Joining us today for an exclusive interview is Fahim Burney, the maestro behind the popular drama serial Iqtidar!
Fahim Burney is a distinguished director with nearly 20 years of experience in the television industry. He has made a significant impact with his exceptional storytelling and direction in popular dramas such as Fatima Feng College Gate, Dil Ka Kya Karein, Bisaat, and more. His recent project, the viral drama serial Iqtidar, has captured the hearts of audiences and showcased his talent for creating engaging narratives.
Iqtidar has crossed 26+ million views on its first episode on YouTube and has quickly become a fan favorite. The characters, Mehrunnisa and Shahnawaz have stolen the audience’s attention and love, becoming one of the most loved on-screen couples and the standout drama of the season!
Let’s see what Fahim Burney has to say about Iqtidar and more below!
Iqtidar: Fahim Burney On Script Development And Relatable Romance
Fahim Burney discussed the development of the drama Iqtidar, emphasizing that the script originated from the channel and was notably strong. He highlighted the collaborative effort involved in refining the script, mentioning the contributions of writers Hina and Huma, as well as the content head, Alaina. Burney himself also made some adjustments to ensure the dialogue resonated with the audience.
Relatable romance is, “I don’t like you. I don’t like you too,” this fight is romance.
Fahim Burney
He explained that it was essential to incorporate relatable elements into the characters and their interactions. For instance, he noted the importance of portraying modern romance realistically. In his view, the essence of romance in today’s context often includes playful banter and misunderstandings, such as characters jokingly expressing dislike for each other. He believes that the nuances of love and affection are often intertwined with some moments of tension, adding depth to the romantic narrative portrayed in Iqtidar.
Guess Who Introduced Wahaj Ali to the Industry? Read Up!
Fahim Burney shared his experiences of introducing several now-established actors to the industry, highlighting notable names like Farhan Saeed and Wahaj Ali. He recalled his early work with Farhan Saeed, who was primarily known as a singer at the time. Fahim mentioned that he had previously worked with other musicians, such as Gohar Mumtaz and Junaid Khan.
There are many names in the industry that I have introduced, including Wahaj Ali.
Fahim Burney
Fahim also discussed his encounter with Wahaj Ali, whom he discovered on the set of Nadia Khan’s show. Wahaj was working diligently as a line producer, and his dedication caught Fahim’s attention. Impressed by Wahaj’s down-to-earth nature, Fahim engaged him in conversation. Wahaj expressed his desire to act, prompting Fahim to evaluate him critically. Despite initially being skeptical, Fahim offered Wahaj a challenge: if he truly wanted to pursue acting, he needed to dedicate six months to preparation and come to Karachi to showcase his talent. This moment marked the beginning of Wahaj Ali’s journey in the acting world, guided by Fahim Burney’s mentorship.
Fahim Burney’s Tip For Creating Comfort In Romantic Scenes
Fahim Burney shared his approach to helping actors navigate romantic scenes, emphasizing the importance of building strong friendships among cast members. He recalled an initiative he implemented during the production of College Gate, where he invited the entire cast to Murree for a two-day retreat. The goal was to help the actors get to know one another better before filming. During this time, they engaged in casual conversations, enjoyed barbecues, and forged friendships, creating a comfortable atmosphere that translated into their performances.
My job is to call the actors and tell them to be friends.
Fahim Burney
Fahim explained that fostering these connections allows actors to portray their characters more authentically. He aimed to depict realistic friendships among boys and girls, emphasizing that not all interactions need to involve romantic tension. He encouraged actors to discuss their characters’ relationships openly, often suggesting scenarios where they could support each other in their love lives. By prioritizing friendship and camaraderie, Fahim created an environment where actors felt at ease, making it easier for them to portray romantic scenes convincingly.
Want to hear more from Fahim Burney? Stay tuned for the full interview, coming soon on FUCHSIA’s YouTube channel!
