Run an online search on him and you’ll discover that he is a casting director, dancer, image consultant, fashion stylist and choreographer and possibly a few things more. But when it comes to describing himself, he keeps it simple, “I call myself an impresario extraordinaire. I live to express than impress. I’ve been in the business for 28 years and have come a long way. I know how to sell myself and handle my own affairs. I don’t need PRs. Anyone can get in touch with me anytime,” says Imam.
Incidentally, after Bigg Boss, Imam has been getting a few film offers from the South. “I got a couple of calls saying that they want to work with me. I met them, but the meetings didn’t turn out the way I’d expected. But that’s okay. Out of 10, even if one comes through I’ll be glad. I would take any opportunity that comes my way,” shares the man, who would prefer to work in South Indian films than in Bollywood.
“I love the fact that the films here are not all based on NRI lifestyles and not shot in Switzerland. I can relate to Tamil and Telugu films in terms of subject and the kind of realism they portray. They are closer to reality unlike Bollywood where realism flew out of the window decades ago,” he adds, without mincing words.
But does he speak any of the South Indian languages? “It’s a shame that I don’t understand Tamil because I have grown up in Matunga, in Mumbai, which is dominated by Tamils. So I have decided, once I go back, I’m going to hire a tutor and learn the language and come back. In fact, the director I met, wanted to sign me for a project he is doing in Tamil and Telugu. But they don’t have anyone to dub for me. So that will have to wait. I can’t talk about it because it’s not confirmed,” he says.
Currently working on the development of a Facebook application called ‘Profashional’ that will, “give tips on how an average Indian, without spending everything, can be stylish,” Imam is slowing down as a personality developer. “I get a lot of these offers, but I don’t want to focus on grooming and personality development anymore. It’s time consuming and there’s no money in it,” he says.
And as far as being the controversial drama queen is concerned, he is not one to shy away from clearing the air. “My controversies don’t make anyone unhappy. The people I talk about are all professionals from the industry and know me very well. I’m not taking pot shots at people in positions of power to get noticed. I don’t need that. And about all the ‘drama queen’ stuff, I can be a drama king or queen. As an artiste, I’m quite comfortable with my feminine side. My funda in life is very clear — if you’re okay with me, I am okay with you,” he signs off.
