Interview With Azeem Sajjad

Interview with Azeem Sajjad

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

Published in INK Isue 4- The Gold Issue

From a young, slim and good-looking actor to a serious and mature director, Azeem’s journey started almost two decades ago. He talks about his early life, career and upcoming projects. He seems a bit exhausted, but at the same time, feels great about his works. He has been an actor, scriptwriter, model and director as well. His Urdu drama serial “Shikwa Na Shikayat Hey” is a selected piece of work by University of IOWA’s International Writing Program. “It is not enough to have a dream unless you are willing to pursue it. It is not enough to reach for love unless you care enough to give it.”

Tell something about your education, background and family.

I was born at Quetta. My father was in army, so I was educated from different schools. We used to keep moving. I did my matriculation from Rawalpindi and attended Edwards College Peshawar for some time. I did my MBA marketing from abroad. Besides this, I pursued a diploma in film making from US.

How would you define yourself as a human being?

I am a creative, romantic, peaceful, patriotic and hardworking person. I am against bloodshed and have a regard for mankind and humanity.

You have been an actor, writer, model and a director now. Which out of these you enjoy the most?

As I have started directing now, I think it’s the toughest of all these four. A director doesn’t only direct, but is responsible for many other things like leading his team, motivating them, managing crisis, handling uncertain issues, taking work from people, with limited resources. It’s really something responsible and hectic. A director has to take many things into account. Though, I enjoy this part too.

Tell something about entering show business.

I faced camera for the first time at a very young age of sixteen. I performed at a youth program. The judge was like, “Man, you had expressions on your face while performing. Why don’t you go for acting professionally?” I didn’t take it very seriously that time. After wards, he took me for an audition. I was selected. This is how my journey started. I did my first play “Baat Chhoti Si” at the age of sixteen.

What was reaction from your family when you decided to opt for show business?

My family is very educated and cooperative. My parents supported me; especially my mother is a very well-groomed lady. They supported my decision of entering show business.

What was your directorial debut? Which one is your favorite?

My directorial debut was a play “Apne Apne Raastay. Out of all my directorial ventures, I like “Thodi Si Zindagi.

Where does your inspiration come from?

 After working so much for over two decades, I think my source of inspiration is human tragedy. When I was a teenager, I read a statement behind a rickshaw, “One gets wise after suffering”. This holds true for me too. I have learnt from tragedies of life. So this statement has become my life motto now. I derive my inspiration from tragedy.

Who are your favorite co-stars?

I have worked with many people and I simply cannot say who my favorite is. Each one of them is unique and brilliant in their own way. I have worked with Ajab Gul too. All of them are amazing, I would say.

Why did you change your name from Azeem Khan to Azeem Sajjad?

(Laughs) I was representing IOWA as a Pakistani writer. It’s a paper “My name should be Khan”, written by me. I had to write a lot of papers. While I was at school, there were so many Khans, that it was difficult to differentiate. I changed my name from Azeem Khan to Azeem Sajjad, taking my father’s first name as my surname. 

Who are your favorite actors and what are your famous dramas?

Late Khalida Riysat and Qavi Sahib (Qavi Khan) are my favorite actors. My favorite dramas include “Tanhaiyan”, “Karobi” and “Uncle Urfi”.

Why did you decide you shift from Peshawar to Lahore?

There were such circumstances and some difficult issues for me there. There was very little scope for private production and resources were limited too. I have worked with Dr. Dennis Issac a lot. He was a very brilliant writer and knew very well how to characterize. He was a master, I must say. Apart from story writing, he excelled at characterization. He has shifted to Canada now. But before leaving, he completed the story of film “Inteha”. Peshawar is my hometown and I am still connected with it. Whenever I have to purchase a car, I always get it from there. I visit Peshawar for family functions and ceremonies too.

Tell something about Zoomie Productions.

It is basically known as Zoomie Magic Media Productions. Our basic projects include tele films, documentaries and serials. The documentaries are on poverty eradication, anti-narcotics and Pakistan Army. One of the documentaries is “Faisla Awaam Ka” and “Last Dance” is a tele film by Zoomie productions.

What are your upcoming projects?

My upcoming projects include a soap serial, (as a director) and a serial “Gumshuda” and “Angoori”. I will be working in Dr. Omer Adil’s soap “Naubahar” too. We will be starting our recordings by January.

Out of all the roles you have plays so far, which one is your favorite?

I played an AIDS patient in “Thodi Si Zindagi” and that’s my favorite role.

How do you manage work with family life?

My life is very hectic and tiring. I have learnt how to balance work with life. You need a lot of support from your family members.  But once you are into it, your family comes to know your pressures and work schedule. Whatever time I get free from my work, I spend it with my family. I am not a party guy at all. Everything gets adjusted itself.

Is there something people don’t know about you?

(Laughs)You want me to leak out a secret. I am a very good photographer, but I never took it professionally. My spouse Belinda is an excellent photographer and has conducted most of my shoots.

How do you define art?

I derive my art from the beauties of the world that Almighty has created. For me art lies in everything that he has created. Out of his ninety nine names, “Al-Musawir” is a name. I believe in being different every time and do not believe in repetition. Doing something novel every time is also art for me.

What is your message for the readers of INK?

Be patriotic and be loyal to your nation and condemn bloodshed. No religion or culture allows any kind of bloodshed or killing. Leave something good and valuable for the upcoming generations.