you & me
If you are into dance and music then you probably know about Hasan Rizvi who is a dance visionary; musical director, actor and choreographer. He shot to instant fame by organizing the first Hip-Hop, Bhangra and Bollywood dance tableau of Pakistan - Cinema Live - in which he displayed his directorial, acting and choreography skills. Hasan Rizvi’s recent work includes television commercials for Lipton, Warid Glow, Soul, Nestle, Samsung, Tapal Tea amongst others. He has also established and running the first Health & Fitness studio of Pakistan - BBRC. Hasan was elected ‘Hip Hop Ambassador’ by the US department of State to represent Pakistan in 2010 which included state performances in the United States. Rizvi’s latest music venture ‘Pepsi Unplugged’ has risen in terms of popularity all over the nation.
Now, after spending 8 years in showbiz Rizvi is all set to enter into movies. The young and talented dancer will be featuring for the first time in three Pakistani films, all being produced this year. “I am looking forward to my first debut in Wajahat Rauf’s new movie, ‘Lahore se Agay’. I will be dancing in the title track as the lead with a supporting role,” says Rizvi excitedly. Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this talented young man...
What are your most memorable dance performances to-date?
Most memorable would have to be performing at Hershey’s Centre with my Indian troupe in front of 10,000 Indians. They made a special announcement that we are featuring the first Pakistani this year. Overwhelming, loved it!
Your favourite international labels...
Versace, D&G and Zara Man
Your favourite local designers...
Deepak Perwani and HSY
Your favourite photographer...
Haven’t worked with too many but Tapu’s work is always extraordinary
What do you usually wear in daily life?
Jeans and T-shirt
What is one thing you cannot do without?
Blistex - Need to keep one in my bathroom and one in my car
Your idea of romance...
I’m big on romance! The bigger the gesture the better it is. I still have yet to do my proposal Shahrukh Khan style
One thing you like best about yourself...
My father has always instilled humility in us. And I would like to think that all of his kids are grounded
Which designer’s clothes you would always love to wear?
Regularly, wear HSY, Humayoun Alamgir, Jehanzeb Qamar, Deepak Perwani in the local designers. Foreign designers don’t need any promotion here
You like girls who are...
Shy, pretty, light skinned, dark skinned, curvy, short, polite, feminine and modest
Your most irritating habit...
I have major OCD! Everything needs to be perfect especially in my room. Arranged, sorted, colour coded, aligned and placed. It drives people insane
You don’t like people who are...
Self-centred and manipulative
You always feel happy in the company of ...
My family, my friends and most of all my kids
You are afraid of...
Offending God, hurting people, pitch darkness and water
Happiness is...
Where you find it... for me it’s my family and friends
Your most valuable possession:
My reputation
Your all time favourite movie:
Tough one! All of Sanja Leela Bhansali’s movies
Are you shopaholic?
Yes, I have been told to take therapy sessions
What bores you the most?
Routine, long pointless conversation, listening
When feeling low you prefer:
Listening to music, talking to friends and taking a smoke break
You are crazy about:
My profession, career, my family
Among your friends you are known as...
The dominant, talkative, and over powering one
Are you a social person or a loner?
I’d like to think I am a good balance. I socialize a lot but need my ‘Me’ time too
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
Ideal Sunday would be spent at home but Karachi is a city that never sleeps. Thus it ends up becoming very happening
Your fitness regimen:
I take an intense programme 5 times a week at BBRC conducted by my celebrity trainer Mohammad Wasif. It’s an amazing mix of cross fit and insanity. Besides that rehearsals and my own classes do the trick
The best thing that’s been said about you...
A compliment I re-call was from my sister, she said, “Watching you dance is soothing to the eye.” Coming from Komal trust me that’s a compliment to be taken home
The biggest misconception about you...
That I am single! I prefer it that way
What would be your advice to someone who is thinking of becoming a professional choreographer?
You better be ready to work hard and fight the world!
What do you like most about your job?
Being the boss, being in control, managing my team, fighting the obstacles, setting the bar, starting new trends, conceptualizing, planning, executing...all of it!
If I weren’t doing what I’m doing today... I would be:
An economist or marketer!
