Q: First of all thank you for giving us an opportunity to interview you for JAMO. Mr. Tahir we would like to know what inspired you to become an actor.
A: Actually, let me thank you for thinking of me. Acting affords us the opportunity to find empathy with others. It gives us a chance to walk in someone else’s shoes for a bit. It reminds me that the kindest and the cruelest actions on this earth are committed by humans.
Q: Your new T.V show, Supergirl, is about to air. We would like to know about your specific role in the show.
A: I play a character who has been chasing Supergirl through the universe.
Q: You have mostly worked in action movies and your roles have been appreciated by audiences worldwide - what do you keep in your mind while choosing a role?
A: I am very grateful that my efforts have been received positively by people. I am always looking for how to find different layers to a character. It is easy when it is a dramatic role but a little harder in an action movie. I believe that the action and the thrills are heightened if we have an emotional connection to the characters.
Q: You have worked in a MARVEL movie and hundreds of people dream of working with them, but very few get the privilege. What was your reaction when you were asked to play the role of Raza in Iron Man? Did you go through an audition for the part?
A: I have been lucky to be part of some popular franchises. Needless to say that I was very excited. It was a great challenge. I wanted to find a real anchor for the character in his belief rather than just be generically evil. Our audition process was more to explore the chemistry between characters.
Q: You have already played great roles but do you have a dream role that you always wanted to play?
A: My dream is to keep bringing as many different kinds of characters to the audiences as I can. Although, my work in action movies has been most noticeable but I have been fortunate to tackle a very varied slate of characters. For instance, I played a grieving father who loses his teenage son in an explosion (TORN), a manic depressive schizophrenic (ASHES), a possessed mad man (JINN), a man dying of spinal tumor (GREY’S ANATOMY). These are just a few examples. Later this year, I will play an immigrant worker trying to face life in Copenhagen in the movie THE 11TH. I will also play the title role in Shakespeare’s OTHELLO on stage. Inshallah.
Q: Have you thought of having your own production house and to start directing because mostly actors like to direct as well?
A: Yes, I have formed my own production company, Javelin Entertainment Inc. Our focus will be to find stories that appeal to international audiences. We want to create bridges between people but not lose sight of commercial viability and fun. We intend to find funding sources and create full production facilities for projects. These projects don’t always need to have me acting in them. They need to be good stories that we can share with audiences.
Q: Are there any specific rules you follow as an actor while on set filming a role?
A: Always stay focused, Always stay prepared. Always respect everyone on the set. Never compromise quality. Never compromise values.
Q: Who is your fashion Inspiration and which is your favorite fashion stop for purchasing clothes etc. from?
A: I wear a lot of John Varvatos, Ari, Sandro, Burberry, Zegna, Ted Baker. I like when there is attention to detail but subtle and graceful. My clothes should make my friends spend some time to find different details.
Q: What are your upcoming projects?
A: As I had mentioned, this year so far I might get to tackle Super-girl, The 11th and Othello.
Q: What is your message to JAMO readers and your fans in the UAE?
A: I am eternally grateful for your generous support and love. I can’t do what I do without the good wishes and prayers of people. We need to keep showing as much presence of people from our region in entertainment as possible. It changes minds and hearts. Let’s help each other on this journey in all ways possible.
JAMO/ MAY 2015