Yasir Jaswal is a well-known name in Islamabad. The talented Jaswal made a name for himself in Islamabad’s underground music scene as a vocalist for Irtaash. Recently, Jaswal joined the popular pop-rock band ‘Call’ as their front-man. His love for filmmaking led him towards directing music videos and now he is all set to release his first motion picture ‘Jalaibee’.

Written and directed by Jaswal, the caper action thriller film stars veteran actor Sajid Hasan along with Ali Safina, Zhalay Sarhadi, Viqar Ali Khan and Yasir Jaswal’s brother Uzair. Dawn spoke to Jaswal about his creative journey and his upcoming film.

Q. How did you start off in the entertainment industry?

A. I began by directing music videos for my brother, Uzair Jaswal, and later landed a job with one of the top advertising agencies in Pakistan. I then founded Jaswal Films - an audio, video and imagery powerhouse. Under the name of Jaswal Films, I directed many music videos including the video for Uzair’s song ‘Bolay’, which won the Best Music Video Award at the Lux Style Awards 2014. Currently, I am promoting my film, Jalaibee.

Q. What was the inspiration behind Jalaibee, an action film about the mafia?

A. I always liked caper as a genre and enjoyed watching films that weren’t predictable so when it came to writing my first movie it had to be a story like Jalaibee. I enjoy watching mafia movies because they’re fun and I can relate to them, the crime and action reminds me of our society. However, Jalaibee is not just a film about the mafia; it is also a movie about regular people, their struggles, hopes and dreams.

Q. Do you see the evolution of Pakistani cinema as organic or are elements being borrowed from western or Indian cinema?

A. I do think Pakistani cinema is evolving in an organic way but I also think Pakistani cinema is on a very delicate path right now. It could go anywhere from here. Currently, we are producing some good films but the bad may follow the good. Inspiration may come from anywhere and I wouldn’t say we have borrowed from western or Indian cinema specifically. Personally, I am more inspired by western cinema as I have watched more Hollywood films than Indian ones.

Q. As a writer and director, do you find it difficult to accept the actors’ interpretation of the roles you envisioned for them?

A. It varies. Sometimes the role is very clear for the actor and sometimes it is a struggle. We try to get as close as possible to what I envisioned when I wrote the script. I feel that it is important to not compromise on your vision as a director. I am also very particular about the characters I have crafted and so I spend a lot of time helping my actors understand their roles. Once they understand the character, they can mold themselves to it and even add to it.

Q. Do you see yourself as both director and writer in the future or would you choose one?

A. I enjoy both. I know I want to tell stories and if I am not writing the entire script, I would still like to be a part of the writing team. After Jalaibee I intend to take a break from everything and write the next film in seclusion. I think the isolation is important to my writing process and would help me. I also enjoy directing because as a writer, I am always second guessing myself and I am never completely happy with the end product.

Published in Dawn March 12th , 2015

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