Guest Info
Rafay Rashdi, an acclaimed writer, producer, and director in the Pakistani Media Industry, brings over 10 years of experience to his craft. His debut feature film, “Thora Jee Le”, was released on January 20th, 2017, and is currently streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime (U.S & U.K). Under his banner, Rafay Rashdi Productions, he has produced 15 television drama serials for HUM Network Limited and Urdu 1, three of which have won national awards (Rangreza, Dildaarian, Baandi). Rafay has also contested general elections for the Sindh, Pakistan provincial assembly.
In addition to his filmmaking career, Rafay has worked in digital PR and marketing for feature films such as “Parwaaz Hai Junoon” and “Superstar” for HUM Films, focusing on territories including Canada, China, and Pakistan. He has also collaborated with the Canadian broadcast and television industry to promote the Princess Margaret Cancer Research fundraising program for cancer patients.
As a hobby, Rafay hosts a digital channel show called “Behind The Curtain with Rafay Rashdi,” where he engages with independent and commercial filmmakers worldwide to discuss technological advancements and trends in the world of television, digital, and cinema. The show has made history as the first digital talk show of Pakistani origin to be featured on Amazon Prime’s Prime Video platform, exclusively available to audiences in the U.S. and U.K.
About the Show
The contributions of Sindhis to the economies and identities of both India and Pakistan have been substantial. However, observing that their identities often go unrecognised and neglected is disheartening.
In this compelling episode, Rajan Nazran embarks on a journey to Pakistan to meet Rafay Rashdi, a multifaceted individual as a filmmaker, TV producer, politician, and lover of music. Rafay sheds light on the gradual erosion of Sindhi culture, scholars, storytellers, artists, folklore, and even language in the face of modernisation.
Rafay shares his connection as a Sindhi and relates to other Sindhi communities across the globe. He delves into the historical origins of the Sindhi language and its evolution. Rafay aims to challenge and transform people’s perceptions and attitudes towards Sindhis through this podcast.
Moreover, he emphasises that despite political issues in the regions of Pakistan and India, there are many Sindhis who strive to preserve their culture and identity. He reveals how politics can corrupt regions and manipulate cultural heritage under the guise of governance. While the province of Sindh will endure, the inherent value of its cultural heritage may diminish.
As the episode concludes, a deeper exploration unfolds, delving into Sindhi cinema, media, and arts, unravelling the reasons for their emergence and subsequent decline over time. Rafay underscores the responsibility of individuals to safeguard their identity and cultural heritage from fading away.
Join us in this enlightening episode as we uncover the untold stories of Sindhi contributions, their challenges, and the urgent need to preserve their rich cultural heritage.
Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.
Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran
Introduction music: (https://freesound.org/people/Timbre)
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