By: Khurram Zia Khan
He may be popular as the son of the highly acclaimed TV and Radio presenter Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, but the one trait about his personality that struck me the most upon meeting him was his humility. Being a former politician, Rafay’s career life has recently taken a turning point when he decided to step into film making. Revolving around the plot of road movie,’ Thora Jee Le’ is a movie directed towards the younger generation.
Here are a few snippets from the conversation we had with the politician turned director and writer.
Khurram Zia Khan (KZK): What do you aim to achieve by making ‘Thora Jee Le’?
Rafay Rashdi (RR): I’ve always wanted to be a film maker. The timing of the revival of Pakistani Cinema was just right to highlight my skills and vision, and also to support the Pakistani Media / Cinema Industry. I’ve tried to set some precedents, by focusing on launching new talent, myself as a writer and a director. The final verdict lies in the hand of the public which I can’t foretell. Either way, it’s the first step, and I’m hoping that the Pakistani audience will like my story, and relate to it. I’ve created characters from different back grounds, which will appeal to all cinema-goers.
KZK: Why did you choose young talent for your first film?
RR: I was advised to go for senior actors, however with the Pakistani film industry at its revival stages, and a well-functioning television industry it is imperative to have a screening process to separate television actors and film actors. If I was to cast one senior actor of the Pakistan media fraternity, then the entire promotion would’ve fallen at his/her disposal. The film is about 7 protagonists and deals with youngsters who mature into practical life. Therefore, I wanted the entire focus to fall on all seven characters rather than one. However, I’m presenting the Pakistani Film Industry with new talent, and opening doors and avenues for casting agencies so that our the support for new talent can be introduced throughout the nation. Also, I had set certain deadlines for the completion of this film, which was shot in 45 days. With a new cast, the dedication and commitment was welcomed, and as my directorial debut, I also wanted to take it up as a challenge for the Pakistani Audience to judge me whether I succeeded as a director and story teller, and making my actors “ACT OUT” perfectly according to their characters for the Pakistani Cinema.
KZK: Would you like to reveal how much did it cost you to make the film?
RR: It cost me blood, sweat, and tears, and I’m happy to present my vision to Pakistan
KZK: Did you use any latest equipment / technique during production and pre-production?
RR: Everything in this film has been professionally done, we have used all technology up to Film Industry Standards. Every single frame of the film was “Story boarded” first. We are in the digital age, and it is imperative for every film maker to be up to date with all revolutionary technology to compete at international standards, and festivals/cinemas, and to set benchmarks for themselves, with a proficient revival of Pakistani Cinema, because the truth is we are being judged, so let’s make sure, the output is worth watching.
KZK: Explain briefly about your journey from a politician to a director?
RR: I contested for elections twice (2008 & 2013 General Elections) however the bug of making a film has always been there. Seeing my mother be a part of the Pakistani Media Industry, and holding her hand and walking on sets of shows as a child, kept that little spark of showbiz hidden inside. Happy to be coming out with a product at the right time, because as they say everything happens for a reason. I never won any elections, but the experience, however, remains the same, films are made for masses for people to be entertained with messages, and elections are contested for the people of your constituency and providing services for them. The only difference in the film world is, people will be watching my story visualised on the big screen. The experience as a politician and walking on the streets is definitely helping me do promotions. We have been promoting our film by walking on the streets of the country of various cities so that the artists can meet and greet the people, and connect with them on a personal level. These artists also represent our country. In the end, the aim is the same, to give a positive image of Pakistan, and retain it with a positive message, which has a learning for the masses.
KZK: Wouldn’t it had been better to make a serious film?
RR: Movies are meant to entertain as the public says “Paisa Vasool”. This is my first venture, I have various stories cooked up in my head for future projects, but when a consumer pays for a product, it’s his right to be entertained / satisfied with what he has invested in. Without revealing too much, my movie “Thora Jee Le” has a lot of social messages for the masses, and I’m sure that post 20th January 2017, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. The element of a film requires comedy, drama, entertainment, messages. You’ll just have to wait for the release.
KZK: Was the song ‘KyunKeLamba Hey Safar’ based on a road trip an inspiration from someone?
RR: The song fits right in with the travelogue depicted in the film. All road trips are fun and entertaining. All films need good music. Most of our viewers go to watch movies because it has good songs. The entire journey of a film-making is one ‘lambasafar’ as well (Pun Intended). It’s very montage based, showing sceneries. I’m sure that anyone reading this has gone on a road trip, either with friends, family and loved ones. The safar is meant to be lamba, and full of masti.
KZK: Why did you choose your brother as music director for your film?
RR: My brother SuhaibRashdi and I have been composing and producing music for over 11 years on our international imprint “Rashdi Records” we have had various productions under our artist alias “rZ&Suhaib”. Numerous original compositions, and have remixed the likes of AbidaParveen, Allan Fakir, Amir BukshRoonjo, Muhammad Faqeer Murhano. Electronic Music with a fusion of eastern instruments fusion is something we’ve worked on for a while. However, for this film, I passed the mantle on to him completely for the production, and background score, and assisted him with my requirements.
KZK: How was your experience shooting with the cast? Are they eager to learn and adapt?
RR: As I mentioned, the principal photography to be wrapped up in 45 days, would’ve been difficult without the support and dedication of a fresh and young cast. We had rehearsals for over 3 months on locations before going on set. By the time the shooting started, my cast knew each and every dialogue, it would be surprising for all of us if a certain cast member would forget his/her dialogues. Youngsters are full of energy, zeal and vigour. They want a chance, and if presented, will surprise everyone. I would advise all film makers to give young talent a chance. They will be surprised by the results.