Were you always inclined towards acting or did you have other career options to choose from? I was inclined towards performing arts. Because of this reason, I was interested in theatre and live music and didn’t intend to transition into commercial arts. I only thought of performing live on stage and underground bands which was my motive and driving force in the field. Prior to acting, I was singing for my band Call. It has been one of the most successful bands in Pakistan and it is still going strong. Acting aside, my mode of expression has always been music. How were you as a child growing up? I was a very quiet and introverted child. As a person, I’ve always been calm and shy. When I appear on stage, I depict an entirely different personality and I’ve figured that over the years. I opt for a role that excites me as an artist, whether as an antagonist or as a protagonist. From the audience’s standpoint, the role of a protagonist is appealing; they love seeing an ideal ‘romantic hero’ on screen Do you prefer the role of a protagonist or antagonist? What are your reason(s)? I opt for a role that excites me as an artist, whether an antagonist or protagonist. From an audience standpoint, the role of a protagonist is appealing; they love seeing an ideal “romantic-hero” on screen. However from a learning perspective, the antagonist has margin for diverse acting. I don’t bow down to a fear of not doing something that I find challenging. I can proudly say that I’ve portrayed both roles effectively throughout my acting career. Is auditioning for roles a challenge for you? What elements do you consider in preparing yourself for an ideal audition? Of course – the fear of being tested comes into play when you are auditioning for something. I really don’t mind auditioning for roles. It is only fair to the producers and directors if they ask for an audition as they want the best for their projects. I believe that actors should be auditioned because they are often casted for their popularity and networking skills. The actor is working simultaneously on his music and acting ventures Apart from acting and arts, what is your dream job? I wouldn’t think of anything else, although I’m an engineer by profession and an MBA holder. I’ve tried the 9-5 job and worked for multinational companies but I found my passion to be in music. You are also the lead vocalist of Call, a Pakistani band. How was your experience working in the music industry? I’m a composer and vocalist for Call, as I mentioned that it has existed for over a decade. I’ve devoted fifteen years of my life to music, have travelled the world, worked on albums and received many national awards. Internationally, my band has performed almost everywhere so my experience with Call and Pakistan’s music industry has been phenomenal. Would you rather act for the rest of your life or sing? I want to sing and be able to carry the musical side of me forever. I’ve seen many iconic international bands such as U2, Zeppelin and Metallica that are still performing and producing good music. They are respected and loved globally and I want to be able to do that as a metal band vocalist; that is what I want to be. In your opinion, what makes an ideal on screen partner? If you and your co-star are able to generate desirable chemistry on screen and the audience can relate to it, these qualities make an ideal and exciting on screen partner. An actor who is able to establish an equation between two characters is the best partner to work opposite. What are your current and upcoming projects? My current project includes ‘Silsilay’ for Geo. There is another project underway named ‘Khasara’ for Ary Digital. I star opposite Mikaal Zulfiqar, Sarwat Gillani and Sonia Mishal. I am also working on ‘Thays’, a drama being directed by Kashif Salim. Most recently, I started working on a Hum TV production; the drama is being directed by Danish Nawaz and the title is being worked on. In music, my band, Call and I are planning a major rock track which will go on floors in the coming months. Do you plan to work in films? Absolutely – I do not want to make an instant jump. I’ve been offered films since the revival of Pakistani cinema. There are many films being made but the good ones are bounded. I am just waiting for the right time and script. What do you look for in a script before signing it? I look at the character and its interaction with other characters, the channel it is being produced for, the director, cast and dialogue construction. The writer is a model and an actor. He can be reached at haiderrifaat95@gmail.com Published in Daily Times, February 3rd 2018.