Dawn Images

While Hasan Rizvi’s brainchild, BodyBeat, has been behind many an event related to dance and music, his music series Unplugged was an omen of optimism throughout 2015, bringing a variety of musicians under one roof. Now with his film debut, Images catches up with him to discuss different aspects of his career.

Rumour has it that you are about to appear in a movie?

Yes, I’m doing an insane tribal dance-off with Yasir Hussain in Wajahat Rauf’s project, Lahore Se Aagay. The pre-production of the movie has already started and the shoot dates are set for April/May. The movie is aimed to release in the last quarter of this year.

Does this mean dance has taken a backseat?

Every actor has a USP; mine will always be dance. It is something most of our local heroes lack. It also helps me be a little more commercial.

Movies you have choreographed for?

Main Hoon Shahid Afridi; Hijrat, a tele-film for Azaan Sami Khan and Lahore Sey Aagay.

The idea behind Unplugged?

Its sole purpose is to revive the music culture in Pakistan by bringing out the singers who once ruled our nation’s hearts.

It also recently went international. How was it?

The support received from the fashion and music fraternity was overwhelming. It was great bumping into Shah Rukh Khan’s manager besides Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam, Farhan Saeed and my personal favourite Noman Khalid Butt in Dubai.

Where is Unplugged headed next?

This year it will feature in Dubai, Lahore and Karachi. Next Year, we will be hitting New York and Toronto.

The secret behind your new look?

It took me seven months of dieting, working out and eating healthy to lose weight. I also do a high-impact class with a celebrity trainer. Dream big and believe in yourself. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Originally published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, April 17th, 2016