Bilal Mukhtar is not an unknown name in Lahore’s social arenas. Slowly and surely, he is making home in the hearts of many in the rest of Pakistan as well. To begin with, his company Bilal Mukhtar Events & PR has no doubt carved a niche for itself in the industry. He will even risk his life in using word of mouth to send an event information to public and will still make money out of the event.

With an impressive track record of parties, launches, miscellaneous commercial and private events over the past years, his proven success in delivering what his clients need has made him one of the most sought after event management and PR companies in Lahore. Bilal is best known for his show of glamor, star-studded events and store launches which he excels at. In fiercely competitive times such as these, you have to either be the first, the best, or the different in the market to have that cutting edge!

I recently caught up with the man of the moment for an exclusive and fascinating chat in the midst of his busy schedule.

Hassan: Bilal! How are you? It’s an honor to have you sit and get raked over the coals by me. Let’s start with you then; you have been involved with the fashion industry since 2004. Since then, you’ve risen up in the ranks to your current position as CEO of your very own event management company. All this without, in your words “formal event management training” and doing it solo. Bravo to that! So what’s the secret to your success? Great people’s skills? Impeccable taste? An innate sense of design and style? The ability to learn as you go? Tell us a little about your background and how you got to where you are now.

BM: The secret would be to start working while you are studying and this is exactly what happened in my scenario. I remember my first pay cheque was for Rs. 4000 only when I was in my first year during my bachelors degree. Back then I was working for the sake of experience and not for the money. By the time I got done with my bachelors I was already appointed as a Director for Fashion TV (FTV) Pakistan and the rest is history. Your creativity comes once you have great communication skills and when you know how to market yourself. I always wanted to make my own name, rather than working for some other company and that is when I decided to launch my own company.

I achieved more than I could ever dream of within 2 years of starting out

Hassan: Well nobody knows this but you and I have been friends since we were teenagers. I knew you were really ambitious but never knew you’d get as far as being successful as you are now. Did you ever think you’d reach this level of success so quickly in your career?

BM: Things really started working out in my favor and really fast. To my surprise I achieved more than I could ever dream of within 2 years of starting out. But it wouldn’t have been possible without a few people who really stood by me through this journey and supported me all the time.

Hassan: What were your dreams when you were younger? Is this what you’ve always wanted for yourself or have you become something completely different from what you were planning to be?

BM: To be honest I never thought of becoming an event manager. As a matter of fact, I had never even heard of this field when I was young. I wanted to get into fashion designing but that never happened. Then I thought of taking admission in NCA for graphic design which eventually didn’t work out either thanks to of my poor sketching . That’s something I still fail to understand as to why is it necessary to be judged on your sketching, while you are taking an admission in a graphic design course (which is entirely computer based work). Long story short, I eventually ended up doing Mass Communication from Punjab University.

Hassan: What advice will you give to yourself when you started out back then?

BM: To be honest, nothing. I’ve been very practical so far and totally proud of whatever I have achieved. Even the mistakes I’ve made helped me to achieve more and stand where I am today.

Hassan: I know you belong from Faisalabad, but a lot of our readers didn’t know this. Tell us a bit about growing up in Faisalabad. Do you get back often?

BM: Now that I think of it , Faisalabad was great part of my life. Life was totally innocent and Tom n’ Jerry was my sole entertainment. Coming to Lahore back then was like travelling to London. We used to be really excited. There wasn’t much of an entertainment outside, so every little activity used to make our days.To be honest I never thought of becoming an event manager. As a matter of fact, I had never even heard of this field when I was young

Hassan: Who would win in a cage match – you or Aamir Mazhar? And don’t weasel out of this by telling us how much you love and respect him. We know. Now spill it: can you take him if you had to? Our readers are split on the question.

BM: I doubt we will fight in that cage, but if we do than Aamir will let me win in the cage and then will kill me the minute I am out :p 

Hassan: What sets you apart from other event planners in Pakistan? Who in your opinion is your biggest competitor in Lahore and why? And yes you know I can’t let you play a diplomatic card on this.

BM: Trust me it is not a diplomatic answer but everyone is known for their own niche and specialties. You can’t just ask the same question from a fashion designer, since everyone is good or bad for their designs and all. Some of the biggest event planners are seniors and it is already an honor to be considered among them, so life is good. 

Hassan: What are typical earnings for an event? What do you charge per hour?

BM: It varies from event to event. Corporate events are the best for any event organizer regarding this factor but only when you deliver the goods that you have committed to them.

Hassan: Do you think there is a  need for education and training in this field?

BM: Yes, most definitely! There are so many young event organizers who are students and eagerly enter this field. They usually get wrapped up within a year because they don’t exactly know what to do and how to take it further.

Hassan: How do you plan to expand your company? Any plans to crack the Karachi market?

BM: I’ve already had few events in Karachi and I love that city. People are genuine, professional and they are only nice to you if they mean it. As far as expanding my company is concerned, we are planning to open up our office in Islamabad soon whereas we already have an office in Faisalabad.

Hassan: What are some insider tips for planning a successful event?

BM: If it is a party then make sure your guest-list is strong and if it is any other event (wedding etc) then you need to ensure you get everything done on time from the vendor(s).  Don’t depend on them for anything and if they say that we are going to install everything by 5pm than they usually mean 8pm.

Hassan: What are some of the changes that have occurred in the industry over the past decade that you can live without?

BM: The cliques and groups within the fashion industry, and having grudges over nonsensical issues is what I can surely live without. But thankfully, I stay away from such sort and get along with mostly everyone.

Hassan: Well if you had chosen any other profession what would it be and why?

BM: Probably a commercial airline pilot. Love traveling the world and the luxuries of five star hotels.

Hassan: Is there anything that you would change about the business if you could?

BM: Yes, the misconception about event management in Pakistan which people relate to just  partying and concerts.

Hassan: How do you manage to work hard and end up partying harder?

BM: Well I am pretty much used to it. But I never take calls on Sunday and will never leave my room for any reason that day. Everyone needs a little “me” time between work and partying.

Hassan: From the outside, the fashion world appears glittery, crowded and dazzling. Does it get lonelier at times?

BM: I wish I could afford being alone. Lahore has become a little too happening and you want to have some breathing space and to stay away from this glitz and glamor.

I am happily settled with someone from past 7 yearsHassan: I know fashion industry is really all alluring and glamorous and everything but it comes with a price; the parties, booze, drugs & scandals. But you’re reputation has been pretty much flawless. How did you manage?

BM: I don’t believe that anyone in this field has never been discussed; this is not how this field works. But if my repute has been a little flawless than others, than probably I’ve been staying away from the people who gossip around. Also, as far as partying is concerned, you only do it with your close friends and I am sure you know what I mean.

Hassan: The list of models and celebrities vying for a place on your arm or a front-row seat at any of your organized shows goes on and on. Do you reckon if there are any true friends among the fashion crowd, or it works in a symbiotic relationship?

BM: I happen to have very closed friends from this industry and since I am very close to someone’s family, so my first priority is always them and my friends.

Hassan: Are you single? I know a few people who would really want to know!

BM: Nopes, I am happily settled with someone from past 7 years.

Hassan: Do you have any advice for the youth who want to grow up and be just like you?

BM: Work hard and be focused. You need to know how to market youself in order to survive.

Hassan: Bilal, thanks a lot for your time. Final question: Are you PartyLiciouS enough?

BM: Yes and I’ve always been!