Interview – Faraz Haider

1. You started as an actor but also took up writing and direction. Are there more areas to explore, or have you found your niche?

I started my career as a director and writer, not an actor. However, I have had minor roles in all my films because I enjoy acting. I want to explore different genres in my future films.

2. How has the journey been so far from being an assistant director to a director?

The journey from assistant director to director was both exciting and challenging. When you switch from an assistant director to a director, you take a significant risk because you don’t know when a producer will invest money in your vision. I was the chief assistant director to the director Dibakar Banerjee, which was a well-paid job, and I received many offers as an assistant director at that time. However, I rejected those offers and took the risk of becoming an independent director. It wasn’t easy, but it was my dream.

3. How long does a musical like Tu Chand Hai take to finish? Is it challenging to condense the story idea in a short film?

Tu Chand Hai was not just a simple musical; it was a musical series, a novel concept. We narrated a single story through four songs accompanied by some dialogue. It was a tricky and unique endeavour. However, condensing the story into a short film was challenging due to time limitations.

4. You say that films are made for entertainment and responsibility. Please elaborate on the ‘responsibility’ part.

As filmmakers, we have an advantage in that we can influence many people through our films. Films significantly impact our society, providing us with a vast platform to reach out to people. Therefore, a sense of responsibility towards our society and humanity arises. We can create societal awareness through our films, utilising this powerful medium to connect with people.

5. What are the projects that you are currently working on?

I am currently working on a couple of films. I have already written scripts for several genres, but my next film will be a mystery comedy. I will soon begin shooting it.

6. Any film personality you enjoyed working with and any you aspire to work with?

Collaborating with Javed Jaffrey in my first film, War Chhod Na Yaar, was enjoyable. I am keen to work with Salman Khan. I have written a script that suits him perfectly and plans to narrate it to him soon.

7. Coming from Amroha, how difficult was it to adjust to a big cosmopolitan city full of glamour?

Coming from the small town of Amroha, it wasn’t tough for me to adjust to Mumbai because I had studied at Aligarh Muslim University, where I interacted with students from all over the world. This experience helped me understand different ways of living and behaviour. Additionally, I spent some years in Delhi while pursuing my filmmaking course.

8. Any fond memories of Amroha?

Bazm-e-Sadequain organised a programme in 2013 to honour me. It was the release year of my film, War Chhod Na Yaar.

Although I was not present when my film Nanu Ki Jaanu was screened at Madho Cineplex, Amroha, in 2018, it felt good because my parents were special guests, and many people attended.

I also carry forward a family tradition of reciting marsiya on the 3rd of Muharram every year at the Imambada in Pachdara, Amroha.