For those who don’t know more about Ali Rehman Khan, how would you describe your early life and childhood? I was an introvert and had very few friends; they were my life. I have had best friends since I was five and we still are today. I wasn’t a people’s person at all. I was shy and hated going places because I had to mingle. I was very socially awkward. I believe theatre has a big role to play in me becoming who I am today as it taught me to get out of that shell and be more social and worldly person. I am still recluse especially in large gatherings and it becomes difficult for me to move around. As a child, I was very creative and quiet. I grew up watching many films and reading comic books. I was a geek, to be honest. I wanted to be superman and I still want to be superman. I always believed that I would be what I am today. How did you begin your career as an actor? I started from college after taking part in theatre activities. I participated in an inter college competition among 10 to 15 colleges from across the country including India. They were recruiting people and my friends were seeking the opportunity. I approached them and asked, “What are you guy up to?” and they answered, “We’re taking part in this competition.” It made me realise that I can do it too but I was scared and shy. Nonetheless, I wanted to audition for it. My friends asked “What will you do?” I replied, “I will do a Musharraf impression.” So, I auditioned for it and before I knew, I the crowd loved me the moment I was on stage as Musharraf. I was eventually discovered by a theatre director and he called me for an audition and I winded up getting two roles and was asked to choose one. Later, I met Osman Khalid Butt and other creative people in the field. Since then, I haven’t looked back. Do you face any challenges as an actor especially being new to this industry? One of the biggest challenges in Pakistan is being from Islamabad because breaking into the industry from the capital city is a very tough thing to do. You don’t know how to go about things and it is hard to get your work out and recognised. I think that is the biggest challenge of being an actor from Islamabad. Lahore and Karachi are relatively easier as an established industry exists at hand but in Islamabad it is hard for an artist to move beyond theatre. Back then we did plenty of theatre and worked for days and months for free because we loved our job and didn’t work for money. In view of this, it was not only a challenge but also a blessing as we appreciated the art for the art itself and didn’t view acting as a moneymaking device. ‘One of the biggest challenges I have faced being from Islamabad is to find a break into the film industry. You don’t know how to go about things and it is hard to get your work out and recognised’ How was the transitioning experience for you as an actor coming back to Pakistan after working abroad and incorporating yourself in Pakistani cinema? I was part of the industry when I left so it wasn’t very challenging but it was hard balancing two completely different careers. I worked for the UN and was also affiliated with the entertainment industry. I think I lost out on many opportunities while I was abroad but everything happens for a reason. I never regret it. I have finally left one job and I am concentrating on the other full time. I used to make Rs 4,000 per month while I was working with a production house and have always been self-sufficient. I have always thanked God for everything. Describe your character profile in the upcoming film ‘Parchi’. I play the character of Bash, a con man who learns to survive on the streets for a very long time. He is extremely self-centred and likes to do things his way. He doesn’t consider others’ feelings and has a few friends played by Ahmed Ali Akbar and Shafqat Khan. Akbar is more of Bash’s childhood friend. He also has a brother, played by Usman Mukhtar who is very straightforward and works relentlessly to make ends meet. However, they don’t get along well as they are poles apart. Suddenly, my character ends up in a mess and the comedy begins thereon. What projects are you currently working on? I am working on a few ideas. My biggest project is yet to come out. I can’t say much about my upcoming ventures, as I haven’t signed any papers yet. What qualities do you have to look into while exploring different dimensions of acting, especially for ‘Parchi’ as it is a comedy-action film? People are unique and have different emotions. I can’t be every character or role. For the film, I created a character and became Bash and thought if I were this character what would have I done. In the end, we’re all human beings and understanding human emotions is something I do really well. You can understand where people are coming from while talking to them. That helps me in creating characters. It helps you become that character and not yourself in that character that is my ethos. What is your advice for aspiring actors? Only do it if you have the passion for it. It is not about the money or fame. If you are seriously passionate about acting, only then you can move forward. If you have a passion for being famous, maybe there is something else you can be known for. But to be an actor for fame and recognition will not get you far. You have to have the talent. The struggle is hard and the struggle is real. The writer is also a model and an actor. He can be reached at haiderrifaat95@gmail.com Published in Daily Times, January 3rd 2018.