Interview by Khawaja Pervaiz Saeed
It was wonderful talking to Qasim Yar Tiwana (QYT) prominent figure of fashion world. He was forthright and open and had some intelligent answers for our viewers.
1. QYT, these initials are so very familiar and are a symbol of success; how has this happened?
QYT is the brand symbol under which I launched my first theme event in the year 2004. The venue at the polo club, definitely one of Lahore’s exclusive spots, was filled with a chick crowd that was left purring with excitement as the evening progressed and the QYT touch became a hit overnight , with top models and celebrities spreading the news about an imaginative QYT who within a year of passing out from NCA had proved that he loves making things more beautiful.
Besides my formal education, the feudal subtle hospitality touch accompanied by polite, dignified demeanor had mesmerized my guests and helped to rock the elite of Lahore.
2. As you stand today, do you consider this the pinnacle of your career, or you still aim to enhance the canvas of your business?
I am still in the learning process and there is a long way to go; yes I do accept that all my events are considered front runners not only in Pakistan but also Internationally; corporate giants like Apple, Samsonite, Mobilink, Warid, Wateen, Rafi Group, Damas, Apple, Chimera, Nokia and Royal Palm Golf and Country Club continue to associate with me and I also have some intense memories of the fabulous shows I did for royal families of Brunei, Jordan; Queen Rania and King Abdullah attended my shows which carried a cultural touch. Yet I feel that there is so much more I want to do.
I must share with you that I was born with an unusually good feel for beauty and grace and my curiosity for things that interest me is beyond comprehension.
3. Along the way, have you had any guru or any role model?
I can’t attribute my success to gurus; however there is one name I certainly can’t miss, that of Neelofar Shahid. A family friend, a senior and an endowed person with whom the bonding has been natural.
As a mentor she had a significant impact on my progress. And allow me to hastily add here that I am also indebted to my brother Hassan Yar Tiwana. He has backed me all the way.
And one more admission I was fortunate in getting a most benevolent teacher, Zafar Ullah Siddique, in the 12th grade in Islamabad. I am permanently indebted to him as he gave me an insight into my own personality and I have immense respect for his leadership and humanitarian outlook; he ingrained in me element of compassion and creativity and a set of values which have helped me in my career. Even now I reach out to him and he is always there with his code of conduct, warmth and smiling face.
4. Teams training, is this being given importance?
QYT has an office in Lahore and one in Islamabad headed by my brother and my team enjoys perfect harmony when it comes to delivering the very best.
A stream of youngsters are so very willing to work for me as interns and during the course of internship noticeable is their urge to learn and work in a harmonious sequence. Many of these youngsters have moved on to become event managers of value, capable of excellence in their work.
5. Have the parents been supportive?
My parents passed away long before I entered practical life; yet, when I think back I recall that they were the ones who made me believe that there exists in me a huge reservoir of untapped potential for achievement success, happiness and greater prosperity. Hailing from an agricultural background, there was always enough to feel cheerful and endowed and privileged and it is because of the inheritance at my command, today, I don’t have to bank on my income from event management and related activities. Yes it does supplement my income. Here I must share with you the influence that my mother left on me. I am thankful to her for all the values that she taught me and the impact her teaching instilled in me.
As a youngster I was intensely delighted with the approach of my parents and I consider myself lucky as I enjoyed all the gifts of life in lavish profusion; my mother in particular, was a person who dwelled continually in good thoughts and threw around an atmosphere of sweetness and beauty; and because of her sterling qualities there was purity and joy and a lot of cheer in our house. The ‘Khandani’ touch did wonders to my life.
6. What about your biggest fear; from competitors, of course?
I believe that faith and purpose constitute the motive power of life. One can accomplish innumerable feats though an unflinching purpose and strong faith; by the exercise of silent faith do I manage to strengthen myself and my team and I have no fear as far as competitors are concerned.
And I am a strong believer that competition should be there; it keeps you directed towards more and more accomplishment.
7. Any regrets in life, although you are still young and likely to offset them?
Luckily, the regrets are hardly any.
8. The events that QYT organizes do cost a lot of money and do you think enough values is added to such events?
My clients are people of taste and seek quality in everything they do. However budgets are always a consideration and no wastages are allowed to creep in.
9. Any message for youngsters in your field?
Work hard, be hands on person and have faith in yourself.
10. Finally any feeling for the humble ones who need considerable help?
To consider one’s self before all others cramps and hinders every noble and divine impulse. This is the teaching my parents have passed on to me and the hence I let my heart and soul reach out to others in loving and generous warmth.
More practically speaking, I am intensely involved in charity work in collusion with NGO.s like Friend of Children’s (President: Noveen Amjad), Children Hospital.
Smile Foundation (President: Musarat Misbah), LABARD (President: Bushra Aetazaz) and Escort Foundation (President: Rakshi Bashir).
My clients are people of taste and seek quality in everything they do. However budgets are always a consideration and no wastages are allowed to creep in.
