RAW Waqar Zaka

THE MAGAZINE

Interview with
Waqar Zaka
by Ahmed Hayat

How did you end up being a VJ?

Tell us about your first television
experience?

Long story, so keep it short and simple.

In Jan 2005, I saw an advertisement
saying “Fresh VJs needed for ‘The
Musik’”. At that time I was in 3rd year of
electrical engineering at NED University
Karachi, I went to the open auditions
and passed through. During that time
I also joined ‘The Musik’ as a Concept
Writer / Program Director because I’m
more interested in designing unique
programs rather then just becoming a
VJ. My first TV experience as a VJ was
a special April fool’s day street show
aired by the channel.

What do you think about your job?

I love it. I enjoy every minute of working

with The Muzik; the channel has given
me every opportunity to flourish as a VJ/
Concept writer/ Program director. The
technical facilities & platform build by
ARY Digital Network in turn The Muzik
is just unique and has no competition.

What was your big achievement in

life?
Pakistan. As obvious the responsibility Victory sign and the-one-that-can’t-be-
Achievement, there is nothing big as
falls on me but my parents have mentioned), I’m just happy about how
such but since you used the word ‘was’,
compromised for my wishes. They are the whole thing has worked out for me.
it was when I received the Youngest
very supportive and I thank them for all
Pop Duet Band Award in 1996 from
their moral support. Nahie Phara Mein Ne Pora Saal , ‘THE
BBC Asia, sponsored by Virgin Records,
STUDENT’S ANTHEM’, what inspired
it was for my song Nahie Phara Meina How do you feel about the popularity you to do such music?
Pora Saal (Student’s Anthem). you’ve gained from “Living on The
Edge”? I did this song when I was 15, back in
How was the reaction of your family
1995. Frankly, I’ve always wanted to
when you came into this business? It’s a blessing for me; I would like to create something which is actually for
thank every one for appreciating my the students, if you observe there aren’t
Since I am the only son of my parents
work as a host and program format many songs related directly to today’s
they are worried about the field I am
designer. Its amazing, the feeling, when youth or exams, but since at that time
in, especially my father because he is
young kids look at me and scream, I had no knowledge about music, I
expecting me to join his business of
‘Living on the Edge’ or make the show’s produced a bad quality rip off anthem.
intercom manufacturing. Flattering,
hand sign. When I came up with the But then I think, as long as Myra(female
but our company is the pioneer
hand sign I really wanted people to take singer) and I won the BBC Asia award,
in manufacturing intercom sets in
it seriously like other signs (Rock On, alls well. Someday, when I find a fresh

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RAW Waqar Zaka
THE MAGAZINE

teenage female singer, I’ll re-do the support for new VJ attitude.
song with a fresh composition and
music arrangement. What are your aims and goals in
life?
Any new musical feed expected from
you? I’m a very moody person and never
plan my goals. In future I do plan to
I’m planning to produce songs design TV shows through with the aim
which are different in lyrics then the to bring back the viewers who are in
conventional love based. Songs which love with Indian dramas. I believe
will be fun to hear, like the Student’s blocking channels rather then fighting
Anthem or O’Khair etc. them is not the way.

What has been the best move you How would you like to be
made in your career path? remembered?

Hmmm, I’ve made lots of mistakes in As some one who brought back the
life, so I don’t remember making any Pakistani viewers back to their roots.
best, yet.
Anything that you dislike about the
Has fame changed your private life? current social system? How would
you change it, lets see how daring
I am no celebrity, so no, it hasn’t. you are?

Was it your dream to be a VJ/host? As a VJ I think it’s my responsibility to

educate the people and one of the main
Definitely, I’ve always wanted to do reasons because of which I wanted to
something creative, which I am doing as become a VJ is to educate the people.
a concept writer. 90% of the shows that I think we VJs / RJs can really bring a
you watch on The Musik are designed great change in our social system as we
by me, e.g. Fan Fever, Versus, Band Tu communicate directly with the youth
Bajey Ga, Living on the Edge, The Musik and I am really trying hard to come
Headlines, and several occasion based up with some programs that can bring
special programs. Further, I usually about some change in our so-called
edit my shows my self, designing new system.
promos of the shows but hosting is
something that has helped me gain Any message for the readers?
respect in this industry.
Party every Night!
You were awarded as the best VJ of
The Musik, your feelings?

It’s a blessing that it took me only 5

months to grab viewer’s attention.
Frankly, when the competition for
Best Male VJ started, I knew that I will
make it because of Living on the Edge
popularity and fan following. Seriously,
there is no other musical show in
Pakistan which is loved by people of all
ages.

How is the experience working with

Mani, Anything that you dislike about
him?

(Laughs) I have only done one show

with him, I don’t dislike anything about
him in particular except maybe his no-

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