January 26, 2006

“Organization and commitment are key qualities needed for success, but the prime motivation is passion. When one is following a burning heart’s desire then one is definitely going to be able to deliver,” tells Shah Sharahbeel to Shabnam Nasir

Born on the 16th of March, Shah Sharahbeel possesses many of the qualities typical of a Piscean. Known for their sensitivity for things and the environment they live in, people born under this sign are extremely gifted artistically, and it is this endowment that can lead them to fame and fortune.

It is no secret that Sharahbeel has managed to secure a reputation of taking theatre lovers by storm and his highly successful stage productions have given him recognition in the field. His passion and ingenuity are the motivators for perfection and the desire to deliver is what makes him successful.

“I am not business oriented,” he states. “For me, it is creativity and innovation that are my motivators.”

Born in Lahore, Sharahbeel’s first venture into the public was when he joined a band called Night Creatures. “This was in the year 1988,” he says, smiling while reminiscing over that phase in his life. “We were quite successful,” he adds, when asked how they used to perform. “I then went on to open a boutique in Lahore. It was something I was doing while I was studying arts and theatre.”

Sharahbeel’s first launch into the world of stage was in 1990 when he produced and directed Oh dad, poor dad. “I was quite unsure of the reaction I would get from the audience, even though I knew that I had put in all my innovation and creativity into this performance,” he explained. “It was when the production was highly applauded and the play ran an extra two days that I knew I had a hit. The feeling was wonderful.”

Was he always interested in theatre and becoming a director? “Well from a very early age I had the desire to be creative, to be someone. I remember being aware of the fact that until I was able to effectively enhance my skills and be able to express myself I would not be able to relate to the public.

“I have always been a very independent person. At sixteen I told my parents that I was leaving home and would go out to make my own future and become a self made person. My father said, “Oh let him go, he’s seen too many films, he’ll be back in the evening.”

So what is Sharahbeel’s recipe for success? “I feel that there are many people who are probably more talented than I am. It’s just a question of being able to strike the right balance and produce a complete package which includes being a good manager and administrator of your skills. Organization and commitment are key qualities needed for success, but the prime motivation is passion. When one is following a burning heart’s desire then one is definitely going to be able to deliver.”

After his first stage production, Sharahbeel went on to join a leading clothes chain as the chief men’s wear designer. Then in 2000, he went back to Lahore where he opened up the Al Falah mini golf course. It was a runaway success with the public and it has many features that cater to various segments of the public.

When Sharahbeel brought his talent to Islamabad, he delighted the residents with his production of The phantom of the opera, which ended up playing a total of eighteen days. The dramatization of the novel by Gaston Leroux has been a popular drama world-wide and in Islamabad the audience were captivated by the performances that took place. This encouraging response motivated Sharahbeel to stage his next production, Moulin Rouge, in Islamabad.

One of the most striking aspects of Sharahbeel’s productions is that he works with amateurs and trains them to perfection. “I just relish the feeling of working with a person who has absolutely no experience in performing on stage, and then watching a transformation take place from raw talent to a confident and experienced performer. Of course, when I hold auditions I am looking for a basic potential present in the people I’m going to work with, but basically I train people from scratch. I suppose I’m just one of those people who relish challenges.”

Sharahbeel insists that something must be done to overcome the dearth of entertainment avenues in Pakistan; especially in Islamabad. “Tell me, are there any places where you can enjoy a night out at the cinema, theatre or anywhere else?” he asks.

Presently, Sharahbeel is in the midst of a dispute over the development of a mini golf course.

“The concept of the project is to provide entertainment to everyone in a single venue. It is absolutely baseless that we are cutting down trees — not a single tree has been cut down,” he states strongly. “It just makes me feel sad that our so called ‘intellectuals’ are just deriving political mileage out of the whole situation and they are the ones who are working against the greater interests of the public.”

Sharahbeel insists that he is a fighter, and that throughout his life every obstacle or difficulty he has ever faced has eventually propelled him in the right direction.

“I take all incidents in life as learning experiences. You see, it is your values and upbringing that are the real educators in life. Personally, and by the grace of God, I have always experienced something good coming out of every negative incident in my life.”

I ask Sharahbeel about his future plans and if there were any chances of marriage in the near future. “Well, when it comes to marriage I believe paths will cross and I’ll be able to find the right girl soon.” n

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