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Rukhsana Noor  It's an oft used truism that behind every successful man is a woman. How often though, do women have the courage to come out from 'behind' and assert their own identity? Not many. Rukhsana Noor though is the exception. Refusing to take credit for Syed Noor's success,
she is one of the few for whom being Mrs. Rukhsana Noor, doesn't mean giving up her first name for the last one. A successful poetess, lyricist and fiction writer, Ilham her collection of poems have already hit the market more forcefully than the lyrics of Choorian and countless stories she has penned for her husband to direct.
S.T. Coleridge defines poetry as, "one's overcharged emotions." Rukhsana Noor subscribes to the definition. "It's a flow of spontaneous passions," is how she puts her hobby-turned-passion-turned profession. "Every poet is a man of feeling. Good poetry elevates one's soul and leaves a deep impression. However, it's up to a critic to decide the merit of a good poetry," says this fan of Fehmida Riaz, N.M.Rashid and Rehana Qamar.
For the industry that has produced classics of the likes of Sada Hoon Apne Pyaar Ki..., Chaandni Raatein... and Adnan Sami's musical wonder Sargam; one finds it sinking to the level of Aaja Nach Le.. and Neray Aa Zalman Way, Mein Thar Gai Aan. That says so much about our lack of progress. Since the industry works on the "Don't do today, if you can put it off till tomorrow," mantra, classics have become more difficult to produce than 500 films a year.
Many lyricists complain that they are not given a bound script. This paralyzes them from producing situational songs. "Filmi shairi is a combination of art and craft. Until we are handed over the situation we are meant to create a song for, we cannot produce good poetry. This is why Lollywood is constantly failing to produce songs worth tuning to," explains Rukhsana
The woman who stepped into Urdu poetry after (surprisingly) watching an an English movie, does understand the intricacies of Urdu poetry. She debuted her lyricist career with Syed Noor's most talked about film Sangam. Her very first attempt Surmai Badlon Ke Peechey Chuup Gaya Suraj earned her the critical acclaim that comes after years of struggle for others. There was no looking back. A masters degree holder in journalism, she does contribute to various publications, but poetry and fiction claims most of her time. Hence there are fewer by lines and more credit lines spelling Rukhsana's name before the film begins, 15 to be more precise.
Being a famous person's wife doesn't mean that she backs each and every move of her husband. Rukhsana is smart enough not to make a public scene of her domestic tensions, but minces no words while commenting on husband's failure to stand up to his name. "In the past he would consult me when he was working on a film. We would discuss ideas with each other, but not any more.
When one is producing stereotype films then there is nothing left to discuss," she says viz-a-viz her husband's present stance of reaching the top through a short cut. "His films are suffering at the box office because he is doing so many at one time. He should cut down on the quantity. Only then can quality be produced."
While the rumour mills work overtime linking Syed Noor's name with Saima, Rukhsana takes her husband's occupational hazard with a pinch of salt.
"Look when you work together for a long time, an association and understanding is bound to develop. I have complete faith in my husband. If he'd had any such intentions, he would have done it in the past. However, Noor Sahib should try to clear the air and clarify his position himself."
But there is no smoke without fire. Try telling her that and she contends that this is the price one has to pay for being a famous person's wife.
"People have certain visions about the rich and famous. It is hard to come up to their expectations." But then why is there no Syed Noor film without Saima's name in the lead. "Yeh tu wohi behter bata saktey hain," she tries to bring the uncomfortable discussion to an end.
Family life is bound to suffer when both parents are busy with their respective careers. This mother of four tries to juggle between the personal and professional life but admits that she hasn't really been successful in doing that.
"Our four kids (three daughters and one son) are used to their parents' busy schedules. But both of us try our best to spend as much time with them as possible."
As she tries to carve a niche for herself in an area where not many attempt to step into, Rukhsana is yet to decide whether its quality she would want her name to be associated with or quantity is the best policy.
 One cannot deprive her the credit for bringing about a fresh breath of air with Mehndi Waley Hath and Choorian, although she can disappoint with some substandard work.
Pakistani film industry now looks up to her to bail itself out of latkas, jhatkas and thumkas and take the audience back to the era of aesthetics. |
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