Vasay Chaudhry Explained

Vasay Chaudhry
Birth Date:1981 11, df=y
Birth Place:Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Occupation:Actor, writer, humorist, host
Years Active:2000–present
Alma Mater:National College of Arts
Awards:See below

Vasay Chaudhry (Punjabi, Urdu: {{Nastaliq|واسع چوہدری; born on 12 November 1981) is a Pakistani screenwriter, actor, director, producer, host, and comedian. He is best known for writing sitcoms and comedy-dramas for Pakistani televisions. He is also known for writing films. He wrote Main Hoon Shahid Afridi and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. While Mai Hoon Shahid Afridi was an average success, Jawani phir Nahe ani went on to become the highest grossing film of Pakistan cinema and broke all the previous Box office records while earning more than 490 million at the box office. He also wrote Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2, which was released on 2018 Eid al-Adha and broke the all time biggest box office grosses record.It also went on to become the First Pakistani film to make 700 Million rupees worldwide. Chaudhry is also known for hosting the comedy show, Mazaaq Raat, on Dunya News since 2015.[1]

Early life and education

Chaudhry was born on 12 November 1981 and lives in Lahore.

His paternal grandfather, Chaudhary Eid Muhammad, worked in the world of movies before Partition, establishing Lahore's famed Ratan Cinema in 1945, cinema which would later be owned by Chaudhry's father.[2] Because of Partition, Chaudhary Eid Muhammad had to move to Lahore from Ambala, where he ran cinemas as he did in Dehradun as well while he used to do bookings of the shows as far as Delhi.[3] Chaudhary Eid Muhammad's son-in-law Afzal was the brother of famed villain actor Aslam Pervaiz.[4]

He completed his A-levels studies from Lahore College of Arts and Sciences. Chaudhry enrolled himself at Government College University (Lahore) for a bachelor's degree but ended up graduating from University of Punjab, Lahore. Later, he began an MBA at Lahore School of Economics but dropped the course after the first semester. He later earned an MMA (Master's in Multimedia Arts) degree at National College of Arts.[5]

He married Mahera Shah in 2008 and the couple have three daughters together.[6]

Career

Chaudhry started his career in 1998 when he did a theatre play called Desperado. He recalls, "I had just a 45-second role in it! So I started off with a role – that calling it a cameo would be a disgrace! I began to pursue theatre seriously when I went to LACAS for my A-levels where I met Zain Ahmed (actress/director Samina Ahmad's son) and acted and assisted him on his play, Blood wedding".[7] Afterwards, he went on to become head of the Dramatics Club in LACAS and directed an old Urdu play called Bari Dair Meherban Aatay Aatay for the Rafi Peer Theatre International Theatre Festival in 1999.

Chaudhry's first writing venture for television was a sitcom called Jutt and Bond in 2001, starring Fawad Khan in lead role along with Ahmad Ali Butt and Farah Tufail.[8] It was television adaptation of his theatre play of the same name performed in 2000. Chaudhry approached Younis Butt to write the series; when he refused, Chaudhry wrote the show himself.[9] He recollected the memories of Jutt and Bond while speaking to a newspaper "So, then I sat down to make the decision and thought about all the terrible dramas I have seen in my life. I thought about how bad could my writing really is, decided to give it a shot and wrote Jutt and Bond."[9]

In 2010, after establishing himself in 25-minute sitcom business, he wrote his first long TV serial Dolly ki Ayegi Baraat, which turned out to be a huge commercial and critical hit.[10] He continued writing long TV serials after success of Dolly. Chaudhry in an interview stated that he has started enjoying writing for film and TV more than sitcoms.[6] Chaudhry's most famous TV plays as a writer include Timmy G, Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat, Takkay Ki Ayegi Baraat, Inspector Khojee, Kash Tu Mera Baap Na Hota, Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti, telefilm Armaan and Jackson Heights (drama). He terms his Eid Special play Kash Tu Mera Baap Na Hota which aired on Geo TV, 2011, as one of his personal favourite work along with Inspector Khojee and Jackson Heights.[6] In cinematic work, he debuted with the script and screenplay writing for Main Hoon Shahid Afridi; it was declared a commercial hit of Pakistani cinema, 2013, and garnered accolades from critics and audience alike.[11] [12] [13]

