Zain Afzal is a new sensation in Pakistani show business who with his cute looks and excellent performing skills, has managed to win the hearts of many. Zain’s presence on screen exudes a freshness the kind of which is not usually found, be it a serious role of his like that in “Chakkar” or a comic one such as the one he is currently playing in “ReshamGali Ki Husna”. Zain has worked in almost every medium, proving himself a skilful and versatile actor. Daily Times caught up with him to ask a few questions which are as follows.
Tell us about your education and your first venture into media.
I did my A Levels from LGS and then attained an Honours degree in Film, Theatre and TV from BNU. It was in 2015 that I entered media through a film titled “Maya” which was directed by Jawad Bashir. Auditions were being held for that role and since I had graduated from university in a related field, I went for it and got selected.
You are also referred to as a film-maker. Tell us about that side of yours. What is your stance as a filmmaker and some of your important projects?
I did study film-making and made a couple of short films as well but did not procure the chance and time of exploring the field practically. Currently, I am infusing all my energy into my acting projects and focussing solely on them. However, I do make documentaries off and on for various companies and clients. As far as my significant project is concerned, I make all the documentaries for a UK based NGO called Tayyaba.org which works on water-related issues prevalent in Pakistan.
Which is your personal favourite but underrated film or serial?
I did a serial for A Plus titled “Jaan Nisaar” along with Sohail Sameer, Noman Ejaz, Nayyar Ejaz and Ghana Ali. Its story revolved around the lives of policemen, the policemen played by me and Sohail Sameer. I still hold the serial close to my heart. It was made out of much love by the director Amir Yusuf who along with the team, did a lot of hard work on the project by getting it shot in Abbottabad.
Amongst drama, film and theatre, which medium do you enjoy the most and why?
Theatre, without a doubt! My love for theatre started while I was in school. I would participate in stand-up comedies, skits and related acts and to date, theatre remains my priority. I recently played the leading character in Sarmad Khoosat’s “Jhanjhar di pawanChankar” in 2018. It was my first commercial theatrical project which I enjoyed a lot. That character of mine, of a blind man is my personal favourite performance uptil now.
‘I did study film-making and made a couple of short films as well but did not procure the chance and time of exploring the field practically. Currently, I am infusing all my energy into my acting projects and focussing solely on them. However, I do make documentaries off and on for various companies and clients’
What comes naturally to you; comedy or serious acting?
I can’t remain serious for a long time, so it’s comedy that comes naturally to me. But even in comedy, there are many important things to be considered such as the plot, the script, the dialogues and the comic timing. There’s nothing like a well-written comedy.
Name one writer and one director with whom you wish to work but haven’t been given the opportunity up until now.
I would love to work in a project penned by Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and directed by Nabeel Qureshi. Nabeel Qureshi’s craft is one if its kind, detached from any kind of influence from Indian or Western cinema. He has his own narrative which I really admire.
What are your upcoming projects and which one of them keeps you most excited?
I have a film coming up titled “Sentiaur Mental” in which I am playing the leading character. I also have a few serials for HUM TV in pipeline. In theatre, we’ll be doing a replay of “Jhanjhar di pawan Chankar” in all the cities of Pakistan and hopefully in England as well.
What is that final state which you wish to achieve as an actor?
There’s no final state for an actor, I believe. But yes, there’s a level for the fame and acknowledgement that you may attain. Skill has no measures and should not be measured. Once you put a full stop to something, the process of learning ceases. An actor has to go with a clean slate every time a new project is handed over to him or her. I would want to be one of such character actors who can perform anything given to them.
What do you do in your spare time when you aren’t acting?
I watch English films and series and study their craft. Besides, I love playing outdoor sports and the first instinct that kicks in when I am free is that some physical activity must be performed.
The writer is a freelance journalist and can be reached at [email protected]