Thursday, January 20, 2011

Interview with Waqar Zaka



How do you Feel about the popularity you’ve gained From “Living on The Edge”?

It’s a blessing For me; I would like to thank everyone or appreciating my work as a host and program Format designer. It’s amazing, the Feeling, when young kids look at me and scream,’ Living on the Edge’ or make the show’s hand sign. When I came up with the hand sign I really wanted people to take it seriously like other signs (Rock On,

Victory sign and the-one-that-can’t-be-mentioned), I’m just happy about how the whole thing has worked out For me.

Nahie Phara Mein Ne Pora Saal , ‘THESTUDENT’S ANTHEM’, what inspired you to do such music?

I did this song when I was 15, back in1995. rankly, I’ve always wanted to create something which is actually For the students, iF you observe there aren’t many songs related directly to today’s youth or exams, but since at that time I had no knowledge about music, I produced a bad quality rip off anthem. But then I think, as long as Myra(Female singer) and I won the BBC Asia award, alls well. Someday, when I Find a Fresh

How did you end up being a VJ? Tell us about your First television experience?

Long story, so keep it short and simple. In Jan 2005, I saw an advertisement saying “Fresh VJs needed For ‘TheMusik’”. At that time I was in 3rd year of electrical engineering at NED University Karachi, I went to the open auditions and passed through. During that time I also joined ‘The Musik’ as a Concept Writer / Program Director because I’m more interested in designing unique programs rather then just becoming aVJ. My First TV experience as a VJ was a special April Fool’s day street show aired by the channel.

What do you think about your job?

I love it. I enjoy every minute of working with The Muzik; the channel has given me every opportunity to Flourish as a VJ/Concept writer/ Program director. The technical Facilities & platform build by ARY Digital Network in turn The Muzik is just unique and has no competition.

What was your big achievement in life?

Achievement, there is nothing big as such but since you used the word ‘was’, it was when I received the Youngest Pop Duet Band Award in 1996 From BBC Asia, sponsored by Virgin Records, it was For my song Nahie Phara Meina Pora Saal (Student’s Anthem).

How was the reaction of your Family when you came into this business?

Since I am the only son of my parents they are worried about the Field I amin, especially my Father because he is expecting me to join his business of intercom manufacturing. Lettering, but our company is the pioneering manufacturing intercom sets in Pakistan. As obvious the responsibility falls on me but my parents have compromised For my wishes. They are very supportive and I thank them For all their moral support.

Any new musical Feed expected From you?

I’m planning to produce songs which are different in lyrics then the conventional love based. Songs which will be Fun to hear, like the Student’s Anthem or O’Khair etc.

What has been the best move you made in your career path?

Hmmm, I’ve made lots oF mistakes inliFe, so I don’t remember making any best, yet.

Has Fame changed your private liFe?

I am no celebrity, so no, it hasn’t.

Was it your dream to be a VJ/host?

Definitely, I’ve always wanted to do something creative, which I am doing as a concept writer. 90% of the shows that you watch on The Musik are designed by me, e.g. Fan Fever, Versus, Band Tu Bajey Ga, Living on the Edge, The Musik Headlines, and several occasion based special programs. Further, I usually edit my shows myself, designing new promos of the shows but hosting is something that has helped me gain respect in this industry.

You were awarded as the best VJ of The Musik, your Feelings?

It’s a blessing that it took me only 5months to grab viewer’s attention. Frankly, when the competition For Best Male VJ started, I knew that I will make it because of Living on the Edge popularity and Fan Following. Seriously, there is no other musical show in Pakistan which is loved by people of all ages.

How is the experience working with Mani, Anything that you dislike about him?

(Laughs) I have only done one show with him; I don’t dislike anything about him in particular except maybe his no-support for new VJ attitude.

What are your aims and goals in life?

I’m a very moody person and never plan my goals. In Future I do plan to design TV shows through with the aim to bring back the viewers who are in love with Indian dramas. I believe blocking channels rather than Fighting them is not the way.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who brought back the Pakistani viewers back to their roots.

Anything that you dislike about the current social system? How would you change it, let’s see how daring you are?

As a VJ I think it’s my responsibility to educate the people and one of the main reasons because of which I wanted to become a VJ is to educate the people. I think we VJs / RJs can really bring a great change in our social system as we communicate directly with the youth and I am really trying hard to come up with some programs that can bring about some change in our so-called system.