Daily Times

You have starred in numerous American TV series and films. Which have been some of your best roles so far?

It’s hard to say but I enjoyed ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Escape Plan’.

How difficult is it for Pakistani/Muslim Americans to foray into Hollywood and prove their mettle? How challenging was it for you?

It’s difficult in any industry to prove your mettle and initially coming by roles was hard but I decided to push forward nonetheless as I had made a decision to be an actor. Of course, in the US entertainment industry, stakes are higher, especially because you are bringing a very different brand.

“I have kept on fighting and have moved forward at every step, despite challenges and obstacles at times”

When did you decide acting was the right profession for you?

I was an undergraduate when I realised I wanted to make acting a career. Initially I had decided to graduate in business and economics but then realised my passion for the performing arts and studied theatre at University of California, Berkeley and Harvard University.

The Pakistani film industry is now going from strength to strength during these past couple of years. Will we ever see you being part of a desk film?

Absolutely. If there s a good script and good challenge, I am there. Plus it would be good to learn from artists in Pakistan and share what I have learned.

How much more do you think Pakistani cinema needs to improve in order to be recognised on an international scale?

I think the Pakistani film industry is already making leaps and bounds and it just needs to stay the course. More and more room needs to be given for various genres of film.

What are you currently working on?

I just wrapped up filming for the upcoming season of ‘Hawaii Five-0’ in Hawaii and before that had just filmed for ‘Prison Break’ upcoming season in Canada and Morocco.

You have acted in many serials as well as films. Which is more enjoyable? TV or the big screen?

I love both. There are stories that are best told on the big screen and others lend themselves better to the small screen.

“There are stories that are best told on the big screen”

Which according to you has been your biggest achievement till date?

The biggest achievement for me has been to keep on fighting in this business and moving forward at every step,
despite the challenges and obstacles at times.

What is your fitness routine?

I work out six days a week. A mix of cardio, strengthening and endurance!

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

That is extremely humbling but I am no hero. I think our world needs more people like Abdul Sattar Edhi.

Achievements

Versatile Hollywood Star

Actor Faran Tahir has bagged some of the most memorable and versatile roles in not just A-lister American TV serials but box-office hit Hollywood films as well.

Series of Massive Hits

Faran Tahir has starred in massive Hollywood hit films such as ‘Picture Perfect’, ‘Anywhere But Here’, ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’, ‘ABCD’, ‘Iron Man’, ‘Star Trek’, ‘Elysium’, ‘Manticore’ and ‘Jinn’.

Ruling Our TV Sets

Tahir has delivered some of his best performances in leading international TV serials, such as ‘Alias’, ‘The Practice’, ‘Family Law’, ‘The Agency’, ‘NYPD Blue’, ‘Lost’, ‘7th Heaven’, ‘The West Wing’, ‘Walker’, ‘Texas Ranger’, ‘The DA’, ’24’, ‘Monk’, ‘Justice’, ‘Cold Case’, ‘Chuck’, ‘Warehouse 13’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘Supernatural’ and ‘JAG’.