Q. Tell us a bit about yourself? How did you embark on this journey of becoming a reel maker?
A. My name is Asif Iqbal I am from the south track of Kashmir Anantnag. I am a reel Maker and an entertainer. My journey began when I saw down stepping of our society towards depression and most importantly our Youth is heading towards drug addiction. It clicked my mind to contribute something to the society. The ongoing suffering of young brains, the reflecting anxiety faces inspires me. The land of Kashmir and the people of this burning paradise had stepped miles to glow their lives with peace and prosperity since ages inspires me. I feel the instant to be a ray to breach these dark clouds, So I found the social media as a platform to connect with the people by initiating Live session at a dotted time. And it really started working as more and more people started connecting with me. It was an amazing way to route out stressful hours from one’s life.
Q. What Does Your Reels Represent? How would you relate your reels to real life?
A. My reels usually have some story to tell, which I express, and if someone I know asks “what’s it about?” I might answer, but if a stranger asks, I will ask that person what do they think is happening. My reels, or other things as I see them, are often the subject or they’re related to something in life that I and the people around face in the society. My Reels can inspire and allow people to see things from different perspectives. They comfort man through humor, literature, sarcasm, drama, and cinema. All kinds of reels can affect our mood in a positive way, making us feel happier, calmer, or even inspired to do something.
Q. Do you think your art is able to bring about a change that you expect it to?
A. One of the great challenges today is that we often feel untouched by the problems of others, even when we could easily do something to help. We do not feel strongly enough that we are part of a society. This is where art can make a difference. Art does not show people what to do, yet engaging with a good work of art can connect you to your senses, body, and mind. It can make the world felt. And this felt feeling may spur thinking, engagement, and even action. When we are touched, we are moved; we are transported to a new place that is, nevertheless, strongly rooted in a physical experience, in our bodies. We become aware of a feeling that may not be unfamiliar to us but which we did not actively focus on before. This transformative experience is what art is constantly seeking.
I believe that one of the major responsibilities of artists – and the idea that artists have responsibilities may come as a surprise to some – is to help people not only get to know and understand something with their minds but also to feel it emotionally and physically. By doing this, art can mitigate the numbing effect created by the glut of depression, anxiety and drug addiction which we face today, and motivate people to turn thinking into doing.
Q. Where do you see yourself as an artist in the next five years?
A.I am still in the learning phase; I would focus more on improving my skills. I don’t know what will happen in the next 5 years. But yes, I see Myself living peaceful and calm life and using my experience, and learning new things, I will improve my skills continuously with hard work.
