another series titled Urgentina — An Argentine Adventure from 2009 to 2010. Now, Faizan is ready to explore the deep-rooted history of the subcontinent with a documentary series written by him.

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Speaking to The Express Tribune, Faizan revealed that the latest series will be based on six episodes. “I’ve written this historical series within four weeks and it’s in the final stages now,” he said. “It highlights our identity and how different identities claim to be unique in their own way,” added Faizan, who is the grandson of prominent Urdu poet and lexicographer Dr Shanul Haq Haqqee.

Faizan feels Pakistan is unique in how it’s at a crossroads of different cultures and entwined with the affairs of its neighbouring countries, with his documentary covering it all. “It’s the place where so many religions took root, where noted philosophers, saints and poets have come in large number. It’s a story worth telling,” he shared. “I also want people to know that Peshawar is the oldest living city in the world. People know about Mohenjo Daro but aren’t well-acquainted with Harappa. These stories need to be highlighted.”

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The VJ-producer says many may know who Prince Babar and Akbar the Great were, but only a few know about Chandragupta Maurya.

Faizan is currently looking for corporate sponsors to air his documentary series and hopes to take it to every school and college across the country to ensure every Pakistani knows about its history. “Each episode deals with an era of that specific time in history … just the way the story needs to be told,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2015.

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