Glam: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?  

I would love to fly.                                

Glam: What’s your favourite thing to do when you are not acting?

I love sports. When I’m not acting I mostly play cricket, table tennis and football.

Glam: What’s a surprising fact about you that nobody knows about?

There are many but I won’t tell, let everyone be curious.  

Glam: What is the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger?

The less you expect, the more you get.

Glam: What quote do you live by?

‘It’s not the destination, it’s the journey that counts.’

Glam: Any particular character that you would like to play in the future?

An anti-hero character who has supreme power and authority.

Glam: Most cherished memory?

I don’t live in the past. I prefer living in the present and making it worthwhile.

Glam: What’s a movie you can watch over and over again?

The Pursuit of Happiness.

Glam: Which word or phrase do you say a lot?

Yaaaaar.

Glam: Would you rather travel to the past or to the future?

To the future always.

Glam: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

I would rather change myself into a better person than I am now.

By Sarah Rehman

Within the realm of music, there exists a breed of artists who possess an extraordinary gift of creating melodies, that linger in our minds long after the final note has faded away. Possessing a voice that resonates with our souls they have the ability to compose compositions of beauty that transport the listeners to another world. One such talent is Wajhi Farooki, a singer and musician renowned for his mesmerizing vocals and his ability to craft soul-stirring original soundtracks for a diverse range of dramas.

Wajhi’s musical odyssey began under the tutelage of Saffia Beyg, the mother of designer Rizwan Beyg, who excels in classical music. This initial spark set the stage for his entry into the industry as a member of Raeth music band, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical voyage. The band’s composition led to the creation of an album, catching the attention of a well-known musical company and culminating in a release in 2007.

For Wajhi, the joy of performing music is rooted in the deep connection he feels with rock and classical genres. He strongly believes in connecting with the audience where the shared experience of music creates a fulfilling atmosphere for both the performer and the people. “It’s a whole lot different feeling altogether, and energy is multiplied 300 times once you are in sync with the audience.”

Even the singer’s inspiration comes from people, their stories and diverse experiences, enabling him to craft pieces that resonate with the listeners. Moreover, Wajhi’s enduring success can be attributed to his unwavering work ethic and adaptability. He emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date and experimenting with music, driven by a fervent desire to remain progressive and innovative in the ever-evolving music industry.

Reflecting on his career, Wajhi takes pride in achieving several noteworthy milestones such as being signed by Universal Records at a remarkably young age, winning a Lux Style award, and achieving 100 million views for his song “Rupoosh” on YouTube. Responding to a question about his favourite musical masterpieces, Wajhi mentions two songs that have changed his entire world. The first one was his debut song, ‘Bhula Do’ and the second being ‘Rupoosh’ that brought him fame as one of the leading OST singers in the drama industry.

Wajhi dreams of performing at iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium, drawn to the diverse audience and grand energy that such venues offer

As Wajhi’s music evolved over time, he credits influential figures like Mahesh Bhatt who have shaped his musical journey. Learning from industry veterans has instilled humility and professionalism in him, reflecting a significant transformation in his approach to music creation and collaboration.

When asked about how he deals with criticism and negative feedback, the singer responds, “I always maintain a positive outlook, embracing constructive criticism as a catalyst for growth. I believe music should be made the way the audience wants to hear it, and therefore it’s necessary to be open to public feedback. Simultaneously, one should be adaptive to evolving trends while staying true to the artistic vision, acknowledging the balance between artistic expression and audience appeal.”

Wajhi dreams of performing at iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium, drawn to the diverse audience and grand energy that such venues offer. And if given the chance to change one aspect of the music industry, he highlights the need for greater prominence of music channels on TV. He emphasizes the importance of providing musicians with enhanced opportunities for promotion and public exposure, ensuring that artists receive their due recognition and visibility. He advocates for a system where musicians are not only able to create and produce music but also have the means to share it with the world. By ensuring that artists receive the visibility they deserve, Wajhi hopes to create a more inclusive and supportive music industry that values and celebrates the diverse talents and continues to grow in times to come.  

Sultana Siddiqui recently set the stage for viewers to mull over a powerful narrative of resilience and acceptance as producer of ‘Mann Jogi,’ the first of three mini-serials, currently airing exclusively on HUM TV. The former PTV director and now President of HUM Network who won accolades for her brilliant serial ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’ on HUM TV, has ventured into this domain after 12 years. Unable to bear the rising tide of intolerance, terrorism and bigoted issues prevailing in society, she took up the banner to bring awareness to people. Directed by the acclaimed Kashif Nisar, with a gripping script by Zafar Mairaj, ‘Mann Jogi’ serves as a heartfelt reflection on the impact of anger and intolerance in our lives, conveying a narrative that stands as a sharp commentary on the complexities of human behaviour.

Starring the talented Bilal Abbas Khan, Sabeena Farooq and Mirza Gohar Rasheed, the serial brings together a cast that is delivering a powerhouse performance.

With an in-depth exploration of societal issues, ‘Mann Jogi’ sheds light on the destructive tendencies that plague our communities, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences they entail. Through its thought-provoking storyline offering a fresh perspective, the drama confronts the injustices perpetuated by negative attitudes, inviting viewers to question their own behavior and actions and the choices they make.

As the serial proceeds, audiences are taken on an emotional journey, witnessing the effects of anger and intolerance on individuals and society as a whole.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the serial, its director Sultana Siddiqui shared;

“The project was born out of a deep-seated desire to create thought-provoking content, specifically addressing the destructive tendencies within the society. We wanted to create impactful and meaningful content that would resonate with the audience. The overarching thought behind the project is to explore pervasive societal attitudes, particularly the anger and intolerance that often leads to injustice. The narrative reveals how individuals jeopardize others’ lives for personal gain, with some cunning people supporting these actions and ultimately destroying innocent lives.”

What sets ‘Mann Jogi’ apart is its ability to convey important messages subtly. The drama tackles sensitive topics without resorting to sensationalism. For instance, scenes such as lynch mobs are not clearly shown in its fourth episode, as the intention is only to effectively convey the narrative rather than create unnecessary shock value.

As far as the performances are concerned, the cast of ‘Mann Jogi’ delivers exceptional performances, with Bilal Abbas Khan shining as Ibrahim, portraying his character’s fate with remarkable depth, Sabeena Farooq as Aliya showcasing a range of emotions from fear to solace and Mirza Gohar Rasheed displaying strength and vulnerability as Shabbir. Despite having fewer dialogues, Bilal Abbas Khan’s acting has won the hearts as he knows how to convey the intent through his expressions.

Overall, “Mann Jogi” is a compelling and resonant drama that is making waves for all the right reasons and sparking important conversations around societal attitudes and human behavior.

The snippets showcasing netizens’ love for the play further affirms the impact ‘Mann Jogi’ is making in the world of Pakistan’s drama industry.