Chaudhry has been seen in TV commercials from time to time, prominent ones include MCB ad and Zong. Chaudhry wrote in the Herald (Pakistan) as a film reviewer and critic for a brief period, during 2002–03.[14] Since then he has occasionally contributed towards writing on Pakistani media and cinema in Pakistan's leading newspapers like Pakistan Today, The Express Tribune[15] [16] and The News.

Chaudhry in one interview explained the reason for writing as "only to bring the people's attention to the various character types that exist amidst us. It is important to be a responsible role model but for most people, it is easier to pick ideas off the internet and ape them."[17]

Chaudhry believes in self-censorship but insists "My target has always been to entertain people; I am not into "artistic stuff" as far as my work is concerned, at least not now. Even when I was doing theatre, I wasn't into it. I suppose it's because I am influenced by entertainment films of the 80s and 90s".[9] He regards Anwar Maqsood and Mushtaq Ahmad Yusufi as his gurus in comedy writing and laments the lack of fresh ideas and wit in majority of current comedies. Being a strong believer in originality he was quoted saying "It's mostly foreign concepts that we are picking up and then trying to localize and obviously failing. We need to learn to improvise rather than copy ideas."[18]

Reception

Chaudhry has been praised in the Pakistani press as a writer uniquely in touch and comfortable with Punjabi culture.[19] He is a firm believer of "self-censorship" and calls himself old school when it comes to the views regarding a writer's moral responsibility towards his audiences. He credits this to his training in a pre-cable TV world and asserts that he "refrains from [writing] obnoxious jokes."[20]

Television

Writing

Chaudhry has contributed as a writer in various TV shows:

Year Show Channel Notes
2001 Jutt and Bond[21] Indus TV, Channel G Sitcom, 102 Episodes
2001 Motor Chalay Pum Pum[22] [23] Sitcom, contributed writing
2002 Yaraana Purana Sitcom, contributed writing
2004 Jallywood[24] Sitcom, 7 episodes
2005–8 Rubber Band (TV Series)[25] Sitcom, 176 Episodes
2006–7 Urban Desi Sitcom, Co-writing with Ali Kazmi, 65 Episodes
2006 Inspector Khojee[26] Pakistan Television CorporationSitcom, 52 Episodes
2009 Yes Sir 13 Episodes
2010–12 Timmy G ARY DigitalSitcom, 116 Episodes
2011 Kash Tu Mera Baap Na Hota Geo TVEid special long play
2010 Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat[27] Geo TVTelenovela 17 Episodes, Chaudhry's First long TV series
2011 Takkay Ki Ayegi Baraat Geo TVTelenovela 16 Episodes
2012 Annie Ki Ayegi Baraat Geo TVTelenovela 19 Episodes
2013 Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti Telenovela 27 Episodes
2013 Armaan[28] Telefilm
2013 Abhi Tou Main Jawan Hoon[29] Telefilm
2014–15 Jackson Heights[30] Telenovela
2014 Bad Times
2013–16 Hum Awards[31] Script writing and hosting of the show
2012 Dolly ki Aa Gai Baraat[32] Telefilm
2016 ARY Film Awards Script writing and hosting of the show

Acting

Year Show Character Channel Notes
2004 Cafe Chill
2005 Tamasha Ghar (Hari Bhari)[33]
2005–2008 Rubber Band (TV Series)[34] [35] Ali Toor
2004 Jallywood
2006 Inspector Khojee Himself
2006–07 Urban Desi
2009 Yaasu Panju Har[36]
2010 Na jaane kyun[37] Haider
2011 Kash Tu Mera Baap Na Hota[38] Ifran
2012 Annie Ki Ayegi Baraat[39] Bobby D
2009–13 Timmy G Timmy G
2013 Silvatain[40] Mikaal
2013 Armaan[41] [42] Danny
2014 Kahani Raima Aur Manahil Ki[43] [44] Wahaj
2014 Pyarey Afzal[45] [46] Dr. Sibtain
2014 NazdeekiyanFaiq
2015 Ishq for Sale[47] Shehenshah
2016 Mann Mayal[48] Ifti
2019 Love u Jatta Film
2021 Absolutely Knot Haseen Khalid Telefilm

