The world of show business is known for the sexual, financial and emotional abuse of newcomers. Have you experienced such abuse?
It is true that there is a lot of abuse in show business but it is naïve and irresponsible to assume that other industries do not have the issue. Unfortunately, the powerful find it easy to abuse those at their mercy and give in to the base instincts of taking advantage of others. This happens everywhere and not just in show business. As far as my personal experience goes, I will say that a few people did try to take advantage of me but I did not succumb to the pressure they applied. I was never that desperate, never that weak morally, and never in a rush to make it big. Let me say some more about this. There are three reasons why newcomers give in to abuse. One, they are inexperienced; two, they are weak; and, three; they are in a rush to make it big in show business. The truth is that one need not accept abuse to enter show business; in fact, I have seen it to be counterproductive. No one gets cast because of allowing abuse. Ours is a mature industry. We have professional producers, production houses, channels and sponsors, who are responsible and morally sound. No one is going to allow a person without talent to star in a film, or a play, just because he gave in to abuse. People with talent will always prevail and people without it won’t make it. It is sad to see talented folks allow themselves to be abused just to get cast. If only they knew that their talent, and little else, would ensure entry into show business and that the need to allow themselves to be abused. I tell everyone, especially newcomers, that it is absolutely, positively possible to enter the world of show business without succumbing to sexual, financial or emotional abuse.
What other advice do you have for people wanting to become actors?
I believe they should be confident about their acting talent. They should consider getting formal training to polish their histrionic skills. They should associate and network with honest, professional people in the industry. They should sign up with reputable casting and talent agencies. They should not waste time with people with checkered reputations. They should conduct themselves with class, dignity and confidence. Most importantly, they should not be in a rush to make it big. Patience, persistence and maturity go a long way in making one successful in show business.
Now a leading actor, Awais is wrapping up working on his first major serial, as a lead actor, Rubaru Tha Ishq, and getting ready to start shooting for his first feature film, Uf Yeh Saaliyan
You worked in television, in production, for a few years before you started acting in plays. Did the production experience help you with your acting career?
I was in production for quite a while. The experience helped me immensely. It made networking, which I feel is essential in any career, easy and convenient. It also gave me a thorough understanding of production and the things actors can do to make things easier for producers and directors. While working in production, I got to understand that discipline, punctuality, reliability and trustworthiness were invaluable attributes and endeared actors to producers. I used the knowledge to make myself popular with both directors and producers. I believe that is the reason I never found it very difficult to get cast in television serials.
You had relatively small roles in the serials that you did early on in your career.
That is true and it does not bother me one bit. I wanted to get comfortable in front of the camera, develop good acting skills, explore my range and versatility and be seen on television. Alif Allah Aur Insan, Alvida, Dil-E-Barbad, Gumraah, Jhoot, Maah-E-Tamaam, Main Mehru Hoon, Muhabbat Aag Se, Nazar-e-Bad, and Sehra Main Safar were great for me and helped me achieve the goals I had at the onset of my acting career. The serials helped me become better known inside and outside the industry. They helped me enhance my skills as an actor. And, they were a lot of fun to do.
You got your big break with Ru Baru Tha Ishq?
Yes, I did. Ru Baru Tha Ishq is being directed for TNI Productions by Furqan Khan who also made Mera Sain, Umm-E-Kulsoom, and Woh Aik Pal. The serial has Danish Taimoor and Ushna Shah in the lead. I have a substantial, and very interesting, role in the serial. I think the serial will be very successful and it will help establish me as an actor to reckon with. I cannot wait for Ru Baru Tha Ishq to get on air.
Do you plan to do cinema?
Absolutely. I plan to do cinema, theater and television. I have a passion for acting and I plan to work in all media that will allow me to perform as an actor. I have already signed my first film, Uf Yeh Saaliyan. I will start shooting for it next month. It is a comedy being made by veteran director Shahid Rana. I star in the film alongside Moammar Rana and Iftikhar Thakur. Uf Yeh Saaliyan has a wonderful story and a truly hilarious script. I believe that it will be one of the hit films of 2018. I have just completed writing my first feature film. It is a romantic comedy titled Love in Lahore. It will be shot once Uf Yeh Saaliyan has been completed.
Over the relatively short period of a year, the charming, young actor bagged a lot of roles in a number of hit television serials and quickly came to be known as an actor of merit in the industry
Were people willing to help you when you decided to move from production into acting?
People who were genuine, honest friends were helpful both when I was in production and when I worked as an actor. I am blessed to have a set of very good friends. They acted variously as friends, confidantes, guides, advisors, counselors and coaches as I transitioned into acting. It would have been rough without my friends.
How did you learn to act?
A lot of fellow actors helped me with acting. They coached me and introduced the nuances of acting to me in a very effective manner. They also gave me a lot of encouragement and confidence. I must mention Rubina Ashraf who helped me get comfortable in front of the camera and treated me with the love of an elder sister and the kindness of a capable teacher. She is a great lady and a wonderful actor. No one has done more for me as an actor than Rubina Ashraf. I will always owe her.
Did you find a mentor in the industry?
No, I did not but I was never looking for a mentor. I have a murshid who guides me in all aspects of life, not just show business. I sit at his feet and consider kissing his feet a blessing. I believe that it is the prayers, blessings and guidance of my murshid together, of course, with the tremendous kindness of God that have helped me become successful in life, thus far and, it is only God, along with the supplications of my murshid, that will help me in the future. My murshid prays for me. God treats me with love, empathy, kindness, forgiveness and largesse. I need nothing else.
The writer is based in Dallas and writes about culture, history and the arts. He Tweets at @allyadnan and can be reached at [email protected]
Published in Daily Times, February 1st 2018.