'FameSake'-Qazi (MumbaiMirror Article)

After battling for, and winning, the coveted crown of Sony TV's musical reality show Fame Gurukul, Qazi Touqeer disappeared. Everyone thought his career was doomed. But that was two years back. What no one knew is that he was busy fulfilling his childhood dream - that of acting in films. Qazi bagged a lead role in Nazim Rizvi's (of Chori Chori Chupke Chupke and Under Trial fame) action-thriller Take Off. The film is directed by Kaushal-Moses. Qazi is paired opposite newcomer Meghana Halder.

Producer, Nazim Rizvi says, "Take Off is an action-thriller and we have already shot about 70 per cent of the film. I always knew that Qazi has the potential to make it big and when we got this subject, I thought he fitted the bill. The film is directed by famous stunt masters Kausal-Moses duo. They have done films like Baazigar, Khiladi and Naqaab. They also did my film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. "

Reluctant to reveal much about the film, Qazi says, "When Nazimbhai told me about the film I loved the idea. The film is an action thriller with a lot of masala and I play the main lead. Famous Pakistani singer Rahil Shah has provided music to the film and we have great actors like Rajpal Yadav and Prem Chopra. I will also be singing in the film and am very excited!"

A small town boy, Qazi always dreamt big. He says, "I have always dreamt of acting in films. I come from a very small town called Khaniyaar in Srinagar and right from childhood, I have seen bullets being fired all over. It was so difficult to get out of Kashmir and fulfill my dreams. In a short time I have learnt so much. I remember the advice that legends like Javedsaab, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Mahesh Bhatt have given me."

Qazi is often compared to Hrithik, does he feel happy about it? He says, "Hrithik is a superstar and a fantastic actor. I have just started and I want to make my own image. People said that I could never win the Fame Gurukul crown, but I did. Then people said that I am very thin and have no built. But I worked so hard on my body and that surprised everyone. So, there is nothing impossible in this world if you know what you want to achieve."