Nawab Arzoo is a renowned name in the world of entertainment industry. He has made his mark as a screenplay and dialogue writer. Furthermore, he is also a lyricist. He has spread his magic both on the small and big screen. At the 70 mm space, he has worked hand-in-hand with many music directors. When it comes to tube, currently he writes couplets for Life OK’s Amrit Manthan and Sony Entertainment Television’s Bade Achhe Lagte Hain. For our ‘Behind the Lens’ section we got into a freewheeling chat with Nawab. Tell us about your journey in this industry. How did it begin? Well, I started off as a song writer, way back in 1990, and later turned to dialogue and scriptwriting for films. That time I worked with many music directors, wrote and composed songs. For many movies, I have worked with Mohammad Rafi and Anu Malik besides many actors. It has been a very delightful journey. Later I got an offer from television when I wrote the title song of the serial Heena that was on for five years. Then in 1997, I got associated with Balaji Telefilms starting from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kkusum, Kutumb among others. There was a time when I did multiple jobs at one time. Currently, I am writing couplets for Balaji Telefilms’ cBade Achhe Lagte Hain. What is your job profile? Well, I would say that I am a freelancer. My profile is a bit lengthy: pen is my sword. I am a writer, title song and a dialogue writer. Producers and directors approach me for work. I give them time according to their needs. I have been in this industry from 1983. But having been associated with Balaji Telefilms from 1997, the production house is like a second home to me. What are the other shows you are writing for? Currently, I am writing for a few upcoming movies. On television I am writing for Amrit Manthan, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and Savitri, a new show on Life OK for which I am writing the title track and couplets too. Which is a tough task: writing a title track or dialogues? Honestly speaking, I love and enjoy my work; the reason being I do not get much into dialogue writing since I am a freelancer and writing dialogues for so many serials and movies at one go is quite difficult. I personally feel dialogue writing is a tough task. My only strength and power is pen. I pen down the lyrics of a show, write title tracks for various serials and the songs and the couplets that is required for the middle of the sequences. From movies to television… how has the journey been? I would say that television is a very easy medium that a common man can relate to easily; moreover it’s an ongoing (daily) process. People see movies and they forget but television can never be forgotten. Did you face trials and tribulations in your long journey? Yes, I had my share of struggle initially, but I am thankful that everything has been smooth after a certain point. Can you relate an incident that you will cherish all your life? I remember when I was writing a song for the film Baazigar, I had written a few romantic lyrics. For one song, the director told me that the lead is a vamp and he will never love anyone. Accordingly, I had to change the lyrics on the spot. All this goes to say that in our trade we have to change stuff every now and then, when required. How has the industry changed over the years? I would say yes, the industry has changed a lot. It has become more powerful in terms of technology. It has also become more professional. I see a lot of young actors with lots of zeal and zest putting in a lot of hard work in every scene. Did you have any alternate career plans? No, it was always writing. Pen has always been a powerful weapon in my career. Whom do you regard as your guru? It’s none other than Anand Bakshiji. Who are your fans and critics? My family members. When you are stressed and work is loaded, how do you write lyrics? Whatever be the circumstances, the work must go on. That’s what I do. I never let my work suffer for anything in this world. What are your future plans? I am writing for films. I wish to get into direction.