Tell us about your foray into the field of acting. How did it all begin for you? Well, it never started as acting for me. I have been what you call a ‘taster’ of all lifestyles. I grew up thinking of becoming an advertiser and I became one too. A modelling gig got my mind into the entertainment world and later persuaded me into entering showbiz. What a wonderful journey it has been! Other than the Pakistani film industry, you have also worked in Bollywood and Hollywood. How did that happen for you? What was your criterion in signing a film across the borders? I believe that the Almighty has been exceptionally kind with me. Both these offers and occurrences were pure faith of the producers on me even when I didn’t personally know the makers in both my Hollywood and Bollywood ventures. My criterion has always been a great screenplay followed by a strong character. This I have applied both in the selection of my films and dramas. Do you enjoy working in drama serials more or films and why? Both the screens require different set of skills and offer a different persona. I love my work, which can then end up on your television and also on the silver screen. Drama offers greater margin to develop a character and a feature film has to be absolutely precise with the character because you only have a two-three hours where you have to sink in to a character while allowing people to also relate to it and hopefully admiring it too. Since the effort is great, the appraisal is also greater for films. ‘I think I took the best decision by not going to all the award ceremonies. In fact, you should ask this from all the jury members of the awards about my biggest achievement till date. I’m sure that they won’t be able to answer it’ What has been your most memorable experience during your career so far? As I said before that I have been extremely blessed. I have had a number of occasions during my career which are quite memorable, to say the least. The one I could think of at this very instant is when I found out that I’d be performing for a role as the husband of Sri Devi ji. That certainly made me sleep well for an entire week at least! ‘Mom’ has proved to be a mega blockbuster. While filming ‘Mom’, did you realise the film will be such a big hit? How was the experience working with legendary actress Sri Devi? It was always about the story for us, the team behind the story and the cast working for the story. The entire experience was phenomenal from the word ‘get-go’! While filming we all spoke amongst ourselves about how beautifully this was being executed and promised wonders, however, it is all because of the viewers who loved our work! Which has been the most challenging role in your career so far? Well, I’ll be simple and very honest; every new role is a new challenge for me. What according to you has been your biggest achievement until date? I think I took the best decision by not going to all the award ceremonies. In fact, you should ask this from all the jury members of the awards about my biggest achievement till date. I’m sure that they won’t be able to answer it. What is your vision for Pakistan and what does it mean to be Pakistani for you? My vision for my country is pretty simple, really. I want a peaceful and a literate Pakistan. Being a Pakistani, we all have two choices – speaking up for what you believe is right or staying quite and allowing social atrocities to play out as nothing ever bothers you. I choose not to stay quite and offer my services when and where I can! What do you do in your spare time? I love music and screenplays! I am either found in a corner playing my flute or reading a script! What advice would you give to a novice in this industry? Don’t think the easy way gets you sustainable success; only hardships get you that. Is there anyone you haven’t worked with but would love to? Oh, there is quite a list on that one! After working with Angelina Jolie my wish list had grown exponentially. (Laughs). I’m an actor and I just want to produce the best work. Naming one or two would not do justice to the other immensely talented ladies. I’m a professional and I want to work with everyone with a beautiful chemistry so that it’s not a scene for one person. In fact, it’s two people creating one scene. We at Daily Times consider you one of our national heroes. Who are some of yours? Every single man/woman who ever walked ‘a single step’ completely out of his/her love for the country’s pride is a national hero for me. To answer your question in particular, I would have to say Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahib was the greatest hero I had the privilege to see in action during my lifetime. May Allah bless his soul. Ameen. Achievements GLOBAL ICONActor Adnan Siddiqui is not just a revered artist in his home country. In fact, he is a well-reputed actor in Hollywood and also Bollywood having bagged roles alongside award-winning actresses like Angelina Jolie and Sri Devi RULING OUR TV SETSAdnan Siddiqui is a powerhouse of talent with all drama serial producers wanting to cast him for their TV plays. Some of the most watched have been ‘Uroosa’, ‘Pal Dou Pal’, ‘Meri Adhuri Muhhabat’, ‘Meri Zaat Zara-e-Benishan’, ‘Doraha’, ‘Hawa Rait Aur Aangan’, ‘Choti Si Kahani’, ‘Vasl’, ‘Parsa’ and ‘Ishq Junoon Deewangi’. THE CRITICS’ FAVOURITEIn 2002, Siddiqui was nominated for the prestigious Lux Style Award for Best Actor and in 2010, bagged the coveted Pakistan Media Award for his outstanding role in ‘Ishq Junoon Deewangi’. SETTING THE BIG SCREEN ABLAZESiddiqui has not just raked in moolah at the box office with his Hollywood and Bollywood ventures, but has also been appreciated for his role in his debut Lollywood project. Siddiqui played the role of Lt Colonel Imran in ‘Yalghaar’, which was a mega blockbuster and everyone who watched the film lauded his performance. Published in Daily Times, August 1st , 2017.