An Exclusive interview with Film Director Ali Zulfikar Zahedi

A film director is the person in charge of both the artistic and technical parts of the project, which includes writing the script, managing the post-production phase, and directing the actors and crew. Film directors usually work long hours under pressure to meet schedules, and they are frequently the public face of a movie.

We have an exclusive interview with Mr. Ali Zulfikar Zahedi, a Bangladeshi film director and producer best known for his first feature film, KAGOJ (The Paper). Zahedi’s pleasant attitude and remarkable directing abilities have made him one of Bangladesh’s most promising media figures. He has captured the attention of Critics audiences with his first film releasing in 2022.

EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND
Q: Tell us a bit about your early life
Zahedi: I was born into a Muslim family in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Following the partition of Pakistan, My family moved to Bangladesh, where my maternal grandfather was a local businessman, before finally settling in the Dhaka District. My father, Late Motiur Rahman Zahedi, earned an MSc degree and served as a lecturer at Rajshahi University before working in the pharmaceutical industry.
I attended primary school in Bogura City, followed by high school in Gazipur. My Childhood was in Bogura but grew up in Dhaka city.

Q: How you got into Media Industry?
Zahedi: I was a lover boy most of the time when I was younger. Right on. and began writing poems when I was in sixth grade. My first poetry, as I recall, was published in a local magazine. After that, I used to attend school and college in a cultural program, despite the fact that my family, who is deeply religious in the Muslim tradition, did not support me in this endeavor.
I suppose I might say that I began experimenting with media in my imagination when I was young. Even though my family did not support me, I made a strategy that would allow me to make my own decisions once I started earning money on my own. Thus, after marriage, I started saving money to bring my work to life, which I did in 2014.

BREAKTHROUGH AND CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Q: You’ve had some notable roles in both TV and film. What was your breakthrough moment?
Zahedi: I used to create poems and short stories before 2014. A friend of mine who was an actress was on Facebook. A writer can make a fine director, She informed me. He gives me encouragement, and I take the lead in producing and directing a drama for TV fiction that I started in 2014, as well as my first telefilm, Pocket. But prior to that, in 1992, I was a 10 standard student and had performed on camera for a local drama fiction production. Then, a long time later, my wife and I played in a short film called TIE. And that little movie received millions of views on YouTube. That was, I suppose, my breakthrough.

Q: What is your creative process for developing a film idea?
Zahedi: Research and idea generation are the first steps in my creative process while creating a movie premise. I prefer to chat to others who have worked on projects comparable to mine rather than watching a lot of movies or reading books about the subject. This aids in my ideation and helps me comprehend what has already been accomplished in the field; yet, the film I produce will be original and unlike anything else. Afterwards, I begin crafting personalities and plots, ensuring that every character is distinct and captivating. Lastly, I ensure that it is entirely from my head and is not being copied.

Q: We know you are also a Lyricist, can you tell me about this journey?
Zahedi: Yes, it was a fascinating portion. I primarily composed poems from my childhood, but once I began writing my first TV fiction, I intended to include a song in the background. One day while driving, a song concept came to mind, and I recorded the lyrics on my mobile device. Lateran, one musician organizes one vocalist for me when he comes to record in the studio. I was surprised to see that the singer was one of my favorite in my school hood and very famous in 90’s.
We talked, and singer Moni Kishor told me that he is singing this song after 15 years as he left the media sector. But with my song, he returned, and it was widely published in newspapers that moni kishor had returned after 15 years with Ali Zulfikar Lyrics. Then my journey began as a lyricist, and nearly all popular singers covered my song.

