Vikas Sharma
There is immediate need for revival of theatre in J&K and it is the duty of government to come out with schemes to provide financial assistance to the local artists, so that they can sustain themselves and pursue their creativity too.
These are the words of the renowned Actor, Theatre Practitioner, Broadcaster, TV Producer, Filmmaker and the Chairman of Actors’ Creative Theatre (ACT), Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, during his exclusive interaction with the EXCELSIOR Correspondent, Ritesh Gupta.
Excerpts :
Ritesh: Can you describe what influenced you to pursue a career as an actor?
Mushtaaque Ali: When I was in 9th standard, I was too young and was least aware about acting or dramas, one of my friends informed me about the need of some kids to perform in some skits of Doordarshan.
They asked me to — to one of the rehearsals. I was fascinated by the process behind creating a theatre show and I signed up for the group. I continued to act in school and community theatre until I entered college. I continued to enjoy acting in theatre, TV and some small movie productions.
Ritesh: What is the difference between Acting and Production?
Mushtaaque Ali: Both Acting and Production in theatre can be challenging, but each has its own unique difficulties.
Earlier, as an anchor I was happy with my line of work.
Once, Ashraf Sahil Ji called me and said, “You are wasting your time here, shift your line of work. Production line is a good line, adopt it.”
He advised me to proceed to Delhi for getting approval of some new projects.
That was a big challenge for me to switch over from my line of work.
Finally, I went to Delhi and got approved my first project to make a documentary.
I started my career in this new line and made my first documentary in Jammu.
Ritesh: How has your education helped you in your field/career?
Mushtaaque Ali: Education is important for an actor for several reasons: Education helps actors understand the world better, enriching their ability to portray diverse characters with depth and authenticity.
Education enhances an actor’s intellectual abilities, allowing them to approach roles with a more analytical and informed mindset.
Though not mandatory, a strong educational foundation can help actors excel both on and off the screen.
The entertainment industry can be unpredictable.
Having a degree provides an alternative career path or security if acting opportunities are limited.
Ritesh: Launching of Satellite Duggar Channel in Jammu is delayed, what do you think about it?
Mushtaaque Ali: Denying or delaying the launch of a full fledged satellite Duggar Channel is beyond one’s imagination. I strongly support the launching of Duggar channel in Jammu.
There is the urgent need for immediate launching of the long-promised Duggar Satellite Channel by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for viewers within the country and across the borders.
What can be more tragic than the fact that even after the lapse of more than 19 years since Dogri language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the Government has no plan to start an exclusive Duggar channel for Jammu region.
It is quite clear that the local languages like Dogri, Pahari, Poonchi, Gojari, Bhadewari etc are dying a slow death as these languages have no electronic platform to produce for, perform to promote and preserve for the sake of next generation.
Ritesh: What will be your appeal to the Government?
Mushtaaque Ali: The government is doing well, but a lot has to be done in this regard. At this point, we haven’t received much support from the Government, but I sincerely hope that they will start assisting filmmakers, especially new directors who are making low-budget films.
If the Government steps in and provides support, we can ensure more films are made and reach a wider audience.
Additionally, I believe there should be a formal recognition of the Jammu Film Industry.
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