Misbah Ali (28), an MBA graduate from Srinagar is the valley’s first female to handle the Position of Line Producer/Executive Producer.
With a career spanning more than 9 years, she has gained expertise in television, film, video, commercial production, and feature films.
Her responsibility as a line producer includes facilitating film shoots, Ad shoots, Music videos, hiring the crew, allocating the money and to make sure that the filming is done safely, creatively and on time.
Born in the doctors’ family and being the youngest, Misbah's father always wanted her to become a doctor.
“It was my father’s decision to choose a career for me in the field of medicine. I appeared in the medical entrance examination and lagged behind by a few points,” she said.
Though her passion was inclined towards MBA, Misbah appeared in the management exams and got a good score.
“After completion of my MBA, I started my first job with a recruitment agency as an Assistant manager HR, I had never thought I would be in the film production line,” she said.
Misbah said, “Soon I developed interest and passion in this field, and I succeeded in turning my passion into my profession.”
“I still remember the day when I got the opportunity to work in one of the leading production houses after qualifying many rounds of interviews,” said Misbah.
Misbah after gaining some years of experience started her own film production house by the name of “MisbahAli Films” in November 2018.
“We live in the most sensitive place where the future is uncertain, I had no idea that once I start my production house, misfortunes will knock at the door, one after the other,” she said.
Misbah said, “It all started on August, 5 2019 when the union government abrogated the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir, as a result Kashmir was shut but I did not lose hope and continued to work hard.”
Irrespective of all the odds, Misbah did not lose hope, courage and tried her best to promote Kashmir as the best tourist and shooting destination but unfortunately the entire world got hit by the dreadful Covid-19 pandemic.
Misbah believes nothing is harder when you overcome the fear of failure and keep up doing the hard work with integrity and perseverance.
Her mother has been her biggest inspiration.
“My mother is one of my biggest inspirations, she has taught me the most important things that I follow every day,” she said.
Misbah started her career in film production in July 2013 and has worked with top-notch producers, directors, actors, and singers of Bollywood.
“I have worked with Kabir Khan, Anurag Kashyap, Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Jackie Shroff, Soni Razdan, Anisa, Salim Merchant and Javid Ali,’ said Misbah.
She has managed every project with confidence and poise.
Her notable work experience includes films like Satya 2 (2013), Phantom (2013), Hero Panti(2013), Haider (2013), Junooniyat (2014), Fitoor (2014-15), Bajrangi Bhaijaan(2015), Manmarziyaan (2017- 2018) and Romeo Akbar Walter (2017- 2018).
“My work also includes commercials ads like HCL, Guinness Beer, Maruti Ertiga car, Idea 3G , G E ZeeWeed, EZEE Hugs, Kirtilals TVC, UNICEF, Olx, Taj mahal tea, Oreo biscuits, GodrejNo.1 Soap, Tata Sky, Havells wires and Dabur Hajmola Chatpat,” said Misbah.
She has also worked for some music videos including Yumbarzaloo, Jalwe, Tumhe Dekh ke, Jazakallah and AeSavere.
Misbah believes in hard work, pushing creative boundaries, and providing the tools and peace of mind for creative geniuses to make the best work possible.
“When you face the challenges in life, that challenge glorifies your career and gives the opportunity to go ahead in life,” she said.
She believes the struggles we see in our path of life is an opportunity to grow and is the stepping stone for upcoming success in our lives.
Misbah’s family have been very supportive throughout.
“My family always helps me raise my morale and brings out the best in me,” she said.
She said, “We all have goals that we are striving to achieve. Setting goals is easy but taking action to attain it is difficult.
”Misbah’s advice for the people aspiring to make a career in film is to work hard and eventually it will pay off.
She said, “It may take a year or more than that, but your hard work will never disappoint you and if you are passionate about it you will surely find a way.”