"He [Qazi] doesn't know anything about the world. He is obsessed with dancing and acting," says Rafi Qazi, his uncle and mentor, who registered his nephew's name for Fame Gurukul, prepared his portfolio and bought him a ticket to Delhi. In fact, when Qazi was part of the winning Fame Jodi (with Ruprekha Banerjee), he dedicated it to his uncle.
Qazi was obsessed with showbiz ever since he was a child. On his demand, his family fixed a huge mirror in his bedroom, so that he could practise his moves in front of it. And when he wanted a harmonium, they bought it for him even though his grandfather's income was only Rs 500.
"He knew he would make it big one day. The ambience in our home was such that he was allowed to pursue his passion," says Rafi.
In the picture: Rafi Qazi watches Fame Gurukul with his wife (in pink) and Qazi's grandmother Amina
Text: Sheela Bhatt
Photographs: Abdul Qayoom
Design: Uday Kuckian