Hosting

Year Program Channel Notes
2005–2006 Bekaar Singh Dey Naal Channel G
2013–2015 Hum Awards HUM TV [49] [50] [51]
2015–2023 Mazaaq Raat Dunya NewsReplaced Noman Ijaz
2016 Lux Style Awards Chaudhry wrote and hosted a segment with Fawad Khan and Ahmad Ali Butt[52]
2021 Ghabrana Mana Hai A 13 episode interview show which was hosted and scripted by Vasay Chaudhry

Guest appearances

Filmography

style="background:#b6fcb6"
Film are currently on Cinema
Denotes films that have not yet been released
YearFilmRoleWriterActorNotes
2013Main Hoon Shahid Afridi[57] [58]
2015Jawani Phir Nahi AniSheikh(Film debut as an actor)[59] [60]
2018Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2[61] [62]
2022London Nahi JaungaHarry[63] [64]

Theater

YearDramaRoleNotes
2000 Jutt and Bond
2004–2005Oop Singh
2006Inspector Khojee

Awards and nominations

YearFilm/DramaRoleAwardsCategoryResultRef.
20051st Indus Drama AwardsBest Sitcom Drama Writer
2011Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraatwriter Best Writer[65] [66]
2013ArmaanactorTarang Housefull AwardsBest Supporting Actor[67]
2014Main Hoon Shahid Afridiwriter1st ARY Film AwardsBest Dialogue Writer Award[68] [69]
2016Jawani Phir Nahi Aniwriter2nd ARY Film AwardsBest Dialogue Writer Award[70] [71]
2016Jawani Phir Nahi Aniwriter2nd ARY Film AwardsBest Screenplay Writer Award[72]
2016Jawani Phir Nahi Aniwriter2nd ARY Film AwardsBest Story Award
2016Jawani Phir Nahi Aniactor2nd ARY Film AwardsBest Actor in a Supporting Role Award[73]
2016Jawani Phir Nahi Aniactor2nd ARY Film AwardsBest Star Debut[74]
2016Jawani Phir Nahi AniactorLux Style AwardsBest Supporting Actor[75]

