Filmmaker Wajahat Rauf said he is proud of his son, singer and actor Aashir Wajahat, jokingly describing their dynamic as “reverse nepotism” and admitting that he is often recognised because of Aashir.
In an interview, Rauf opened up about his son’s growing popularity in the entertainment industry, saying he is glad Aashir carved out his own path to success. Saying he is often recognised as Aashir’s father, Rauf told the host, “I’m very happy you introduced me that way, that he is the father of a huge star. This might be reverse nepotism. It is a very good thing.”
Reflecting on his family’s experiences with fans, Rauf shared that they are now often recognised because of Aashir’s success in music and his recent role in the drama Kafeel. “People used to come up to me for pictures, but ever since Aashir released his song Sadqay, nobody asks for me. I thank God for this, that they are interested in him,” the filmmaker said.
Further, he described his son as a grounded young man who is not driven by fame. “He does not do it for this purpose. His brain works differently; not for the sake of ratings and trends. He has also gotten involved in the storytelling process of my films,” Rauf shared.
He added that he and his wife have encouraged their children to pursue their interests while prioritising education. “Education is important. Aashir also got 8As in school, so he took it seriously. I was the headboy, as was he. We both have been in bands and are used to performing and doing speeches for large audiences,” the filmmaker said.
However, he noted that he would have been proud of his son regardless of the career he chose. “I told him do whatever you want but do it well. 10-year-old Aashir would beg me to let him be the small character in dramas. Now that he is older, he is happy his success came later,” Rauf said.
Reflecting on his own career, Rauf admitted that music was his first passion. “I was a failed musician,” he said with a laugh, explaining that although he loved music, he never expected to achieve success through it. “I have been a musician since I was seven years old and can play five to six instruments,” Rauf said, adding “I got good professionally but people did not know what was good or bad at that time.”
The filmmaker also revealed that his children grew up surrounded by musicians, saying, “Aamir Zaki used to stay with us as did Ali Zafar and the Noori boys. These artists really influenced the kids.” He noted, however, “I think it is good that I did not get famous from it [music] and they came into it on their own. Now there are no comparisons of where they come from, whether that be in music or in the acting world. We all have our own fields in show business.”
Rauf added that his wife is also in the industry as a producer, but said that he had “no correlation to that side of the business,” noting, “I think that made it very easy for me to focus on my craft, and it has created such a well-mannered environment on set.”
Discussing his new Express TV drama Shaandaar, the filmmaker revealed that the serial is inspired by a true story and features a talented young cast. “I have always worked with young talent since I started in 2003. When I got the opportunity, I liked that the story was based on true events and suited this age group.”
Regarding the cast, Rauf noted, “Ali Dayan is an incredible talent. This is also my first time working with Areeka from Kafeel. Shamoon Abbasi is a master of his craft.”
The filmmaker also praised Express TV for giving creators artistic freedom, saying, “Express lets you do creative stuff rather than forcing casting. They tell you to do your own thing and I easily accepted.” He added that the channel “also experiments and that has worked for them. They are changing their overall screen with Raja Ka London, where we are getting a good thriller which other channels do not have.”
Currently, Rauf is preparing for the release of his sixth film Panchhi Pyare, which is a family comedy set to hit cinemas soon.
