Asad Siddiqi made his acting debut in 2009 on Geo but hasn’t stopped working since then. He was recently seen in ‘Gumrah’ and was previously noted for his performance as an arrogant, spoilt brat in Sanam. Daily Times caught up with this versatile actor to talk about his life, influences and future work. Tell us about your early life. I was working in a bank when I was called out for my first audition. I told them my grandmother was sick and left to give my life a chance to live it. An MBA dropout; film enthusiast, youngest brother and the naughtiest boy in the house. That’s who I was. What have been your early influences? I loved watching my uncle (Adnan Siddiqui) going around the globe and acting. I admired him a lot. I knew that I wanted to live like him. I was never a desk job man. I get bored. I know that I needed to be on my toes and so I decided to become an actor. What were some of the struggles/difficulties you faced during the times you did not get what you were looking for? Oh yes! How can i forget that. I got to learn a lot in that time. I was one of the back dancers in a commercial with Fahad Mustafa. I was doing filler roles just to get in the tide. And never did I ever ask my uncle to push me forward or launch me or cast me. I did it all on my own. What have been your notable successes and achievements? I got recognition due to the Baraat series by Geo. I got great feedback. I was nominated in social media awards on ARY for best actor in a supporting role for ‘Shaadi Mubarak Ho’. What are your current projects? ‘Sodayi’, which will soon be aired on Express, ‘Paimanay’ which is on air on Urdu 1, ‘Mah-e- Tamaam’ which is on air on Hum TV and ‘Zard Zamanon ka Sawera’ on ARY Digital. What are your future projects? I signed two great projects for the very time, working under my uncle’s production, and another one with Momina Duraid Productions. Any quote/message to people/fanbases? Never give up and always stay connected to who you really are. Published in Daily Times, March 25th 2018.