Daily Times

Tell us about your foray into the field of acting. How did it all begin for you?

I actually started off as a model when I was studying at the National College of Arts (NCA). Initially, I was involved more in fashion, doing campaigns and commercials. That’s when Sultana Siddiqui recognised my acting skills and I got my big break in my acting career when she offered me a role in ‘Shayad Ke Bahar Aye’. Later, I got the lead role in ‘Umrao Jaan’ and being a newcomer; it was a big deal to star opposite all the big names of Pakistan at that time. I got an opportunity to learn so much just from my first serial and that is where I earned a lot of appreciation and recognition, especially because ‘Umrao Jaan’ was one of the biggest dramas in those days. That journey was such that I never looked back and now that I can count, I have done about 250 television projects as well as many local and international films.

When boys your age were opting for technical professions like engineering, or even science or banking, you chose a completely different path. How receptive was your family towards your decision? How confident were you that you will make a place for yourself in this profession?

I’ve actually done pre-engineering as well and I have a degree in Architecture from NCA. My family has always been very welcoming and accepting of my career choices. The fact that I’m the youngest in my family also gave me that leverage to take up a career of my choice but architecture is really close to my heart because I’m an artist so it kind of came naturally to me. Architecture and acting are both art related fields so I got a wholesome exposure into the art world while I was studying at NCA. However, I never envisioned myself to be this established in my acting career but I am so glad that I excelled in this industry because of the coincidental opportunities I got due to the skills I have.

You have acted in a number of acclaimed drama serials like ‘Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan’, Khuda Aur Muhabat’, ‘Alvida’, etc. Which has been your personal favourite out of all the ones you’ve worked in and why?

I’ve worked in countless drama serials. However, my personal favourite in which I worked and which is extremely close to my heart is ‘Khuda Aur Muhabat’ and I think that sole serial gave me the kind of international recognition that I never got before. This is the only drama which got a remake based on the same story and the viewership of this drama is actually the highest in all of Pakistan’s history. This is why I relate to this serial the most and why this is my personal favourite.

‘If ever I had to face any obstacles or start a new chapter in my career in India, I always remembered to represent Pakistan respectfully and positively and that belief always led me to the right path’

You have worked on the big screen as well, both in Pakistan and India. Which have you enjoyed doing more? TV or film? What learning experiences did you take back home after working in Bollywood?

Working in India was a great experience for me and a great exposure as well, especially in terms of the amazing professional environment they work in. People like Karan Johar, Muzaffar Ali and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are just some of the big names I came across and their professional attitude is really praiseworthy. Of course, I’ve had great exposure and learning experiences working in Pakistan as well but the kind of knowledge I gained working with the big names in India is very different. What I appreciate the most about them is their ability to remain humble and grounded despite knowing so much, they still have that drive to keep experimenting and keep learning more.

Tell us about your role in the Bollywood film ‘Creature’. What according to you has been your biggest achievement so far?

‘Creature’ was really big for me because it was my first Indian film and working with Vikram Bhatt was an incredible experience as he is a great director and of course, starring opposite Bipasha Basu was really fun as we get along really well. ‘Creature’ was India’s first 3D Imax CG film, a kind of genre never invested in before and it was a great hit. I received tremendous love and support from India following this movie and I will always be grateful for that. However, I consider my biggest achievement to be ‘Jaanissar’, directed by Muzafar Ali. I found pride in the fact that I was working with a director who made the original ‘Umrao Jaan’. ‘Jaanisaar’ was not released in Pakistan and even in India it was released for a targeted niche but despite of that, I worked with a director who had worked with Shabana Azmi, Rekha, Smita Patil and Farooq Sheikh in ‘Umrao Jaan’ just added multiple feathers to my cap. What I consider to be the biggest achievement is one that cannot be declared enough and that is the love and appreciation that I receive from my fans, from every corner of the world – from cities, towns, villages and even from remote areas. I am indeed extremely thankful for the constant support I receive.

It must have been tough to perform in a country without people you know. What motivated you to excel no matter what?

Before signing onto films in India, I actually starred in a Pakistani drama serial which was shot in India and it was the first of its kind. I was the only actor from Pakistan who was selected to work in this drama so I used to travel to India every month to shoot it and luckily enough, I never felt uncomfortable amongst the people there because I received immense love from them. I really enjoyed my time there and I got to form great friendships; India became a second home for me. If ever I had to face any obstacles or start a new chapter in my career in India, I always remembered to represent Pakistan respectfully and positively and that belief always led me to the right path. The motivation to always represent my country in the right way was always at the back of my mind.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m working in a Pakistani drama, directed by Anjum Shahzad. I’m also working on two serials under my own production house – one local film and one international film.

What is your vision for Pakistan and what does it mean to be Pakistani for you?

I’m very hopeful for Pakistan now, especially after General Elections 2018 because I can see that people in our country are still so positive and they still have hope with the new government and “Naya Pakistan”. As a nation, we are charged and motivated now more than before to contribute positively to make this country a better nation. There is immense talent in our country; all we need is positive thinking. Lastly, everyone needs to understand the impact of each and every person’s contribution because there can only be a real change and shift in thinking if every single person makes the effort to do so. Every person matters.

We at Daily Times, consider you one of our national heroes. Who are some of yours?

Abdul Sattar Edhi is my one of my favourite national heroes. He has supported Pakistan in its goods and bads, ups and downs, thick and thin. He managed to do everything alone through his organisation Edhi Trust, which is so inspirational. I wish and plan to do something similar in my lifetime that would reflect his dedication and there is undoubtedly, no one else out there who comes close to Edhi Sahib when it comes to being selfless towards working for the safety and betterment of humanity, regardless of religion, ethnicity, age, sect and so on. In addition to Edhi Sahib, I have immense respect for all the unsung heroes of Pakistan, especially those who risk their lives every day to protect us at the borders and those who have lost their lives in the process of ridding our country of ruthless terrorists. Those are our real national heroes and they need to be given more credit and recognition.

                                             Achievements

MEMORABLE ROLES

Model-turned-actor Imran Abbas has not simply starred in a plethora of drama serials and films so to speak. He has actually essayed memorable characters in some of the most hit dramas and films, like ‘Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan’, ‘Khuda Aur Muhabbat’, ‘Mera Naseeb’, ‘Dil-e-Muztar’, ‘Alvida’, ‘Mera Naam Yousaf Hai’, ‘Tum Kaun Piya’, ‘Mohabbat Tumse Nafrat Hai’, ‘Anjuman’, ‘Creature’, ‘Jaanisaar’ and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, etc.

QUALIFIED ARTIST

Imran Abbas may have ventured into modeling and acting at a young age, but not many people know that this talented artist has a degree in pre-engineering and architecture from the National College of Arts.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Imran is not just a revered actor in his home country but has also tasted success across the border as well and enjoys a humongous fan following all over the world. He made his debut in Bollywood opposite Bipasha Basu in Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Creature’. In 2015, he featured in ‘Jaanisaar’ directed by Muzaffar Ali alongside Pernia Qureshi. As of 2015, Imran has

completed war thriller ‘Abdullah — The Final Witness’ which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, and was released in 2016. He also appeared in the same year in Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’.

Published in Daily Times, August 3^rd 2018.