Notes and References

  1. News: Web Desk. Vasay Chaudhry becomes new host of 'Mazaaq Raat' . The News Tribe. 28 October 2015.
  2. Web site: Alavi . Omair . 21 August 2016 . "The writer is the last person anyone acknowledges" – Vasay Chaudhry . 1 September 2022 . Dawn News.
  3. Web site: Usman . Ali . 20 January 2011 . The demise of yet another cinema . The Express Tribune.
  4. Web site: Shakur . Anis Ahmed . Aslam Pervez: Prince Aslam . 21 March 2023.
  5. Web site: The Man with the Golden Pen. magtheweekly.com.
  6. Web site: Vasay Chaudhry Se Sawal ~ You Ask He Answers. Desi Rants N Raves. 28 January 2015.
  7. News: Vasay Chaudhry – more than just a 25-minute sitcom writer . The Express Tribune. 4 April 2014.
  8. News: Fawad Khan, the Pakistani Prince Charming . NDTV .
  9. News: Vasay Chaudhry – more than just a 25-minute sitcom writer . The Express Tribune . Sher. Khan . 4 April 2014.
  10. Web site: Maila. Maila. Why 'Kis Ki Ayegi Baraat' Series is a Must Watch. Blush.com.pk. 8 January 2015.
  11. News: Jawaid. Mohammad Kamran. Movie Review: Main Hoon Shahid Afridi. 7 January 2015. Dawn.
  12. News: Main Hoon Shahid Afridi is box office hit! – The Express Tribune. 5 October 2013.
  13. Web site: Mughal. Danish. Complete Winners List of First ARY Films Awards -. 28 April 2014.
  14. News: Herald. Herald. Year in review: Theatre Talk. 8 January 2015. dawn.
  15. News: Chaudhry. Vasay. The year that saw Pakistani cinema surge ahead – The Express Tribune. 29 December 2015.
  16. News: F(ilm): 10 films Vasay Chaudhry wants everyone to watch – The Express Tribune. 24 July 2016.
  17. Web site: Shehr, NOS, The News International. https://archive.today/20141014084041/http://jang.com.pk/thenews/Aug2013-weekly/nos-09-08-2013/she.htm%231. dead. 2014-10-14. archive.is.
  18. News: A desi humourist Vasay Chaudhry's brand of humor may be Lahori . Jang. Rabia. Moghees. Usman. Moghal. 9 August 2013.
  19. News: InStep Q&A . InStep . Lahore, Pakistan . 9 July 2009. Hani Taha. Salim.
  20. Web site: Daily Jang Urdu News Pakistan News Latest News – Breaking News. jang.com.pk. 21 October 2019.
  21. News: Ansari. Hassan. Fawad Khan: From being shy to flying high. 1 April 2015.
  22. Web site: Jawad Bashir. awaztoday.pk.
  23. Web site: Jawad Bashir. pakistannewshd.com.
  24. News: Instep Magazine Fashion Beauty Entertainment The News on Sunday. The News International.
  25. Web site: Vasay Chaudhry Family's Charm – The 25 Minutes Sitcom Guy. magmedianews.com.
  26. News: Khan. Sher. Vasay Chaudhry – more than just a 25-minute sitcom writer. 5 April 2015.
  27. News: Siddiqui. Maleeha Hamid. Television sequels – the next big trend?. 2 February 2013.
  28. News: Alavi and Kamal. Awardseason Coming soon: The Tarang Housefull Awards . 1 April 2015.
  29. News: Humayun Saeed back in action after road accident in Bangkok – The Express Tribune. 5 November 2014.
  30. News: siddique. Sadaf. Review: 'Jackson Heights' shines as an immigrant's take on love and loss. 30 March 2015.
  31. News: Khan. Ujala Ali. Hum TV Awards brings Pakistani TV stars to Dubai. 12 April 2015.
  32. Web site: raj. adeel. Dolly Ki Aagayi Baraat ~ Telefilm ~ Geo TV. Tune.pk.
  33. Web site: Tamasha Ghar ep 1 Hari Bhari part 1 f 4. YouTube. 24 August 2010.
  34. Web site: Vasay Chaudhry Family's Charm – The 25 Minutes Sitcom Guy. magmedianews.com.
  35. Web site: ARY Sitcom Rubber Band ep 1(part 2). YouTube. 11 July 2009.
  36. Web site: Watch Yassu Panju Haar by ARY Digital on Vidpk.
  37. Web site: ahmed. waqas. Ptv Drama Na Jane Kyun 1/58. Tune.pk. 2 June 2014.
  38. Web site: Kash Mein Tera Baap Na Hota Eid Special by Geo Entertainment Latest Pakistani Dramas Online in HD. 7 November 2011.
