Daily Times

Arman Ali Pasha started his career in show business as a model, in 2016, and after two highly successful years in modelling, made the move to acting a role in Hum Television’s drama serial Aadhi Gawahi.

Three years on, he has a large number of successful television serials – Rashk, Hoor Pari, Jaltay Khwab, Ajnabi Lage Zindagi, and Mujhe Rang De, to name a few – under his belt and is one of Pakistan’s most bankable young actors today. In an exclusive interview for the Daily Times, he talks to Ally Adnan about the coronavirus pandemic, life during the lockdown and a lot else.

The world is in the midst of battling the biggest health crisis in years as the deadly novel coronavirus ravages nations around the globe. How are you dealing with the crisis?

I am quite a positive and optimistic person with a predisposition for happiness. I do not worry a lot. The pandemic has made life difficult, to some extent, and I get restless occasionally but, for the most part, I am doing well. Herpes, Legionnaires’ disease, AIDS, Ebola Virus Disease, and SARS, the world has dealt with a lot of infectious diseases in recent history and eventually managed to contain them. I believe that the same will prove to be true for Covid-19.

So, you are not worried?

I am not worried, but I am sad about the loss of lives at the hands of Covid-19 and the disastrous effect the pandemic has had on the lives of people all around the world. I pray for them. I am also being very careful and taking all necessary precautionary measures. I am staying home as much as possible, avoiding large groups of people, maintaining physical distance with others when I do go out, washing my hands frequently, and wearing face masks. I urge everyone else to do the same. This is, of course, easier said than done but I read books, listen to music, and watch movies to stay positive and make my time at home more productive, enjoyable and rewarding.

What kind of music are you listening to these days?

I have been hooked on Pakistani film music from the sixties and seventies for a few weeks now. Aisa Bhi Hota Hai, Andaleeb, Chingari, Lakhon Mein Eik, Mauseeqar, Qaidi, Salam E Muhabbat, Salgirah, and Tum Mile Pyaar Mila had some truly awesome songs. I had Noor Jehan’s song, from Andaleeb, Pyaar Kar Ke Hum Bauhat Pachtaaye, on repeat all day yesterday. I had heard of Noor Jehan all my life but never really knew her music well. It is during the lockdown that I have had the opportunity to discover the wealth of her songs and become a huge fan.

What do you like about Noor Jehan’s songs?

I like their emotional depth and gravitas. I love the abandon with which she sings. And I love the nasal, velvety texture of her voice.

Do you have any favourite songs?

Yes, I do. Lay Aayi Phir Kahan Pe from Salgirah, Chalo Acha Hua Tum Bhool Gaye from Lakhon Main Aik, Kuch Log Rooth Kar Bhi from Andaleeb and Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabbat from Qaidi are on the top of my list of favourite songs.

‘I am not worried, but I am sad about the loss of lives at the hands of Covid-19 and the disastrous effect the pandemic has had on the lives of people all around the world. I pray for them’

Those are some very melancholic and decidedly romantic songs.

Yes, they are. What can I say? I am a very romantic person.

What books have you read lately?

I recently read Normal People by Sally Rooney. I think it is an excellent read. I love the economy of her prose, her intelligent exploration of relationship and her treatment of classism in society. I am about halfway through John Grisham’s Camino Winds and finding it very enjoyable.

You said that you had also been watching movies while at home.

Yes, I just watched Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals. It came out a few years ago but I found the time to watch it only recently. The film is a tour de force, simultaneously intelligent, unsettling and provocative, and a true work of art. It is based on a novel titled Tony and Susan. I am looking for the book to read now.

Have you watched Tom Ford’s A Single Man?

Yes, I have and love the film, but I must say that Nocturnal Animals is a more powerful film. As a cinephile, I can safely say that a better tale of revenge has never been told on screen.

You are fond of cinema and watch a lot of movies. How come you have not worked in any films and limited yourself to acting in television serials.

It is true that I have acted only in television serials and done no films as yet but that is not by choice. I have been offered better roles in television serials than in feature films and made the conscious choice not to accept mediocre, or poor, roles in films. I do want to work in movies and am waiting for the right film project.

What acting projects do you have on hand currently?

I am shooting for a television serial titled Meri Meshaal these days. It tells the story of an unlikely romance between a superstar and one of his die-hard fans. It is a very well-written serial with very well-defined, fully fleshed-out characters. I am enjoying playing the role of the superstar and feel that my performance in the serial is probably the best one of my career thus far.

Is it difficult to shoot during the coronavirus pandemic?

Yes, it is. We have to be very disciplined, cautious and vigilant while on set, follow a very strict regimen of hygiene and cleanliness, maintain physical distance, as much as possible, and wear masks whenever not facing the camera. The breaks between spells can be long and maintaining continuity can be a challenge. Acting in these trying times is tough but I am doing better – much better, to tell you the truth – than a lot of people who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. I have a job, I like what I do and I am in a safe environment. I am grateful for that.

The writer Tweets @allyadnan and can be reached at allyadnan@outlook.com