You are currently starring in drama serial ‘Bandhay Ek Dor Se.’ Tell us about your role, shedding a little light on the story. My character is that of a happy go lucky boy next door who’s a little innocent as well as a bit emotionally naive. It is very relatable and I think a lot of youngsters will understand him. Acting involves a broad range of skills, including a well-developed imagination, emotional facility, physical expressivity, vocal projection, clarity of speech, and the ability to interpret drama. Acting also demands an ability to employ dialects, accents, improvisation, observation and emulation, mime! To people things may seem simple but trust me, the character that I have played in ‘Bandhe Ek Dor Se’ is so lovable that you can’t stop loving Umar. How much do you relate to your character in the show and how different is it to any you’ve played before? I think every character is different and they all have very interesting flaws and crevices. It’s those that make the character come to life. I’ve had a lot of scope in my career to play different roles and this one too is something with a twist. It’s very tough to refuse work and choose only what you prefer to do, but I always try my best not to disappoint my audience. ‘I think the chemistry one develops when acting with likeminded people really matters. Before this, in ‘Alif’ as well, I had great camaraderie with my co-star Kubra and it was also appreciated but this time I’m sure this will blow the audiences away’ Your chemistry with Ushna Shah and Hina Altaf is said to be something to watch out for. Why’s that? I think the chemistry one develops when acting with likeminded people really matters. Before this, in ‘Alif’ as well, I had great camaraderie with my co-star Kubra and it was also appreciated but this time I’m sure this will blow the audiences away! Your pictures in quarantine have been doing the rounds on social media lately, sometimes with your family, sometimes with your pets, sometimes working out. People have been admiring your form and your fans wonder how your fitness routine looks like. Please do shed light on that. My fitness routine consists mainly of eating healthy and organic and hitting the gym when I can. Obviously, it was a bit difficult with COVID so walking the dogs was a good form of exercise as well. I feel at times, one should also take breaks and relax. Mental health is what one should focus on the most. Pakistani dramas are known for their quality content and great actors. Have you been watching any lately that you really admire? ‘Alif’ and ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ are the last plays I saw. I honestly feel we as an industry have made it big and that too without any help or support. I’m super proud of all the actors and directors we have as they have changed the face of this industry. The world now watches and loves our dramas. Of late, ‘Ertugrul: Dirilus’ has taken the nation by storm. Some criticise its airing, some are in favour. Do you think it’s putting the ratings of our local dramas in jeopardy? I love ‘Ertugul’ and I think it’s a fantastic watch. I don’t think it has adverse effects at all. Imagine the world is crazy about a drama with only subtext to read; you love something which you can’t even understand the language off; its that powerful! We can I think learn from it and make plays in the same grandeur as well. In fact, I know there’s a Tipu Sultan and a Baba Bulleh Shah in the pipeline. I’ve been offered Bulleh Shah’s role and I urge our government to support these efforts. Our history is no less glorious and I’m glad we have all started appreciating Muslim history as well now. What are you currently working on? Before the lockdown, I was finishing shooting of the film ‘Rehbra’ for Amin Iqbal and started shooting for Yasir Nawaz’s film ‘Chakkar.’ Along with that, I have two more dramas in the pipeline, so here’s hoping for things to get safer soon and to do lots for my fans who always love me no matter what. It’s all for them. You are considered one of the top actors of Pakistan and also one of the best hosts. How do you do it? I never rush into things. I take my time and let myself sink into the role. Sometimes, actors think otherwise but I internalise my characters. An acting career is like a marathon. It’s not a sprint. So we have to constantly stay focused and determined whether it’s film, television, theatre, hosting or dance performances etc. We need to get into the details and only then start doing things! I believe one can only understand what the audience likes when one actually understands the craft. How was ‘Bol Nights with Ahsan Khan’ such a big hit? It takes a lot of hard work. Believe me, it’s not easy to make people open up to you. I think my relationships with people have counted a lot in the success and also a lot of guidance from my fellow colleagues. It’s everyone’s success not just mine. I believe an artist has to learn new things and spend enough time to actually master the technique to an adequate level!