  39. News: The Newsblog – Who is Getting Married This Time..?. The News International.
  40. Web site: Vasay Chaudhry DRAMA PAKISTANI. www.dramapakistani.net.
  41. Web site: Kiyani. Yasser Bilal. Pakistani Cinema: Armaan (Tarang Housefull Telefilm) – Watch Online. Pakistani Cinema. 22 May 2013.
  42. News: Chocolate hero's Armaan has big plans for small screen – The Express Tribune. 8 March 2013.
  43. Web site: Shaikh. Rizwan. Kahani Raima Aur Manahil Ki Hum TV Drama Serial (Synopsis and Pictures). 1 March 2014.
  44. Web site: Kahani Raima Aur Manahil Ki Episode 1 HUM TV Drama. YouTube. 25 February 2014.
  45. News: Alavi. Omair. "The writer is the last person anyone acknowledges" – Vasay Chaudhry. 21 August 2016.
  46. Web site: Pyarey Afzal- Episode 20 Review DRAMA PAKISTANI. www.dramapakistani.net.
  47. Web site: Ishq For Sale Eid Special Telefilm Full on Hum Tv. 18 July 2015.
  48. News: Desk. Instep. Mann Mayal blows hot and cold. The News International.
  49. Web site: Winners of the 3rd Hum Awards 2015 DESIblitz. www.desiblitz.com. 9 April 2015.
  50. News: Dailytimes 4th Servis Hum Awards 2016 : A night to remember – honouring our film and TV stars. Daily Times. Pakistan.
  51. News: Quraishi. Faisal. Awards fever: Drama, dancing and Dubai!. 19 April 2015.
  52. News: Lux Style Awards impress viewers. The News International.
  53. Web site: Best of The Morning Show with Huma Amir Shah: Vasay Chaudhry and Kiran Chaudhry. YouTube. 3 November 2011.
  54. Web site: Tonite With HSY – Vasay Chaudhry & Hadiqa Kiani on Hum Sitaray in High Quality 4th April 2015. YouTube. 4 April 2015.
  55. Web site: Raat. Mazaq. mazaq raat. Duniyanews. 15 June 2015.
  56. Web site: Tonite With HSY – Vasay Chaudhry & Hadiqa Kiani on Hum Sitaray. 4 April 2015. 5 April 2015.
  57. News: Zakariya. Sabahat. Main Hoon Shahid Afridi. 30 August 2013.
  58. News: Main Hoon Shahid Afridi, a movie that will inspire – The Express Tribune. 7 June 2013.
  59. News: JPNA isn't inspired by Bollywood or Hollywood: Vasay Chaudhry – The Express Tribune. 12 September 2015.
  60. News: It's a wrap for 'Jawani Phir Nahi Ani' . The Express Tribune. 15 June 2015.
  61. News: JPNA2'S First Look: Unprecedented Script, Ingenious Squad And Unwavering Mirth. 26 June 2018. 21 August 2018. ARY Digital. Syed Omar Nadeem.
  62. News: Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 cast hopes of roaring success. 18 August 2018. 21 August 2018. DAWN.
  63. News: Humayun Saeed confirms London Nahi Jaunga will come on Eid ul Azha this year. 18 May 2022. 12 June 2022. Something Haute.
  64. News: 'London Nahi Jaunga' trailer is finally out!. 12 June 2022. 12 June 2022. Daily Times.
  65. Web site: 10th Lux Style Awards 2011 Event and Award Winners -. 18 September 2011.
  66. Web site: LUX Style Awards announce Nominations for Television, Music and Fashion. 13 July 2011.
  67. Web site: Tarang House Full awards Fashion and Showbiz Magazine Pakistan. fashion360.pk. 24 June 2013 .
  68. News: Star studded ARY Film Awards attended by all Pakistani mega stars.
  69. Web site: ARY Film Awards 2014 AFA14 Pictures and Winners. 28 April 2014.
  70. Web site: ARY Film Awards 2016: a night full of glitz, glamour and grandeur ARY NEWS. arynews.tv. 17 April 2016.
  71. Web site: ARY Film Awards 2016 (AFA16) winners list & event highlights . The News Teller.
  72. News: Pakistani stars attend the 2nd ARY Film Awards at Madinat Jumeirah . The National.
  73. Web site: Mughal. Danish. ARY Film Awards 2016 Winners List -. 17 April 2016.
  74. Web site: Mughal. Danish. ARY Film Awards 2016 Winners List -. 17 April 2016.
  75. News: Lux Style Awards 2016 nominations revealed at star-studded event – The Express Tribune. 31 May 2016.