The Gen Z Powerhouses Hamza Sohail & Sehar Khan | Behind the Scenes with the Young and the Restless
Brace yourself for an exhilarating tête-à-tête as we delve into the enchanting realm of Sehar Khan and Hamza Sohail, the new sensational duo of our entertainment industry, captivating hearts across the nation. In this exclusive exposé, we unravel their meteoric rise to prominence, the myriad hurdles they've surmounted, and the magnetic synergy that ignites their performances. Prepare to be entranced by their prodigious talent and the ethereal aura they exude, both on celluloid and beyond. Get ready to embark on a spellbinding odyssey through the realms of passion, artistry, and the enigmatic tapestry of their intertwined destinies. Read on…
Hamza Sohail
Pleasure to have you Hamza, once again with us. It’s amazing to see how far you’ve come since we first spoke a couple of years ago. Tell us how are you handling this newfound success and the challenges that came with it?
The pleasure’s all mine! I have to say it’s been an epic journey up till now. This year especially has been very overwhelming to begin with. I’ve had absolutely no time to pause and reflect on what’s been going on around me. Everything’s been happening so fast. And along with the glee, came immense pressure and nervousness because now, there are certain ‘expectations’ from me. Therefore, I'm just trying to take it one baby step at a time.
In a very short period of time you have managed to portray characters that are different from each other. Is that a conscious decision that you don’t want to repeat similar roles?
I’m very cagey when it comes to these decisions, that's why I dont give myself too much credit for my creative calls.
My first point is the director - It has to be someone who has faith in me and someone who’d inspire me. Then it’s the script.
I ask myself questions like does the script do something to you? Does it suck you into its world? What’s your character’s purpose in the script? What are the penny dropping moments? Basically the script has to hit me like a truck and recruit my instincts. And lastly the character itself. Whether I will be able to pull it off. Is it challenging enough, or do I think I will be good at it? Going through this process somehow allows me to take a leap of faith towards my next move.
What made you choose ‘Fairytale’? How do you approach character development, and what steps do you take to fully embody your character?
i) Initially for the first season of 'Fairy Tale', it was the script that primarily did the job for me. The writer, Sarah Majeed jee had written and curated the script so well and beautifully but for season 2, I wasn’t completely sold on the idea for a few reasons. My biggest scare was the idea of a ‘sequel’. Mainly because they’ve mostly been a gamble. Secondly, there was no complete draft of script yet (since the span of time was really short). As an artist you need to know what you’re jumping into so you can recapitulate your process. There's no way I wanted to creatively do injustice to 'Fairy Tale' and/or Farjaad. So I felt like it was time for me to dwell into a new story and a new character. Then one day Sir Ali Hassan called me over the phone and said to me “I have a vision for the second season. I feel like the story has a lot more to offer. And so do Farjaad and Umeed. And I need you to trust me on this”. And since, by the end of season 1 I had built blind faith in him and his genius, the way he’d handle basic scenes with his countless improvisations and turn them into memorable ones. For me that was the point when i decided to jump on board (after reading the initial draft of the new script obviously). I obviously try my best to do justice to every character that I play - to fulfill their purpose in the story. That's why I need to know whether the character is worth that level of devotion, because I value it a lot. And obviously a great deal of help and guidance came from Mr Ali Hassan himself, who’s nothing less of a wizard at characterization and how to handle a scene. I just tried my best to maintain that essence.
Your chemistry in the drama with your co-star Sehar is being raved about; did you think that this drama will become what it has become when you accepted this role?
(Laughs) Not at all. In fact we were told we’re the underdogs in the particular race by Mr Ali Hassan. So we just kept our heads low and worked hard to try and atleast not let our ship sink completely. I got on board for season 1 because the story and the character excited me and that’s it. Neither had I planned anything, nor do I think i could’ve.
When the first season of ‘Fairytale’ was on-air it was up against some of the biggest and most popular dramas at the same time. What do you think stood out to the audience that made this drama a success?
Like I said, we had no expectations of any sort. I think we just got lucky and the fact that the entire cast as well as the crew shared a mutual positive energy and respect for each other throughout. And somehow that reflected on the screens as well. Why it became a success? I dont think I'll ever be able to figure that one out. But huge credit goes to Ali Sir, for 'Fairy Tale' wouldn’t have been 'Fairy Tale' without his genius. And obviously, the audience gave us a chance and accepted us wholeheartedly, and for that, we’re very very grateful!
How do you handle the pressure of having to live up to the success of your previous work?
I don’t consider my previous work successful in any way. However, the pressure has increased in many ways now.
Earlier, I had nothing to lose, therefore I'd just do my best and deliver what came to me naturally. Now there’s all kinds of talk going around and apparently I've caught some eyes.
I’m still figuring out how to handle the pressure. But I guess I'll just keep doing what I've been doing and work harder to deliver what is expected of me from the audience.
It’s great to see Pakistani dramas following the trend of producing multiple seasons but do you think we’ll need more storylines that go beyond a regular ‘rom-com’ and ‘love story’ drama?
Definitely! Like all other industries across the world,
we need to work on innovative as well as creative ideas in order for our industry to progress and keep up with the pace. And again, it’s the viewers that will have to steer the ship for this one and support their media industry, be it cinema or television, with bringing in new concepts and allowing them to take risks.
Having said that, I believe it’s important to maintain a strong grip on our roots and culture, and progress within a certain domain.
