Hyder Kazmi makes a mark in International Cinema

Sanjay Bhushan Patiyala 

Hyder Kazmi’s latest film ‘Jihad’ has created a record as such with laurels and appreciation from over 35 International Film Festivals.

Hyder has received Best actor’s award at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (Canada), Out of the Cannes Film Festival, Kolkata International Cult Film Festival. He is the recipient of Dadasahed Phalke Film Foundation award for Best actor in a Negative role while Alfeeya bagged the Los Angeles Cine Festival’s Best Actress award.

‘
Jihad’ the film has bagged Best film’s award at Pembroke Taparelli Arts & Film Festival (UK) and Global Revolutionary Film Festival (Europe).

mid-day speaks to
Hyder Kazmi.

What is the relevance of the title of your film with its story?

‘
Jihad’ the word itself sounds scary and instils fear in our minds. Koransharif mentions that the meaning of ‘Jihad’ is to obliterate the evil in our own mind. Apne andar ka shaitaan ko maaro, jaise ke gussa, krodh, etc. (We should find the vices within ourselves). Jihad is often misinterpreted and the radicals resort to bombing sacred places.

What is the synopsis of your film ‘Jihad’?

My film is about militancy in Kashmir and based on true events with over two years of research on this subject. It is about a militant named Hameed Altaf who is a misguided individual and treads of the path of Jihad.  Then a girl Bhavna comes in his life, who makes him realise that he has chosen the wrong path. But it is too late by then.

Where have you shot the film?

We have shot in actual sensitive areas in Kashmir. Actual locations in Kupwada, Charar e Sharif, Doodh Ganga, Yousmarg and other locations where no filmmaker has ever dared to visit.

A bit about the cast in ‘Jihad’.

I play the central character and Alfeeya makes her Bollywood debut with this tragic love story. The remaining cast are the locals of Kashmir who were trained by us as we wanted realistic looks, expressions and even the dialogues are dubbed by the non-actors of Kashmir.

Filming in troubled areas must have had its share of troubles.

With the blessings of Almighty we overcame a few hindrances from the disgruntled set of locals. We had an open dialogue with them and explained that we want to show the tolerance and warmth of the Kashmiris, which then pacified them.

How would you trace your journey in Bollywood?

It was only after the release of ‘Patth’ (2005) that people began noticing my work. As a producer I was also in the film along with Sharad Kapoor and Aijaz Khan in this underworld based film which fetched huge commercial success.

In 2006 I produced ‘Bobby’ which dealt with the subject of prostitution prevalent in the high society. It was directed by Rakesh Parmar (of Tara serial fame) and had me acting with Monalisa, Milind Gunaji and Mohan Joshi.

I then produced, directed and acted in award-winning film ‘Kajri’ which had a delicate subject on the old custom of ‘Tukari’ which was used to test the character of a girl by making her face the trial of passing through the fire.

So what do we expect the next from your production company ASC Digital Pvt Ltd.?

After the international acclaim of ‘Jihad’ I have received couple of acting offers from Hollywood and I am going through the scripts. As regards my next production, I will be announcing ‘Draupadi’ which is an Indo-Turkish Joint Venture film production and the role of Draupadi will be played by a Turkish girl.

Let me emphasise there that my motive is to make meaningful cinema which will appeal to the International audience and stay memorable for years, rather than making films just for money.