n acclaimed filmmaker and the creative force behind Kalakar Entertainment, Dr. Mashood Qadri opened up about his extraordinary journey across cinema and medicine in this exclusive interview. By unfolding an adventurous and an intellectual narrative, he shone a light on his lineage, creative philosophy, and an unwavering commitment to societal change. In simple terms, he did it all through a universal conviction in the power of storytelling.

Scholarly heritage and
a desire to heal

Dr. Qadri’s initial steps into the world of medicine were firmly rooted in his educational pursuits and a profound passion to heal. Narrating his family legacy, he began, “my grandfather, Maulana Abdul Hamid Badayuuni, a distinguished scholar and one of the founding figures of Pakistan, instilled a deep respect for knowledge and its transformative potential in me.”

A meeting of medicine and arts

Transitioning into the universe of arts, Dr. Qadri went on to explain how he saw the intersection between medicine and storytelling.

“As a doctor, I see storytelling as a form of healing. It allows us to delve into the complexities of the human experience including touching lives in profound ways.”

Compelling narratives and Saawan

Speaking about his celebrated film Saawan, Dr. Qadri noted, “The story of Saawan is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the challenges faced by a young boy with disabilities as he embarks on a journey to reunite with his mother. It’s a poignant narrative that aims to inspire empathy and raise awareness about the struggles faced by marginalized communities.”

Lasting social transformation through cinema and
philanthropy

Discussing the vision behind Kalakar Entertainment, Dr. Qadri paid special attention to cinema and how it can be a tool for lasting social change. “We aim to bring new voices and perspectives to the forefront, addressing critical societal issues and nurturing the next generation of creative talent through Kalakar Entertainment.”

A comment on philanthropic initiatives

Philanthropy is crucial for an improvement in the lives of others and those less fortunate than yourself.

With this understanding in mind, Dr. Qadri said, “I firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our efforts focus on supporting aspiring artists, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. We do so by providing them with resources and opportunities to pursue their creative ambitions.”

Upcoming projects and the essence of storytelling

With the much-anticipated film, Qulfee, on the horizon, Dr. Qadri - in an enthusiastic fashion - remarked, “our upcoming project, Qulfee, explores the dynamics of friendship and trust, with vibrant characters and a gripping storyline. It is a reflection of our commitment to fostering creativity and delivering compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.”

Highlighting an important link between community and collaboration

In a nod to the collaborative nature of cinema, he put a strong emphasis on how it thrives on mutual respect and genuine spirit. “It is essential to value the contributions made by every individual involved in the filmmaking process. Success is a collective achievement.”

Looking towards the future

As the conversation drew to a close, Dr. Mashood Qadri, while reflecting on his aspirations, pointed to a continued relationship between the arts and social change. “I envision a future where art serves as a catalyst for societal change, where creativity is nurtured, and where every individual has the opportunity to tell their story. Through our collective efforts, we can create a world where empathy and understanding reign supreme.”

In the end, what we can say is that Dr. Mashood Qadri’s journey is a testament to the transcendent power of storytelling, as well as the compelling impact of the arts in shaping societal discourse and in fostering empathy and a larger understanding in medicine, cinema and the link they can and do share.