You have received a lot of praise for your performance in ‘Chupan Chupai’. Did you expect the positive reception?
I did not expect the positive reception that ‘Chupan Chupai’ received for the longest time. It was only when I saw the film at its premiere that I felt very good about it and became confident that it will be a hit. I had only seen bits and pieces of the film prior to the premiere and, although I had liked what I had seen, I had not realised the film would be so hilariously funny and engaging. As far as my own performance goes, I had always liked the way my character had been written and had worked very hard to bring it alive. I expected my performance to be liked but not as much as it was in the end. I am very grateful for the positive reviews of my performance.
You were conspicuous because of your absence from the promotional activities of ‘Chupan Chupai’. Did you stay away from the many promotional events of ‘Chupan Chupai’ intentionally?
My absence from the promotional events of ‘Chupan Chupai’ was not unintentional; it was so by design. My character was meant to be a surprise element of ‘Chupan Chupai’; showing too much of myself at promotional events would have ruined the surprise, which, incidentally, did wonders for the film.
Chupan Chupai had an ensemble cast but did star one of Pakistan’s biggest actors, Ahsan Khan. Did Ahsan’s presence in the film intimidate you?
Not at all. I am confident in my acting abilities. Even Shahrukh Khan would not be able to intimidate me as an actor. I do not get intimidated easily. People who know Ahsan Khan know that he is a gentle, kind and warm person. I found his presence in ‘Chupan Chupai’ to be very soothing. It was like working with a caring, elder brother.
Four Pakistani feature films – ‘Rangreza’, ‘Arth – The Destination’, ‘Chupan Chupai’, and ‘Parchi’ – were released in a period of about two weeks. ‘Chupan Chupai’ seems to have made the most money amongst the four. Do you think it was the best of the four films?
Of course, ‘Chupan Chupai’ was the best of the four films. And I say that while admitting to my well-known bias towards the films.
What did you think of ‘Rangreza’, ‘Arth – The Destination’ and ‘Parchi’?
I think that, without a doubt, ‘Rangreza’, ‘Arth – The Destination’ and ‘Parchi’ were all very good attempts at filmmaking. I enjoyed watching all three and hope that the filmmakers continue working hard to produce films. Hard work, persistence and productivity will guarantee the future of Pakistani cinema.
The star of serials ‘Aik Nayi Cinderella’, ‘Khuda Na Kare’, ‘Love, Life Aur Lahore’, ‘Main Gunehgar Nahi’, ‘Mann Ke Moti’, ‘Mannchahi’, ‘Mera Dard Bezuban’, ‘Meri Ladli’, ‘Meri Maan’, ‘Meri Saheli Meri Humjoli’, ‘Ru Baru’, and ‘Shehryar Shehzadi’, recently entered the world of cinema with a splash with a star turn in ‘Chupan Chupai’
You have done a lot of work on television. How is cinema different?
Cinema and television are hugely different. There really is no comparison between the two media. Cinema is larger than life. It is very powerful. It is deeply engaging. It is unabashedly romantic. And it has a tremendous ability to move hearts and change minds. I am a tremendous fan of cinema. In fact, I do not think that all of my television plays add up to more than ‘Chupan Chupai’. The passion, the depth, and the charm of cinema cannot be found in other media.
Did you enjoy seeing yourself on the big screen?
Saying that I enjoyed seeing myself on the big screen would be a massive understatement. I was thrilled to see myself o cinema screens. It was the ultimate high. I loved every minute of it.
You signed on to work in Azaan Khan’s Bollywood film ‘Bankster’, more than two years ago. What became of ‘Bankster’?
The release of ‘Bankster’ has been delayed due to recurring political tensions between India and Pakistan. I am, however, confident that the film will be released in 2018.
Your father is known well in the world of show business and has worked as a producer in the United States. Was he responsible for getting you a break in show business?
Not at all. He is not the type of a man who will push his son. He is a firm believer in meritocracy and fair play. He had told me, from day one, that I would have to make it on my own as an actor. I have never had the luxury of being able to rely on my father’s influence and connections to propel my career. It frustrated me at times but I now feel that his style of parenting has made me a stronger and more honest person. I am proud of the fact that whatever success I have is the result of my own hard work and talent. I feel good that I owe nothing to favoritism, nepotism and discrimination.
How do you believe people can enter the world of show business without compromising dignity, integrity and professionalism, and not taking advantage of their social and financial status?
There is no one right way to enter the field of show business. Success can always be achieved without compromising dignity, integrity and professionalism and without having to rely on one’s social and financial status. It requires hard work, talent and confidence. One needs to be diligent, patient and persistent. It may take longer but true success comes to those who are honest, hardworking and talented and not to those who compromise their morals and ethics to secure fame.
You studied acting at the venerable Whistling Woods International Institute in Mumbai, India, are one of the few actors in Pakistan who have a formal training in their craft. Do you feel the training gives you an edge over other actors?
Of course, it does. Training is invaluable. In fact, it is essential. There is no way around it. A good actor needs to know not only the craft of acting but the entire process of film making, as well. An actor who knows and understands all aspects of filmmaking, has a wider perspective, and a huge advantage over one that does not. An actor who is film-smart is a blessing for the rest of the crew.
You were born and raised in the United States but studied acting in Mumbai and spent quite a bit of time in India. Why did you not work in India as an actor?
The infamous November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks took place right after I graduated from school in India. Things became tough in India and had to move to Pakistan, due to security reasons. Things went stale for the next few years between India and Pakistan. It was not a time when a Pakistani actor could work in India.
When and why did you decide to move to Pakistan from the US?
It was a long time ago. I must have been three or four years old at the time. My father wanted to launch a private television network in Pakistan and decided to move for that reason. I, obviously, did not have any say in the matter.
How has Pakistan treated you as a person and as an actor?
Very well. In the past few years, I have gained a lot of respect, as an actor, and the treatment I get because of that is just amazing. I have great regard for the work that I do because the benefits of being a popular actor are so overwhelmingly good.
Do you plan to pursue acting only in Pakistan, or do you plan to work internationally?
‘Bankster’ will be my first international project. There will be many more after that. I want to be a star at the international level.
What projects do you have in the pipeline currently?
I am working in two drama serials at this time. I will also be doing two films very soon.
What do you plan to accomplish, personally and professionally, in 2018?
Personally, I want to take a long, relaxing vacation in Europe. A Roman holiday, if you will. Professionally, I want to work on the production of my own feature film and get it in the floor.
The writer is based in Dallas and writes about culture, history and the arts. He Tweets at @allyadnan and can be reached at [email protected]
Published in Daily Times, February 6th 2018.