‘My last character had ingredients and shades that made him interesting; he
made an impact and was also loved by the audience – who I work for, as my
future depends on how they think. After my last two serials, it will only be fair
to say that I think I arrived as an actor in 2016’
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determines our level of potential, the intensity of
our activity and the quality of our results is attitude.
You have recently worked in a few latest drama
serials ‘Saya e Dewaar Bhi Nahin’ (SBDN) ‘Kuch
Na Kaho’ (KNK) and ‘Titli.’ What attracted you to
these scripts?
In order: When the SDBN script when initially
pitched to me and I started reading it, I was a bit
apprehensive. The motives of that character where
highly complex and aggressive. But I did my
research and the reference point I locked was the
legend Jack Nicholson. As an actor, one’s job is not
to be loved – it is to make an impact. The more
work I do, the more I want to make an impact. My
approach to playing Malik Mansoor was never to
judge him but to make him as believable as possible,
to the best of my ability.
Meanwhile, Kuch Na Kaho has been one of the
most popular serials to date, in terms of the
audience involvement and the ratings game. My
character had ingredients and shades that made
him interesting; he made an impact and was also
loved by the audience – who I work for, as my future
depends on how they think. Momina Duraid
Productions gave me both these opportunities and
it will only be fair to say that I think I arrived as an
actor in 2016. Titli was just a fun guest appearance.
What is your experience working with Navin and
Haniya and the other young Pakistani actors? Is
there a lot of talent in Pakistan?
I share a very good professional camaraderie
with like Navin who is a skilled actress and I respect
her approach towards her work. In SDBN there
were difficult situations to be made believable by
our craft and Navin was very helpful, where as in
KNK the audience found the story and our
characters endearing, making it probably one of
the most popular projects of recent times. Haniya is
a good prospect and has a long way to go. In the
recent years, we have seen a crop of new talent
joining the industry; veterans too, are getting the
recognition they deserve – it only helps the industry
to grow.
How many years in the industry now? You have
been in pretty much the top TVC’s in the country
and the face of many brands. What do you take
away from these experiences?
It’s been 15 years and I’ve been lucky to have my
name associated with some big brands. When you
endorse a product you form an emotional
connection with its consumers, you make your way
from the screen into the hearts of these people.
Being an inspiration and making a positive impact,
I believe, is the ultimate goal for an entertainer.
Your fans have also loved you in TVC campaign
such as ‘Qubool Hai’ the famous tea ad with Mahira
Khan, directed by Asim Raza who always captures
quintessential Pakistani culture in his work. If you
had the opportunity to do a longer project with
them, what would you like it to be?
It must have been good, that’s why we are still
talking about it five years down the line. This
project holds significance for me since this is where
I asked myself the life changing question, why not?
Asim and Mahira both are masters of their craft
and to work with them with was a delight. Asim is