Dr Kashif Latif and Dr Shazia Hussain, Medical College's Class of 1990 are a unique AKU success story. Not only have they established themselves as successful medical specialists in the US, the couple have been deeply involved in philanthropy and, now, cinema.
The two doctors visited Pakistan recently for the premiere of their film, Ishq Positive (Positive Love) and spoke about their cinematic adventure, their work for charity and their memories of AKU.
How did you make the journey from medicine to cinema?
Shazia: We never planned on making a film. We were approached by a group of young performers – who we've known through our work in fundraising – to make a love story. They approached us with this idea for Ishq Positive and we thought the film would be a great way for us to support young artists and the emerging cinema industry in Pakistan.
The funds we invested in the movie were what we had set aside for our 20th wedding anniversary gift to each other! We could have gotten each other another watch or another expensive present but we both agreed that we'd rather do something that made a difference.
We are very proud that the film has given an opportunity to debut newcomer Wali Hamid Khan, the male lead, and also to support the many artistes on the technical side involved in the film.
Kashif: Neither of us has any experience in filmmaking and so it was a brand new area for us. Our intention was always to give back. This was never a business venture for us and we're glad to have played a part in the development of Pakistan's developing film industry.
Q. Tell us more about Ishq Positive? Is there a story behind this unique name?
Shazia: Ishq Positive is a love story with a twist. Unlike most Pakistani movies today that have a strong Western edge, this has a very Lollywood feel to it. All the[Office1] shooting for the film was done in Pakistan by local performers.
We loved the theme of positivity and so as soon as the title was mentioned to us we felt that we should run with it. There is so much negativity around the country these days that we'd like to give the audience a pleasant break from their daily lives.
Kashif: It's been made entirely in Pakistan in scenic locations such as the Nur Mahal in Bahawalpur. The cinematography throughout the film is beautiful and we are also very proud of the nine songs in the film. The music that is on par with the best in the business.
Q. What challenges did you face while making the film?
Kashif: Making the film was very challenging as we were based in the US while all the shooting was being done around Pakistan. Since we couldn't verify things in person there was a lot of coordination on the phone and over email at all times during the night! But we're happy that the team has done a good job.
There were many challenges during the film and we had to change directors thrice before our current director, Noor Bukhari, who is also the female lead, completed the project.
Shazia: Yes, there were a lot of challenges from the change in directors to replacing an extremely expensive camera which broke during the shoot. But the toughest experience was when we had scheduled a shoot in Nur Mahal in Bahawalpur. All the transport, accommodation and expenses for the cast and crew had been arranged. But the day before filming was to take place was, the army announced the Zarb-e-Azb operation. And so we were forced to delay shooting for six months. All the money we had spent on that shoot was wasted.
Despite such setbacks, we persisted and we're elated to have finished the project. We must also thank Hum Films and Eveready Pictures for their valuable support in completing the film and bringing it to the big screen.
Q. What was your most memorable experience during the film?
Shazia: When we first saw the completed video for the first song, Rahat Fateh Ali's Rab Diyaa Rab Janey. It was beautifully shot and is such a wonderful song. It boosted our morale and convinced us to continue overcoming the constant challenges.
Q. Does the film have a social or personal message or is it meant to be pure entertainment?
Shazia: Ishq Positive is a lighthearted, positive film that seeks only to entertain! The audience will be able to forget their worries for the two hours of the film and enjoy the beauty of Pakistan's scenery and the movie's incredible songs.
Q. Tell us more about your philanthropic work.
Shazia: We've been involved in fundraising for many years. Our first-ever campaign was seven years ago during the 2010 floods in Pakistan. We raised over USD 250,000 by working with a local chapter of the Aga Khan Foundation in the US. Since then we've done a number of fundraising events where we have invited renowned Pakistani singers to perform in aid of health and education charities such as the Zindagi Trust, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and the Silkroad charity in Afghanistan.
Q. How were things at AKU in the 1990s when you were studying?
Shazia: We saw this campus through its birth. We were the very first batch to complete their entire programme at the Stadium Road campus. Before us, students used to do part of their studies at the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan in Defence.
AKU had a very different atmosphere back then as today's tall trees had just been planted then. In fact, the trees in the Medical College courtyard were planted right in front of us!
Kashif: I used to play cricket where the garden in the Medical College courtyard is now. We wouldn't stop playing until the security guards stopped us!
Shazia: There were just 200 students at the time and so we experienced exceptionally close interactions with the faculty. All students knew one another and so there was a really great vibe on the campus.
Q. What is your fondest memory of AKU?
Shazia: My fondest memory is of sitting in the Medical College courtyard and relaxing with friends. All of us would enjoy chai and samosas in the courtyard and we built a strong sense of camaraderie. Those five years were the best years of our life.
AKU really taught me what quality in healthcare really means. I apply the concepts I learnt at AKU every single day when I work with patients. Our teachers like Dr Thobani and Dr Camer Vellani were inspiring and the personal attention they gave us helped us build very strong foundations. I remember thinking that I wanted to be just like Dr Shaista Khan when I finished medical school.
Kashif: AKU's training was very comprehensive. It was unique back then and when I see other physicians from the time I can see from their manner that they don't have the same standard of training or manner of communication with patients. Patients appreciate it when you engage with them and tell them how to take care of their health.
Shazia: That's true. I learnt the importance of good communication skills by observing our teachers at the AKU. I remember being taught the importance of explaining vital points to patients so that they can then take care of their health. I remember the community health studies in our programme and how it showed us how medicine consists of much more than studying from books and how you must see how the patient fits into the healthcare system as a whole.