How did you approach your character's development in the second season?
I had to put my complete faith in my captain, my director, for this one and let him guide me through it. Farjaad’s character was already established, therefore this time, me and the director had to sit down and have discussions over how his character would grow as he enters a new phase in his life.
It’s impressive to see how prepared and knowledgeable new Gen Z actors are nowadays. What do you think sets them apart from previous generations?
I think it’d be highly unfair and naive of me to say that the previous generations weren’t knowledgeable or prepared. I think it’s their torch we’re carrying forward today. However,
it really excites me to see that, the new lot of actors are incredibly determined and inspired. And me being a part of this lot, finds it equally beneficial for us all, since I believe it’ll help us push each other to do better, hence uplifting the industry altogether.
Let’s switch gears, how do you maintain your fitness routine while juggling a busy acting schedule, and what motivates you to stay active?
When it comes to fitness, I’ve been at it since I was 16 or 17 maybe? I always knew what I wanted to do in life and fitness was a pivotal for that. But it’s pretty difficult to strike a balance between work and fitness especially when you’re shooting because of the extensive shoot hours… almost everyday. But you somehow have to manage it. I think I've lost track of how i’m doing that (laughs).
Lastly, where do you see yourself in the next five years? What’s the dream?
Ah! I try not to think about it. Even the thought of it makes me nervous (laughs). I’m just looking forward to what surprises life holds for me, like I always have.
Sehar Khan
Pleasure to have you Sehar. Let's talk about what inspired you to pursue acting, and how did you get your start in the industry
It’s a pleasure to be here. Absolutely, at first, I wasn’t aiming to become an actor per se. Instead, I had a desire to establish a unique identity that people could associate with. Then, I got the opportunity to audition, and upon being selected, it made me realise that this path might be the way I’m meant to make that identity. Now, I'm fully embracing it, striving to excel, and enjoying every step of this journey. As they say, ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ and now, I've found joy in acting, possibly destined for it all along, as the saying goes.
What challenges have you faced as a young actress in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
As a young actress, I faced the challenge of proving myself and breaking stereotypes. I overcame them by staying true to my craft, continuously improving my skills, and being persistent in my pursuit.
Support from my family and mentors also played a crucial role in overcoming obstacles.
What do you think sets you apart from other young actresses, and how do you hope to continue to distinguish yourself in the future?
I’m just a small part of this vast industry, but I strive to bring honesty and sincerity to my performances. It’s an honour to work alongside talented individuals, and I hope to continue growing as an actress with each role,
I hope to continue pushing my boundaries, exploring complex characters, and collaborating with talented directors to create impactful performances
Congratulations on the success of 'Fairytale'. What made you choose this drama? How do you approach character development, and what steps do you take to fully embody your character?
Thank you! ‘Fairytale’ was a project close to my heart, and I was drawn to its beautiful storyline and characters. To approach character development,
I immerse myself in the script, understand the character’s motivation and draw from personal experiences to bring authenticity to the role.
Your chemistry in the drama with your co-star Hamza is being raved about; did you think that this drama will become what it has become when you accepted this role?
I had a good feeling about ‘Fairytale’ when I accepted the role, but I couldn’t have predicted its immense success.
The chemistry with Hamza was organic, and our shared commitment to our characters helped in creating a strong on-screen connection.
What do you think sets your on-screen chemistry apart from other pairs, and how do you work to establish a strong connection with your co-star?
I believe our on-screen chemistry is a product of mutual respect and a shared passion for storytelling. We work together to make every scene authentic and emotionally resonant.
How did you approach your character's development in the second season?
This was the first time that I am doing a sequel for a show so frankly ‘Umeed’ already had a character, yes it will transition towards a bit of maturity though like any young girl, so I tried keeping it organic.
How do you handle the pressure of having to live up to the success of your previous work?
The success of previous work brings its own set of expectations, but I try not to let it overshadow my dedication to the present project. I focus on giving my best without letting external pressures cloud my performances.
Can you talk about any upcoming projects you have in the works, and what drew you to those particular roles?
I’m grateful to have some exciting projects in the pipeline, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth. I look forward to bringing these characters to life and contributing my best to their stories.
What advice would you give to other young women who are looking to break into the entertainment industry?
To young women aspiring to enter the entertainment industry, I’d say believe in yourself and your abilities. Work hard, be patient, and never compromise on your values. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and remember that perseverance and dedication can lead to great achievements.
How do you balance your personal life with your acting career, and what do you like to do in your free time?
Balancing personal life and career requires careful planning and support from loved ones. In my free time, I enjoy simple joys like spending time with family, and friends, exploring new hobbies.
What are your future career goals, and what kind of projects are you hoping to work on in the future?
My future career goal is to establish a strong reputation in my field, allowing people to recognise me for my work and bring about positive change in society. I aim to be more than just a part of regular dramas – I want to contribute to projects on a wide range of topics, whether it's addressing social issues or reflecting the current state of our country. I also have aspirations to work on an international level, exploring new avenues and representing my field, the world, and my nation in a more impactful way.
INTERVIEW: SUNDUS UNSAR RAJA
DIRECTION AND STYLING: RAO ALI KHAN
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHAHBAZ SHAZI
HAIR & MAKEUP (SEHAR) AZEEM ABBASI
GROOMING (HAMZA) JAVED ANWER