BY URWAT SHAFI
Success comes in many ways and forms , but the most important thing is “passion”, and one such passionate person is Irfan Fazil,who by his hard work and courage, has become a known figure of television. All through his life his father has been his guiding figure. His family wanted Irfan to opt for engeering or doctrate, but he had already made up his mind for Television. He was never afraid of making hard choices and had set the goal for himself like a warrior. He was eager to learn new things and enjoy new experiences. Irfan Fazil is credited to introduce the shows like “we the people of Kashmir” and also “Fun aor Funkaar”. Presently he is working as a programming head of Gulistan news channel.
U.S. You have started your career during 90’s and now as we have reached to 2021, so how do you determine or evaluate your journey?
I.F First of all , I would like to appreciate this radio station,as from the time it has commenced in Kashmir ,it has touched the hearts of people. I am thankful to Rafiq for introducing “welapanti programme”,we really love it.
So, as far as my journey is concerned , I remember I started my journey in 1999 , when I was a chap . But from the beginning my father has always been a support system ,who used to brace me. As, my father was involved with Television and media ,so the idea of media was never absent from our house. I have learned by observing my father and that yield great insight into me. With the beginning of my journey, I remember , I was in class 10th when I met Hussain sahab and Mushtaq Khan sahab, and I asked them about my passion. I want to do something for Television; and knowing my family background , I had a chance . That time I had no experience,but I was on the way to set a path and I did one city programme “We the People of Kashmir”—a road show .You won’t believe , but I repeated it 40 times and when it was on-air , my father was startled, as even after 40 takes, I was not impressive. But the most important thing was that I started. I had my slips written: I am on for Job.
U.S. When you started your career, that time there were no digital settings, but today we are equipped with all kinds of digital equipment and digital platforms .What’s your take on that?
I.F In the present times, it’s very easy of explore all digitally, but in 90’s everything was done manually. We had no basic facilities like mic, cameras, editing, programming, sound . But with the technology all this has become easy and for one single editing which would take us a day , is now done in 15 minutes . The foremost thing is that though we were having less facilities but we had a lot to learn. Limitations tower you up, and that is true.
As I said that my father has always been a living legend for me , so during these times also, he used to guide me about the script, frame , background ,editing and what not.
And the best part of the times was that Television was the only source of visual entertainment, so the eagerness and excitement was doubled when my show was on-air .
U.S. Today people work as freelancers ,and sometimes they are taken unfavourably .So, how do you take it? And do you think that the culture to sign a contract on paper in written form has now completed eradicated from our society?
I.F Toady we have much of talent and creativity and that one can easily go as a freelancer. But the idea that one should not work free. But yes, if you have an opportunity to work in an already evolved field, where you will learn and where you will be appreciated for your work ,one should not let it go.
Yes, the system has changed , but I believe that to work and succeed , you should have the natural curiosity and courage. So, if you don’t possess the courage to do the job, one is doing injustice to himself .
U.S. As now you have been on Television for many years ,and you have become an inspiration for many .So if someone wants to pursue career in Television, what will be your best advice?
I.F Well, I believe that the combination of passion and broader vision, can help, but one must hold on .If I talk about myself , in the beginning I was paid only 140 rupees when I started my first show . But money doesn’t matter.
One who actually has talent and vigour to work , the most important thing is to interact with the people working in media and te
Television ,as today people are willing to help the creative minds. As now I am working as a programming head for Gulistan News, I’m trying to provide youth a platform, as in Kashmir we don’t have any such institution for Media. So, our youngsters are full of talent, and they only need to show up. I wish them luck.
