Aijaz Aslam: Beyond Roshoo
By Anis Ahmed Shakur
“The beauty of man”, states
an old Arab proverb, “lies in the eloquence of his tongue”.
The above mentioned maxim holds true to
fashion designer-cum-artist, Aijaz Aslam. He spells his first name with double “z”, which is also his trade- mark.
Born to a middle class family 37 years
ago on October 3, he proved to be a bright student in his school days.
His father made occasional appearances
in Pakistan television plays, when Pakistan television was in its infancy.
What distinguished Aijaz from other kids
was his aptitude for showbiz and modeling.
Subsequently, he successfully completed
a fashion- designing course in London.
In 1989, he stepped into the world of
modeling and achieved name and fame beyond his wildest expectations.
In 1993, Aijaz debuted from Karachi television
station’s super hit drama serial, “Kashkol”, which changed his life forever.
Renowned writer, Hameed Kashmiri, top
of the line director, Nusrat Shaheen, artist of the highest repute, Talat Husain and the likes of him, made “Kashkol”
one of the greatest drama serials in the annals of Pakistan television.
Most of all, it was Aijaz (super smartly
dubbed as “Roshoo”) who did the trick.
The sad gaze in his eyes, the indescribable
pathos in his voice and the loneliness and despair, which he carried through out the series, made him one of the most astonishing
performers ever to grace Pakistan television.
In reality, he looked like the reincarnation
of fugitive-famed, David Janssen.
“Roshoo”, an embodiment of
innocence, relives a nightmare as another dream disintegrates.
His intense, charismatic performance in
his most memorable role in “Kashkol”, vaulted him to super stardom.
“Roshoo” became his identity
as well.
Aijaz helped usher in what has been called
the second golden age of TV drama.
All exhilarating, all wonderful, “Kashkol”,
a reality written script, is a must-see!
But Aijaz is more than an actor. He is
the topmost fashion designer and an innovator.
A decade ago, Aijaz embarked upon the
fashion design business in a very humble manner and with meager resources. He started his business with one machine.
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Today, numerous workers earn a respectable
livelihood in his stitching units.
An unobtrusively brilliant man, Aijaz
designs everything from A to Z.
His mastery in fashion design created
waves in Pakistan and across its borders.
What he does best is design real fashion
for real people and let the spotlight shine on them.
“I have always delighted most in
my work as a fashion designer”. Aijaz said with confidence.
His specialty is men’s wear. Additionally,
he is in charge of two manufacturing units.
Aijaz’s true genius is to design
and create items, which are widely used by artists, who work in Pakistan television drama serials and in other related entertainment
industry.
No fashion show or advertisement is considered
complete without Aijaz’s presence.
He became the defining voice for quality
fashion products.
His manufactured items, like boxer shorts,
are very popular. He achieved excellence in sherwani’s, too.
His products exemplifies in boutiques
at different locations, including his signature boutique in Clifton.
Passion for innovation, Aijaz says, fueled
his ambitious new plan—to create his own brand of shoe.
A perfectionist, Aijaz’s high expectations
influenced more than just those who worked under his umbrella. He profoundly affected the nation.
Despite his extremely hectic business
schedule, he never side- tracked his television career.
His industriousness led to one success
after another.
Cast in a succession of interesting roles,
he increasingly found opportunities to show his dramatic abilities:
“Jawad” of Pakistan television
drama “Jisay piya chahay” and “Atif” of “Aik gana aik afsana” (haan isi moar per) made
Aijaz a household word and a media darling.
His roles in the above two television
plays are a breath taking art of acting.
So far, Aijaz has visited and performed
in quite a few Pakistani cities. He also made public appearances in England, Canada, Dubai, Maldives and Turkey.
Aijaz appeared in a television drama,
“Daira”, which was adapted from the English novel, “Moth smoke”. Cast includes, Usman Peerzada- Fakhir-
Bunny.
Aijaz played the character of “Naveed”
in the Pakistan television drama, “Patjhar ki chaaon”, cast includes Mahnoor Baluch- Javed Sheikh- Jahan Ara Hai-
Badar Khalil, written by Mohammad Ahmed.
Lyrics of the above two plays are good
enough to be devoured, mesmerized and insinuated in daily conversation.
He acts with his unique style, which he
appropriately named “Aijaz style”.
Aijaz worked in the drama serial “Doosri
Aurat”, directed by Haider Imam Rizvi, written by Naheed Sultana Akhtar. Cast, Shakeel- Laila Zuberi- Ayesha Khan.
One of Pakistan television’s most
hand some man, his prestige grew with every new role. He feels privileged to be born and bred in Pakistan.
Also, he considers himself a lucky person
to be born with the God-gifted talents for acting and entrepreneur ship.
He derives immense pleasure to bring happiness
in the lives of millions of his fellow human beings.
Aijaz was dubbed as a drug dealer in a
television drama. He played the role of notorious “Haider” or “Raider”, who trades narcotics for money.
The very opposite of “Roshoo,” who waged war against drug dealers.
“Raider” is another successful
chapter in his remarkable career.
From “Roshoo’s” peerless
dramatization to numerous inventive screen- plays—his performance is simply unparalleled.
The popularity of Aijaz soared sky high
in quick response to public perception. He just would not permit failure.
His enormous output in his business and
in showbiz, has embedded itself in the Pakistani psyche.
What a difference ten years makes.
Today, he strides like a colossus in the
world of fashion and modeling.
He certainly is prolific.
Are these astonishing performers born
or made?
“No question, Aijaz Aslam is a phenomenon.
As with most prodigies, his technique
is stunningly secure, but unlike many of them, he refuses to settle for the merely immaculate”.
That, perhaps, is the secret of being a true prodigy.
