Exclusive Interview with Moiz Kazmi (Ex-Bahrian)

Written/Conducted for Bahrains' Page, on Nov 25th, 2009

by

Sadaf Fayyaz

Q1. Tell us something about your background.

Moiz: I have written for Diva, Pink, Mr., TV Times, Zing, FAQ, Dawn (Images, Review, Magazine, SciTech, Young world), Spider, Niche', INK and FYI.

I am a senior member of KaraFilm Society for last 5 years. I have worked on theater productions like Sofyan Sultan's Ayub, Nida Butt's - The Producers and Chicago: The Musical. I did my intermediate from Karachi Public School then my Software Engineering from Bahria University Karachi. Currently am nominated as SAF Scholar for pursuing my masters (full paid) in print journalism from India's top journalism school "Asian College of Journalism - Chennai" and I am awarded an honorary bachelor in art from University of Maldives too.

Q2. What is your life motto?

Moiz: Mine is one that I remember the great James Dean saying: "Dream as if you'll live forever, Live as if you'll die today".

Q3. Tell something about your work and passion.

Moiz: I work fulltime at a US based software house, Device Anywhere as a Technical Writer, 9 to 6, but fashion journalism and writing is where the passion lies. Currently am editor of Vibe Global magazine which is Vibe TV’s sister concern. Contributing editor of Dulhan International and writing freelance for various publications. When I started writing I ventured into all genres, but for last 1 and a half year I am only into fashion journalism. I also write a weekly column at Skoop - Pakistan's Premiere Lifestyle Portal (www.skoop.com.pk/KamiKazm

i.aspx)

Q4. You are a software graduate and hold a journo degree too, how did transition work?

Moiz: I always wanted to do a creatively challenged job; while I was growing I wanted to be a nurse, which then switched to a steward and later on this passion turned into a dancer and then a painter. But I ended up as a software engineering grad. During my software degree I got pretty bored and started writing, I started with Dawn Images and I use to do movie reviews for them and rest is the history. The transition is fun, I enjoy both of my jobs, isn't it that we all need.

Q5.What is your inspiration?

Moiz: I get inspired by everything around me. Trees, roads, deserts, movies, Bollywood music, travel and what not, the list is endless.

Q6. Tell something about your daily routine.

Moiz: I wake up at 7 everyday; do yoga in front of TV (CNN Health) for 30-40 minutes. Then I take shower and leave for work after a cup of coffee around 8:45. By 9ish I am at work, my software engineering office. After 6 onwards, I go to the magazine offices if am needed there for edits, proof reads or layouts else I go to a coffee place and laze around with a nice book if there is no event or shoot to attend.

Q7. What are your favorite pastimes?

Moiz: Reading, Road trips, Shopping and Itwaar Bazaar

Q8. How innovative you think you have been, as editor of a fashion magazine?

Moiz: My layouts, celebrity interviews and cover designs have been appreciated by some industry people but personally I think I have done nothing innovative as yet. I need to go a long way.

Q9. What kind of competition you mostly face in this industry?

Moiz: Competition is everywhere, in all industries, organizations etc. This industry has it too from personal to 'infinite' levels. But then I have good friends out there and my mantra, which I totally follow - be content with yourself, give your best and I evolve constantly.

Q10. Tell something about Karafilm festival.

Moiz: I started as a volunteer at KaraFilm festival in 2004. I have always tried giving it my max time with all the other happenings in my life. I am one of the senior organizing members and take my yearly leaves for Kara every year.

Q11. Share a few lines on FPW recently held in Karachi.

Moiz: It was much needed. There is lot more to Pakistan, beyond bombs, terrorists and suicide jackets. Fashion Pakistan week has not just made the fashion fraternity but the entire nation proud. They have given us the spirit of survival, defiance and a new meaning to our life.

Q12. What are your favorite vacation places/resorts?

Moiz: World! Especially places with night life, beaches and exotic attractions.

Q13. How do you manage your social life with your work?

Moiz: I just manage, don't ask how. I am hardly home, I only go home to change or sleep!

Q14. To what extent you think your profession is highly demanding?

Moiz: To all extents, it’s a tough field. All this glamour and fame looks 'nice' from a distance only. Step in and you are bombarded with all sorts of responsibilities.

Q15. Whenever some1 criticizes your work, how do you take it?

Moiz: Depends who is criticizing it. If it is someone senior to me I will at least listen to it and then decide later on how to go about it. If it is one of those 'mohallay ki aunty-type' I might listen to it for the time being but would of course react to it at some point or will just part my ways with him/her.

Q16. Being editor of fashion magazine, how do you perceive the future of Pakistani fashion industry?

Moiz: Future is there, in the sky. A bright shining star is where I see Pakistan. We are growing and shall flourish.

Q17. Any message for readers?

Moiz: The world is changing, and they’re just now trying to find out where the audience went. The solution is: 'Get on the bus, because it will leave without them. If they don’t adapt, they will die out, and I won’t be shedding any tears.' Enjoy what you do and give it your best shot and the world will come in your feet.

Images Courtesy: Moiz Kazmi & Fayyaz Ahmed