Behind the Scenes, Screenwriter Arbaaz Afzal Continues to Bet on Original Stories
The screenwriter opens up about original scripts, industry struggles, uncredited ideas, and his unwavering belief in fresh storytelling.
For Arbaaz Afzal, writing has never been about being the most visible person in the room. It has been about making sure the story is worth telling. While actors and directors often become the public face of a film, Afzal has spent much of his career on the other side of the process, developing scripts, pitching ideas and waiting for the right opportunity to bring them to the screen.
The screenwriter says his work has largely revolved around original concepts. Over the years, he has narrated stories to producers, directors and actors, convinced that a good film begins with a good script. Not every narration led to a project, and some, he claims, took a direction he had not expected. Afzal says there were instances where ideas he had worked on reached production houses without his involvement, leaving him without writing credit or financial compensation. He describes those moments as disappointing but says they never made him consider giving up writing.
His approach to the industry has remained unchanged. “Sunne mein kya jaata hai?” he says, explaining that every writer deserves a few minutes to present an idea before it is accepted or rejected. He believes many scripts are dismissed before they are even heard, a practice he hopes will gradually change as the industry becomes more open to new voices.
Screenwriting is not the only area he has explored. Arbaaz says he has also created and directed three reality show concepts, which are currently awaiting the right platform. He credits a small circle of filmmakers and industry professionals for encouraging him during periods when projects failed to materialise, saying their support helped him continue writing without losing confidence in his work.
He says discussions are currently underway with several filmmakers and production houses over a number of original scripts. While he is choosing not to speak about specific projects before they are finalised, he believes the conversations reflect a growing interest in fresh stories and new writers.
Arbaaz does not describe himself as someone waiting for a breakthrough. Instead, he sees writing as a long process that demands patience as much as creativity. Recognition, he says, is important, but it should come as a result of the work itself. Until then, he intends to keep doing what he has always done writing the next story and looking for someone willing to listen.
