Ahsan Khan on ‘Udaari’ success to London stage debut
Popular Pakistani star, Ahsan Khan touched gold when Hum TV’s ‘Udaari’ went on-air last year. Since then, Khan has won accolades for his performance and his character Imtiaz Sheikh is still very much talked about. Khan has recently stepped into London theatre work, with preparations ongoing for his debut London stage project – ‘Ishq’. BizAsiaLive.com caught up with the star to find out more.
Ahsan, you’ve experienced ample success during your work as an actor in Pakistani films and television. Recently, your show ‘Udaari’ on Hum TV proved a stomping success in 2016, how do you feel about this?
I was, obviously, very happy with the success of the Udaari. I have, fortunately, had my fair share of success in my career as an actor but Udaari’s success was different. It was significantly more rewarding and fulfilling, for a number of reasons. It was great to see that the risk I had taken by playing a negative role had paid off. Every member of the Udaari team was a devoted to the project and heavily invested in it. I was lucky to have been a member of such a dedicated team and very happy to see the team’s hard work pay off rich dividends by way of critical and commercial success. The subject of child sexual abuse has always been near and dear my heart. It is a cause that I subscribe to with great passion. I was very happy to have been able to draw attention to a problem that has plagued our society for far too long a time.
Your character as Imtiaz Sheikh in ‘Udaari’ found immense love from viewers around the world. In the UK, ‘Udaari’ broke ratings records on Hum TV Europe, how would you describe your journey since the show ended?
The success of Udaari, while rewarding and personally fulfilling, came at the price of greatly raised expectations. I could no longer play ordinary hero roles in run-or-the-mill serials. People expected and wanted more. In fact, I wanted more and found myself turning down more roles that I had ever done before in my career. . I accepted a role to work on stage in a musical to prove my mettle as a competent, well-rounded actor. I started work on a book about child sexual abuse because, even though Udaari was over, the evil still existed and had to be dealt with until it was completely eliminated. Udaari raised the bar for me in more ways than one. I could only be content with doing more as an actor and as a human being.
How easy a decision was it to accept a negative role like Imtiaz Sheikh in ‘Udaari’?
The decision was surprisingly easy. I had done a number of plays in which I played the positive hero. I had explored the entire spectrum of likable characters in our television serials. Quite a few of the roles had been good. They had brought me fame, fortune and respect but I was ready to do more, to take risks and to show everyone – most importantly, myself – that my range as an actor was not limited. I was ready for Udaari when the role of Imtiaz was offered to me. I am glad Udaari came when it did.
Aur phir me ne “easy karadiyaa” ( my dialogue):)
They say love comes in the way of success; in your opinion how is that common belief null… I have not stated that it is my opinion that the common belief is null and void. Ask me if I believe that love comes in the way of success and I will tell you that love is what makes life valuable and that it does not come in the of anything worthwhile.:)))
You’re still winning many awards for the role as Imtiaz Sheikh in the show, how does that make you feel?
Happy. And I must say the acknowledgement of good work and your skill is very important but I also feel that the love that people have given me, that’s the real award…. winning hearts is the real deal ?
Ahsan Khan
…having said that I know for sure that all channels are working hard to present good plays in the market and I feel our plays rule!
Have you had any negative experiences since playing the role of Imtiaz Sheikh when meeting fans?
Not really. A few friends and family member shared their concerns about me risking my career as a bankable hero by taking on a villainous role. My children were picked on a few times at school for being the son of a rogue, but they handled it well. Generally, people were supportive and encouraging. Had that not been the case, it would have been very difficult to focus on my performance in the serial. The warm and reassuring support of friends, family and fans contributed positively to my performance as Imtiaz.
Your career continues to move in new directions after the success of your recent shows, what have you got coming up in the pipeline?
A whole lot!
I am working on Ishq, a stage play based loosely on Heer Ranjha, that will open in London on the 7th of September. I am writing a book on child sexual abuse. I am working in three films – Chupan Chupai, Tick Tock, and Rehbra – that are scheduled to be released in 2017 and 2018, signed another film which will be starting in 2018. I’ve said yes for a Hum TV serial with the same team that made Udaari. I am working with a friend on the script of a film that will be based on Tennessee William’s play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. And I am reviewing the scripts of a few stage plays. I am also going to start getting vocal training in October to develop my skills as a singer. Life is busy but good.
Away from your recent shows, your association with Hum TV has given you your biggest successes with shows like ‘Mere Qatil Mere Dildar’, ‘Saya-e-Dewar Bhi Nahi’ and ‘Tumhare Siwa’ connecting well with international audiences, in particular in the UK, tell us more about your relationship with Hum TV?
I have a great working relationship with a number of channels and production houses but, yes, Hum TV is special. I feel secure, loved and cared for at Hum TV. Working for Hum TV is like coming home for me. It is a warm, loving place for me.
I also feel they come up with lovely scripts but having said that I know for sure that all channels are working hard to present good plays in the market and I feel our plays rule!
Tell us a bit about ‘Ishq’ – the first Pakistani musical to be held at London’s West End?
Ishq is an English-language musical play that explores the Sufi and romantic themes of Waris Shah’s epic romance, Heer Ranjha. It is being mounted by a highly talented and capable team and features a stellar cast that includes Rashida Ali and Adnan Jaffar. It will open at Sadler’s Wells on the seventh of September. Tickets are selling briskly for the play. I believe it will be a success.
I had been wanting to act on stage for quite some time now. It is a rite of passage for serious actors. It will be my first major performance on stage. I get to sing and dance in the play, which is an added benefit. Everyone knows that I love to dance. People will now get.
Ahsan Khan
I have fans all over the world. I love all of them very dearly and equally. Fame and fortune notwithstanding, acting would not be half as much fun, were it not for loving fans.
What would you say about the love you get from UK fans to other fans worldwide?
God has been very kind to me. I have fans all over the world. I love all of them very dearly and equally. Fame and fortune notwithstanding, acting would not be half as much fun, were it not for loving fans. I always tell my fans that they are part of a – thankfully – very large family that extends all over the globe. To answer your specific question, I would tell my fans worldwide that they have compatriots in the United Kingdom. A whole lot of them!
And yes I have to tell you I’ve made great new friends and would like to name them here; Waqas and Hassan.
A number of Pakistani artists have made crossed over to Bollywood, are you also planning to join them when tensions between the two countries settle down?
Artists believe in love and do not like boundaries created by hatred. I am glad that several Pakistani actors worked in India and quite a few did well. Bollywood is a major film industry that produces an extraordinarily large number of films each year. Some of the films are truly wonderful and world class. I hope to act in those at some point in my career.
What’s your plans for Pakistani cinema – any new projects?
I am working in three films – Chupan Chupai, Tick Tock, and Rehbra – that are scheduled to be released in 2017. I am working with a friend on the script of a film that will be based on Tennessee William’s play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I plan to focus more on cinema in the year 2018.