Q: Explain how you approach casting actors for a project.
Zahedi: Casting actors is a crucial part of a director’s job. It’s important to know how you approach the process and what you consider when choosing the right actors for my project. “When it comes to casting for a project, I like to start by doing some research into potential actors and then narrowing down the list based on criteria that I think will work best. I do never think first about a mega star but I do prefer new talent. I do always suggest developing new stars on a little budget rather than focusing on megastars.
In my strategy if I am a good director I should believe “Less Budget Means More Profit”
I have heart, imagination, and the freedom to take risks, even though the huge firms have plenty of money. I can unearth untapped talent and create fresh, captivating narratives that will captivate audiences, while they persist in recycling old brands. People will go to theaters to watch authentic movies that evoke strong emotions in them. It’s much more exciting to create new stars than to recycle existing ones. Giving a budding artist their big break allows you to influence their career and see them blossom into a superstar.

Q: Do you have any membership in this film industry?.
Zahedi: Yes, I am, Like

• Member: Bangladesh Film Director Association ( BFDC),
• Bangladesh Film Producer and Distribution Association,
• Bangladesh TV Directors Guild,
• Life Member of IMPPA ( Indian motion picture and producer Association),
• Life Member of IFTDA ( Indian film and Television director Association)

IMPACT AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Q: How do you feel your work has impacted the entertainment industry?
Zahedi: I am a visionary filmmaker who is revitalizing the nation’s film industry with my unique storytelling style. I was raised with an interest in filmmaking, and I have worked to further my knowledge in order to produce films that would be able to compete internationally and showcase the nation’s rich history and traditions.
The excellent response I’ve received from my first feature film makes me feel humbled and appreciative. I think audiences have responded well to my efforts because I try to infuse each piece with depth and authenticity. I’m especially delighted of how my work in a variety of genres has demonstrated the versatility and dynamic nature of a filmmaker. I want to encourage other budding filmmakers to follow their passions of making motion pictures.

Q: What techniques do you use to ensure continuity in a scene or across multiple scene
Zahedi: To maintain consistency throughout scenes and between scenes, I employ a number of strategies. I keep a careful eye on little elements like props, lighting, and camera angles to ensure that everything looks the same in every frame. Along with closely collaborating with the team, I also make sure that every aspect of the scene is put up correctly and adheres to our prearranged strategy. In addition, I have created my own systems for making sure that nothing is overlooked or missed in a scene. Lastly, I always prepare ahead of time in order to foresee any possible problems that may come up while filming and make the necessary adjustments.

PERSONAL INSIGHTS AND INSPIRATIONS
Q: What motivates you in your career and personal life?
Zahedi: My wife and my cultural background are the main sources of motivation for me. They have consistently offered help. The stories I make myself about the things I observe every day and dream about at night are another source of inspiration for me.

Q: Do you have any favorite quotes or personal mantras?
Zahedi: One of my favorite quotes is, One must constantly be truthful in their profession and say things like “Money is lost-nothing is lost, Health is lost-Something is lost, character is lost-everything is lost”
If I were to follow my own advice, I would state that in order to turn a profit, there needs to be a cost control department at work.

FUTURE PLANS

Q: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years as a filmmaker?
Zahedi: Over the next five years, I hope to become a well-known and respected member of the film business. I’m excited to tell stories that connect with people and experiment with a variety of genres. In order to make visually spectacular and profoundly moving movies, I would also like to work with skilled performers and crew. My ultimate objective is to create and operate in the film industry in a way that will have a significant impact and leave a lasting legacy.
Naturally, I will also be directing Bollywood films in 2024, with obtaining a Hollywood platform being my next goal.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON ALI ZULFIKAR ZAHEDI
Finally, Ali Zulfikar Zahedi’s name will soon be on everyone’s lips. He has already established himself as a Classic Film Director in Bangladesh and is now poised to take on Bollywood.
Ali Zulfikar Zahedi, without a doubt, has a bright career ahead of him. He has already demonstrated that he possesses the talent and determination to succeed in this highly competitive industry. Bollywood is always looking for new talent, and Ali Zulfikar Zahedi is just what the business requires right now. He brings a fresh perspective and a unique perspective to Direction, which is going to appeal with audiences both in India and overseas. Ali Zulfikar Zahedi is regarded as one of the most promising film directors to emerge from Bangladesh to India. He has all the makings with his talent and drive.

For more updates and to follow Ali Zulfikar Journey, visit him in Google search by the name.