Wajahat Rafiq is a Mumbai Based Filmmaker, born in Kashmir groomed his career in Bollywood industry as an actor and flim maker.. In an interview with Ubaid Bhat, Wajahat highlighted his journey of being a filmmaker though he started his carrier as an actor ..
As you belong to non Bollywood background how did you chose it as a carrier ?
Well during school day I got keen interest to do stage shows and I felt a positive vibe while performing on stage and I started getting appreciations and that motivated me a lot ..
After my 10+2 in science stream I moved to Delhi for further studies. While studying I started working with professional theatre groups they enhanced my acting skills and encouraged me. During this time I did many plays as a lead actor and emerged as entertainer. Don’t know what my Guru’s found in me they suggested to work in TV and I worked with many TV serials and did print shoots for different labels ..
What is that time “Changing Moment” in your life ?
Well it doesn’t change overnight. When you work with professionals your work gets recognised. After my graduation I learnt the art of filmmaking. It inspired to capture what is happening around so I got associated TV shows associated with SONY TV and other channels for shows like MAHRAJA RANJIT SINGH – TENALI RAMA – VIGHNAHARTA GANESH and when you start working some times luck works in your favour and you keep on getting opportunities and we worked with BADSHAH for his video album (HEARTLESS SONY MUSIC) We did a documentary project for film festival which is called ‘ DUG DUG’ a Rajasthan medium film.
In addition to it we made a music video album for the government of Jammu and Kashmir under our film production house ROCK NATION FILMS. We worked closely with the JK tourism as the motive was to promote culture and heritage. It tuned out well. Since J&K is our home state this one is close to my heart.
What about your upcoming projects?
There are some projects aligned for this year and the next as I spend most of my time towards our house film production namely “ROCK NATION FILMS” AND OTHERS PRODUCTION HOUSES” through which I have signed Bollywood feature films with the well known faces of Bollywood. We intend to start the shooting soon in upcoming months. As long as I am loaded with work it keeps me happy and motivated.
What is your advice to new comer’s?
Advice will be take your time think think think with patience before choosing any career and if you will be not able to make it, dont get disappointed. Again take your time to think try to figure out the loop hole then mark it. Do not bother to make mistakes they are key to success
Do you think Bollywood filmmaking is changing ?
Well, being a filmmaker yes the trend of film making and the concepts are changing audience want to watch realistic movies. Netflex Prime Mix player youtube and web portals has changed whole viewerships. Now every one has accesses to all the content across the world and it is booming.
Do you admire some one in the industry ?
Apart from my father and elder brother who always stood next to my shoulder, I admire Rajesh Khanna sir as my acting Guru and Satyajit Ray sir as my filmmaking guru. I grew up while watching them .
What is your mantra for success?
I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. We have to create our own luck. One line that motivates me everyday is Never look back.We should hope for good, but be prepared for worst too,that is what life has taught me so far. “If you have the talent you will be noticed”
Ubaid Bhat is a journalist
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