Ali Azmat likes challenges. They gave him freedom to be who he wants to be and portray what he really is and not be monotonous and repetitive. Ali has done it throughout his entire career. From being in a band (Junoon) which stood out for its socio-political commentary on the nation and its problems to breaking away from this band and coming into his own, from concerts where he can make a bored audience stand up to its feet to acting, where the idiot box is actually not that boring to see. This is what sets him apart from others. He is always on the go, moving at the speed of light, always in frenzy and ready to take on the next thing that comes his way. An entertainer at heart, perhaps this is why, he has evolved more than anyone else. And no, we’re not just talking about the hairdos here.
Ali’s debut album, Social Circus was a hit with the critics and fans alike. Now, Ali has ventured into a new domain: direction. His latest video, ‘Main Challa’ is a product of his own direction and concept. Enttwist.com caught up with this rocker to find out more on the video and his thoughts on being nominated for Best Album category in the prestigious Lux Style Awards ’06…
Enttwist.com: Tell us about the concept of ‘Main Challa’.
Ali Azmat: It is life through my eyes. Where I go, what I see, what I think. Life moves from moment to moment, one minute you’re in that moment, the next minute, it is just gone. That is the main storyline of the video.
Enttwist.com: Why is the video moving so fast?
AA: Because it is the way I see life, Main Challa…
Enttwist.com: Did you always want to make this video or was it a spontaneous idea?
AA: It was premeditated. I had been working on this video for about a year and a half. I had a lot of video tapes that I shot myself over a period of time. I lost some of them you know. There are about 25 tapes that I went through and edited parts of them to make this video.
Enttwist.com: Why did you make the video yourself? Why not hire a professional?
AA: I thought that I’d get someone to do it but I couldn’t find the right person so I went ahead and made it myself. It’s all about exploring, my life, and my friends, traveling, entertaining and meeting new people.
Enttwist.com: How was it sitting behind the camera for the first time?
AA: It was interesting.
Enttwist.com: Does this mean you’ll be directing more videos in the future?
AA: I just might! I have been in enough videos to know how they’re done. As far as direction is concerned, if a concept comes into my mind or any idea that I want to work on, then definitely. But I haven’t planned anything.
Enttwist.com: What’s going on with the ‘Teri Parchaiyaan’ video? Why aren’t you starring in it?
AA: The video will be out by next month. The last three videos from Social Circus had me in them so it’s okay if I’m not in one.
Enttwist.com: How does it feel to be nominated for (Best Album) Lux Style Awards?
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AA: Finally, I’ve arrived. It feels great that the media, critics and fans have recognized and appreciated my work. It makes me think that I should do more and more. I’m going to start recording my next album in September/October this year.
Enttwist.com: Do you think you’ll win the LSA?
AA: It is not about winning or losing. Being nominated makes me happy. I do think I will win.
