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.

Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi’s Special Committee hosted a scintillating tribute to honour recipient Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance, Sultana Siddiqui, President HUM Network, for her 50 years of contribution to the entertainment industry. Indeed, a woman of substance, who through sheer hard work and intelligence has set an example for other women, exemplifying that nothing is impossible, even in adversity, if they set their mind to it. Her unwavering focus made her the first woman owner of a channel in South Asia.

The ceremony, which was presented by Iqbal Lateef, began with a show reel on Sultana Siddiqui’s life. The speakers, the who’s who of society, spoke on the different and numerous aspects of her life. President Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah thanked the attendees and praised Sultana Siddiqui’s tireless work adding that she had been paid a tribute by three generations at the event including leading actors and directors.

Hameed Haroon hailed Sultana Siddiqui as a role model, acknowledging her rare blend of intellect and drive that has propelled her to greatness, setting a shining example for women in Pakistani society and beyond. “A major conundrum of creative energy and destination is what has built Sultana into a strong figure she’s being viewed as today. She has worked from the bottom of the ladder with unique strength.”

Javed Jabbar admired her unwavering character, calling her a trailblazer who exemplified grace in the face of challenges. “I highly respect Sultana Siddiqui for her courage in the face of life’s challenges. She’s been a trailblazer, setting an inspiring example for others to follow.”

Arif Habib lauded Sultana Siddiqui as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the entertainment industry but also instilled the same ethos of excellence in her children. “Sultana herself is a brand who has made entertainment commercially viable, generating profitable ventures for all stakeholders involved.”

“A major conundrum of creative energy and destination is what has built Sultana into a strong figure she’s being viewed as today. She has worked from the bottom of the ladder with unique strength.”

Anwar Maqsood remarked on the origins of the name ‘Hum,’ referencing Ghalib’s use of the word in his poetry and humorously attributing it to Momina, Duraid and Sultana’s combined efforts.

Khushbakht Shujaat said, “Sultana is a woman with genuine sincerity. I have never heard her speak ill of anyone. We, as women, know that when a woman reaches a high position she has endured many hardships to get there, and Sultana is one such example.”

Recalling memories at Zubaida College, Mahtab Akbar Rashdi reminisced about Sultana Siddiqui’s resilience, portraying her as a fighter who always emerged victorious in the face of adversity. “I was once asked to write about her and I titled it as ‘The Fighter, The Conqueror’ as she embodies strength and success in every endeavour.”

Anis Haroon reminisced about her impactful early work at PTV, highlighting her work ethic and appreciating her instrumental role in shaping HUM Network into the powerhouse it is today. “Sultana hasn’t made HUM Network easily, she has truly worked hard to establish its presence everywhere.”

Noorul Huda Shah reflected on Sultana Siddiqui’s role as a mentor and friend, comparing her friendship to a sheltering tree. “From her, I have learned how to be a mother-in-law, how to raise children as a single mother, and how to be a person of great character.”

Bushra Ansari praised Sultana Siddiqui’s friendship saying that she knew its real meaning. “I think people like Sultana Siddiqui are exceptional. She has set an example for us with such an incredible career. It’s my suggestion that roads and buildings should be named after her and this tribute should be given to her during her lifetime.”

“Saying anything for Sultana Siddiqui is like showing a lamp to the sun,” expressed Sabahat Rafiq. “I may be very inadequate to say anything in praise of her. I have seen her on the journey of perfection. Whatever she does in life, I have seen that she works with full passion, and full quest for perfection. The most beautiful thing I have seen about her is that she is a complete mother. In life, you meet a lot of people whom you feel they existed in you all along. When I met Sultana Siddiqui for the first time, I felt that she was always present in me.”

Mahira Khan said that Sultana Apa achieved all goals whatever she set her mind to. “I have never seen anyone who named their businesses after their daughters-in-law, which itself shows that she is a feminist. I have always seen Sultana Apa happy for her loved ones,” she added.

Masarrat Misbah was of the opinion that all the awards such as Pride of Performance and Sitara Imtiaz are very few seeing the kind of work Sultana Siddiqui has been doing. “She should be awarded a Nobel Prize,” she emphasized.

“From her, I have learned how to be a mother-in-law, how to raise children as a single mother, and how to be a person of great character,” said Noorul Huda Shah

According to Tina Sani, “It’s difficult to keep yourself grounded when you have achieved so much success in life. I have never seen anyone who never changed as a friend. I always knew I could count on Sultana Siddiqui.”

Humayun Saeed expressed gratitude to Ms Siddiqui’s pivotal role in his career and the success of their dramas. Zeba Bakhtiyar shared, “I think her biggest quality is that even now, after achieving so much which everyone has said, the biggest achievement is to be so approachable that anyone can visit her office and talk their heart out. Moreover, I have never seen her getting angry with anyone.” Shahzeb Khanzada appreciated the work that she has done, saying whether it is about children or it is about being a feminist, it has not been an easy job in Pakistan; however, Sultana Siddiqui has done it.

Adnan Siddiqui shared that if his mother would have been alive today, she would have been like Sultana Siddiqui. He also praised her unprecedented achievements. Asif Raza Mir expressed gratitude for her mentorship and guidance, recognizing her significant role in shaping the success of the younger generation and paving the way for a brighter future in the industry. Sanam Saeed celebrated Sultana Siddiqui as an inspiration and mentor, emphasizing the profound impact she has had on her career and her life.

Javed Sheikh shared that such programmes should be organized so that the world knows about Sultana Siddiqui and her work because she deserves it. Zaheer Khan said, “When it comes to TV, it’s not just about the actors but the real game is the producer, and Sultana Siddiqui kept us, the producers alive.” Khalid Anam expressed his gratitude for working with Sultana Siddiqui, and said, “Our history has many Sultans but Sultana is the one and only!” Aijaz Aslam noted her balanced approach to personal and professional life. “Sultana Siddiqui has always been a visionary and a trendsetter in the industry,” he said.

Duraid Qureshi paid homage to his mother’s nurturing influence, saying “During our 19 years together building HUM, Sultana Siddiqui’s Midas Touch has transformed every person she touches into gold. Her support has shaped not only artists and directors but her entire family as well.” While Shunaid Qureshi shared, “My bond with Sultana Siddiqui is beyond words. She’s a woman of priorities and has excelled as both a mother and an entrepreneur, inspiring all of us with her true dedication.” Momina attributed her success in the media industry to her mother-in-law’s mentorship and positive energy, sharing that her media journey was guided by her influence.  Moomal said, “My mother-in-law encouraged me whole-heartedly to open my production house. Mothers are the ones who hold families together. She’s an inspiration that way to all of us because in this day and age when family bonding and values have become a challenge, people admire us for being grounded and united. The credit for that goes to Sultana Siddiqui solely.”

At the end of the programme, Sultana Siddiqui thanked the Arts Council and Ahmed Shah for the tribute, expressing gratitude for the recognition that was given during her lifetime. She said, “I am happy hearing such sincere words from these speakers and today angels will also write my good deeds hearing them. Due to this tribute, I have realized my worth.”

Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi presented Sultana Siddiqui with a Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion.