Singer, actor, director, producer Yasir Akhtar says he looking forward to working on a project between Pakistan and the UK.
Originally from Karachi, he now lives in Manchester and is travelling to Pakistan to start work on a special series of films.
Yasir has performed several successful musical concerts all across Europe and runs his own production company Pegasus Productions.
He was asked to lead the ‘Pakistan Day Parade’ in Manchester, joining boxer Amir Khan as they both accepted a patriotic welcome from their fans and followers.
Yasir is credited for launching some of the finest singers in Pakistan including Najam Sheraz, Shehzad Roy, Komal Rizvi, Fakhr-e-Ala and Nadeem Jaffery On his move to the UK he said, “I started my career from Javed Jabbar’s film "Musafir (Beyond the Last Mountain)" as a child actor.
“I started my career as a singer, actor and director at a very young age and there was a time I felt, I must entertain and pursue my career across the border.
“Apart from that, as a teenager, I also had the honour to work as an actor and singer with Pakistan Television Network’s esteemed legends, Shahzad Khalil, Sahira Kazmi, Sultana Siddiqui, Kazim Pasha, Haroon Rind, Shahid Iqbal Pasha, Ghazanfar Ali and many more, and always attempted to learn from them.”
Recently, he filmed Apache Indian and Sheeba Khan music video Pagal Jiya (Crazy Heart) in Birmingham “Sheeba Khan is a very talented singer. Her previous music tracks and videos Aey Kash (perhaps) and Hum Kabhi (Me ever) have gained a lot of appreciation on social media.
“Undoubtedly, Apache Indian is the Amitabh Bachan of the RAP industry.”
He has also filmed a music video in Brighton, UK, dedicated to Imran Khan.
“Actually the track Insaaf (Justice) is sung by UK’s talented singer Kaz Khan. I have also filmed Kaz Khan’s last two music videos in London.
“He brought the idea of this track and I introduced him to my musician friend, Anjum Gil. Kaz and Anjum both composed the music and I filmed it.
“There is a big role of Nadia Choudry and Asim Qureshi’s firm Civiizasian (Civilization) in the making of this video. We have all completed this project as a team. Apart from Insaaf (justice), I have also filmed several productions on social subjects such as Mawaan.”
A joint cooperation between Pakistan and the UK will see him produce a film in the coming year.
“Just like when I filmed the first ever Pakistani telefilms series Tapal Cinema, my UK and Pakistan based film house Pegasus Productions will now produce films by recording them in Pakistan and in the UK.
“This will definitely facilitate the launch of new Pakistani talent in the UK.
“These projects will be filmed on different topics and released in cinemas. We will be auditioning loads of new and experienced talent in Pakistan and in England for this project.
“Apart from this, an international label is also going to release videos of my music tracks very soon.
“In the summer, I am also going to film a new drama serial in London. As always, I am expecting a very positive response from my well wishers. Long Live Pakistan!”
Words by Shaista Iram Hamid and pictures by: Roommy Zaahid.
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