Ashraf Hussain at his studio. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, June 28: When his neighbours are fast asleep, the 30-year-old young man is busy editing at his small residence in a dingy locality of Hindpiri.

Meet Ashraf Hussain, a documentary filmmaker, who has bagged contracts from different departments of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand governments, apart from private parties.

Some of his big current assignments include a documentary film sponsored by the Chhattisgarh government. The documentary tries to educate villagers how to reduce the man-animal conflict, about National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the role of self-help groups in rural areas of Chhattisgarh.

Hussain is on the verge of completing a documentary on the famous Baba Dham temple, an assignment of the Deoghar district administration.

Further, he is working on an audio-visual album on Goddess Durga on behalf of T-Series that is slated for release ahead of Durga Puja. For mobilising his own resources, he is also working on a documentary on the plight of backward Muslims in Jharkhand.

Son of a tailor and the eldest of four brothers, Ashraf took to assisting his father in tailoring work since he was in Class VII. Later, he completed his graduation in chemistry.

Despite financial constraints, the creative zeal in him saw him completing a three-year course in mass communication and video production from Jamshedpur-based Karim City College. A one-year course on mass communication from Ignou added another feather to his cap.

During his stay at Jamshedpur, Hussain sustained by freelancing for local newspapers. “Even after these courses, I could not get a job to my liking. Ibrar Ahmed, a Ranchi-based cultural activist, finally provided me a break when he produced a 52-episode Johar Jharkhand, a documentary on social, economic and cultural aspects of the state,” recalls Ashraf. The film, directed by him, was a runaway success.

Ranchi Doordarshan aired the documentary and people not only appreciated his work, but also began recognising his talent. He has not looked back ever since.

“The remuneration depends on the type and duration of the documentary I am asked to make. The profit margin is shared among other members of the group,” said Hussain.

Shortage of funds is restricting him from setting up a modern studio. So, he has converted a small room in his house into a studio.

“A soundproof studio would cost over Rs 15 lakhs, which I cannot afford. But I have learnt to fight against adversities,” Ashraf signed off.