What did you learn about cinema in LA, and how did you apply it to the cinema you make?From a young age, I was passionate about filmmaking, often creating short stories with my siblings and cousins. Although I initially pursued engineering at UCLA, one of the most prestigious institutions in Los Angeles, my love for cinema never waned. After graduating, I enrolled in the UCLA Writers Program for Screenwriting, which rekindled my passion for filmmaking. In 2015, I made the pivotal decision to leave my engineering career and fully commit to filmmaking. The experiences and knowledge I gained in LA have deeply influenced my approach to cinema, particularly the importance of storytelling and authenticity.
Why did you choose Javed Ali—what is unique about his voice?We originally pitched a different song to Panorama Music, but when they presented this particular track to us, I knew immediately that I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve long admired Javed Ali’s work, and his voice brings a unique depth and emotion that perfectly complements the song. It was a dream come true to finally collaborate with him on this project.What is Renzu Music, and what is its unique selling proposition (USP)?
Renzu Music is not just a music label; it’s a bridge that aims to bring people together through the power of music. Our label showcases a diverse range of musicians, particularly focusing on artists from Kashmir. In recent years, films from Kashmir have often portrayed the region in a negative light, reinforcing clichés of terrorism and conflict. Through Renzu Music, we seek to counter this narrative by highlighting stories of resilience, hope, and success, reflecting the true spirit of the Kashmiri people.
You worked with Saba Azad. Tell us about her unique skills.Saba Azad is an extraordinarily talented actor and singer. We collaborated on the feature film *Songs of Paradise*, which is releasing this year. Her performance in the film is truly exceptional, and I’m confident it will leave audiences amazed. Saba dedicated herself to learning Kashmiri for the film and memorized all the songs in the language, delivering a flawless performance on set. Beyond her professional skills, Saba is also a wonderful human being. Our recent music video was born out of mutual respect and a strong desire to work together again. I look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with her in the future.
Do you see yourself as mainstream Bollywood?Yes, my next film is a mainstream Bollywood production. However, I’m keen on exploring all genres and expanding my creative horizons.
What are your future projects?
My upcoming project is *Songs of Paradise*, a period musical starring Saba Azad and produced by Excel Entertainment. The film tells the story of the first female singer at Radio Kashmir, set against the backdrop of the beautiful yet conflict-ridden valley of Kashmir. Inspired by the life of Raj Begum (1927-2016), the film explores her journey as a pioneering singer during a time when women’s rights were severely limited. *Songs of Paradise* sheds light on the unsung heroes who broke barriers for female artists in the valley. In addition to this, I have several other projects in the pipeline, which I will be announcing soon.
