Yasir Hussain is many things – an actor, writer and television host. He debuted in film as Moti in ‘Karachi Se Lahore’ and has not looked back since. He won acclaim for his starring role as Tahawar in ‘Baandi’ last year and is set to grace the big screen in the forthcoming sequel ‘Karachi Se Lahore 3’. Read further as Yasir gives Haider Rifaat a glimpse into his world. You have shifted your acting gear in roles that are different and more serious. Why was the transition necessary? I don’t think so. I am a theatre actor and have done all kinds of genres on stage. I enjoy comedy but I wanted to take a shot at serious acting. Sania Saeed always said that I wouldn’t be able to do serious roles completely so that idea led me to take up a role in ‘Baandi’. It is not that I have completely shifted gears. I would love to continue doing comedy! What were your struggles as a novice in the field? I told the truth – I would look at scripts and blatantly point out bad lines and it took me a while to figure out you can’t do that. I have learned that you must be a bit diplomatic but I haven’t been able to yet, so the struggle is still sort of carrying on. How do you land good projects? Do you think choosing the right script has something to do with it? Definitely, the script is everything. I gauge the script and the director before I make a decision. What have you learned from your past acting mistakes? I would often wait for my co-actors’ reactions. Now I don’t. You sure have come a long way in acting. What can readers expect from you next acting wise? A theatre play and a film. One is the prequel of the other and I am playing a classical dancer in both projects. I feel this is plenty of work for one year. What is your plan for 2019? As I said, I am doing a theatre play Naach Na Jaanay written by Anwar Maqsood and directed by Daawar Mehmood. I am also doing a film ‘Aangan Terha’ based on Anwar Maqsood’s classic theatre production. If you were not a successful actor/host today, what would you be? I would be a writer but I am still one. Maybe a chef but why wouldn’t I be a successful actor or host in any case? Has anything traumatic happened to you in the past that has shaped you into the person you are today? The death of my parents. Have you experienced a fashion blunder? I have on the Dubai premiere of ‘Lahore Say Aaga’y. It was an attire by Muneeb Nawaz and although on other occasions he has provided great outfits, but that day he gave me clothes that felt like Akbar Badshah’s wife. What fashion trend do you not get? High-necks with tights. Your dream country to visit? Russia and Mexico. Your hidden talent? Writing, but that is not enough of a secret. So, I will go with cooking! An accent you find attractive? Punjabi and Russian English. If you were running for office, what would be your slogan? VOTE FOR ROBIN HOOD! What cartoon show did you watch fondly as a child? Tom and Jerry Who did you want to be as an adult growing up? A doctor. A food item you can’t resist? Paaye! Chhotay k paaye, phajjay k paaye! What one secret about yourself would you like to share? It wouldn’t remain a secret if I shared it. Published in Daily Times, February 17th 2019.