MEMORABILIA

 ‘Titans’: awe-inspiring to date

phi•log•ra•phy [fi-log’ru-f?] - n.

the collecting of autographs, esp. those of famous persons.

It was nearly a year ago that Karachi was introduced to a passionate philographist, Yusuf Amanullah, founder of Titans Autographs & Memorabilia. Spurred on by the success of their previous show, Titans: history in your hands, he recently hosted the second exhibition, Brace Yourself.  As we sit down to talk prior to the exclusive screening, I find it’s not just the novelty of pushing the whole idea in this country, but also the incredible wisdom of the 18-year-old owner that is amazing. 

For starters, Yusuf’s objective is clearly not the monetary gain he could manage through exhibition/selling of some of the most coveted pieces from his collection. Rather, he means it to be a source of inspiration.

‘The aim is to really bring this concept to Pakistan, for everyone to understand the feelings and emotions that I have experienced.’

One might think he is, after all, naïve to not expect and/or fear the competition which might ensue as everyone rush to pick up after his hobby. But he refutes it, profusely divulging the support that he’s observed as part of the community. ‘It’s quite a close-knit community and a lot of people love sharing the stories...of when they interacted with someone they found iconic or role model to them. They want you to feel the same way - just like I want people to feel the same way I did while collecting memorabilia.’

As far as the ‘competition’ is concerned, ‘of course [it exists] at the end of the day. But that’s about everything. You help someone out, but, at the same time, you want the best for yourself. You learn to keep your cards close.’

Given the sheer confidence with which he replied, I quite instinctively asked him how many items he has collected so far. ‘It’s quite a common question [and] it’s difficult to say, but [they are] slightly above a hundred altogether.’

The list includes a limited edition book signed by Nelson Mandela, a few things signed by Muhammad Ali, a massive poster carrying the biggest ever signature of Joe Frazier, another boxer, and a T-shirt signed by three Formula One drivers - Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

It took a lot of concentration to bring my mind back from memories this triggered. From being the butt of jokes to being scolded for the wrappers (read kachra) I collected for a still-ongoing chips contest, how could one set of desi parents be totally different from the other?! Life suddenly seemed unfair, except that this isn’t about me; it’s about his story and his favourite memories.

‘I still remember the first time very vividly when I got a signature of any sort,’ he recalled. ‘It was Michael Schumacher’s. I had a tutor when I was about seven years old. One day, she casually took out a folded piece of scrap paper from her pocket and asked me to ‘have a look’. I opened it and immediately recognised the scribble as the signature of my childhood hero’s. I just sat there, stunned. And then she went on, ‘My friend saw him at a mall and [knowing you like him] I requested her to get him to sign something.’ It was surreal.

‘That, for me, is my fondest moment perhaps because it was the start of everything as well. I am glad that was the start.

‘There’s also a weird interaction I had. I was attending my school’s National Day celebration (in UAE). I was standing with a friend and we were talking about the Ashes and how well Freddie Flintoff played. I foumd out he’s right next to me.  Somehow, he’s standing there and I was thinking, “how did that even happen?”’ Luckily, Yusuf found a piece of paper for him to sign.

Talk about luck, here’s another special account: ‘The Lindt chocolates were having a competition wherein you could win Roger Federer’s signed pieces. My mom, who doesn’t usually buy these chocolates, bought them this time around without knowing anything about the competition. She was about to throw away the packet when I saw the picture and inquired. I looked it up, registered for it and then waited eagerly. I received a call on the weekend, telling me I had won a cap signed by Federer. I was beyond happy. It was all just a coincidence!’ To those who are curious, Amanullah, one of the five lucky winners, got a cap and a huge hamper of chocolates.

While he may not have any regrets, choosing to consider his shortcomings as learning curves instead, there are times when things do not go his way. His pursuit to get some autographs from the Peshawar Zalmi members, for instance, was off-putting; he did procure Darren Sammy’s autograph eventually, besides others of the Islamabad United team.

‘All these interactions that I had, there’s always something special for me. I look at what they’ve gone through in their careers, what hardships or what successes they’ve had, and so any interaction becomes very special. And because autographs are very personal, involving the person him or herself, it becomes even more of a personal connection with that person - more than pictures or videos. It’s long-lasting and inspirational.’

 

Are you also an autograph fanatic? Find out below.

1He goes to the signing sessions and camps outside the Formula One circuit in Dubai for hours whenever it takes place. Other tournaments (cricket, tennis, football, etc.) are treated with similar importance.

2He is addicted to this hobby. He is always checking how he can win something, what’s available, what he can do to get more autographs. At times, he just sits looking at his collection and reminisces.

3He collects autographs because it has inspired him to do something with his life. It’s not only an autograph, but a whole story behind the star that motivates him. He couldn’t - wouldn’t - imagine life without Titans.

4He persists in his endeavours. The duration of a signing session of Lewis Hamilton (when he was still at McLaren) was cut short from 15 minutes to five. There were only three people in front of Yusuf when the star left. It was frustrating but definitely not enough to keep him away from getting the autograph the following year.

5He finds it difficult to let go of his prized possessions. But when he sees people happy, he realises it’s for the best.

6He knows there’s a cost - time, dedication, money. He expects to not get anything even after waiting for an entire day. So, he makes sure to wake up and be there at the right time, because it’s worth it at the end. Also, he uses the money from sales to finance other pieces in future, something he can deal with and manage on his own now.

7He mentions some autograph etiquettes, like being kind and nice to the people you are asking autograph of. In his opinion, the celebs are actually doing you a favour and would appreciate it more if you show consideration and bring, for instance, a shirt rather than a piece of paper.

8He never leaves without a backpack of pens, camera, phone, and whatever he wants to get signed just in case he spots someone he knows. He’s learnt that hotels and events are always great to obtain autographs while preparation and a sound knowledge of where to go saves time and hassle.

9He is willing to share trade secrets, like products being priced according to their popularity, rarity, condition, presentation and appreciation.

10He admits that juggling studies and a business is hard. Neverthless, he plans to secure a degree in business management even as he dreams of improving his (personal) collection and Titans.