Danish says production is most challenging because his brain is not wired like a businessman. “However, acting and direction get even more exciting when there are challenges in it.”
And just how technical is it to do comedy? “I think Zubeida Apa can best name the ingredients (laughs). It is a well-known fact that comedy is tougher than tragedy. It’s not easy to tickle the brain with mere words.”
He voices his thoughts on the present comedy scene, “We had loadshedding issues in the 1990s and we still have them today; our saas bahu were at odds with each other in the 1890s and are still so. I feel as a nation we are progressing very slowly. This reflects on the issues that we portray on screen be it comedy or not. The work today is fine but our channels should encourage new topics.”
How is mainstream cinema different from TV? “Both are public media. In both we desire that the public watch and appreciate our work. Surprisingly, entertaining is slightly easier in film because you have the audience’s full attention, so even a small gesture works, but on TV you have to do more because the audience’s attention is divided and they can switch channels in a jiffy.”
There were rumours that Danish was slated to appear in a Mahesh Bhatt film, to which he adds, “My jism (body) is not good enough to star in a Mahesh Bhatt film!”
But you are writing? “I’m involved in creative thinking and brainstorming. As a screenwriter, I’m working on a comedy flick by partnering with Crew Motion Pictures. For TV, I am continuing my sitcoms.”
How do you rate Wrong No? “Wrong No was the right decision. It was a great learning experience for everyone. Now we are all boosted up, skilled and equipped to make far better films.
“We are at an amateur level. The best thing is that our films have started to earn business. But it will take time. Like new film-makers, the audience is also new. The current scene is great and needs our full support.”
Finally, as a parting shot, he quips, “So, far people have just seen Danish Nawaz’s promo, the film is yet to come … picture abhi baqi hai, dost!”
Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, February 14th, 2016