Usama Khan’s journey into acting is anything but conventional. From a stable corporate job to the unpredictable world of entertainment, Usama took the road less traveled, pursuing his passion for storytelling and performance. With a background in business and a foundation in discipline and perseverance, his transition to acting wasn’t a leap of impulse—it was a step fueled by determination and a drive to make a lasting impact. Today, as one of the most excitingemerging stars in the Pakistani entertainment industry, Usama shares his story of resilience, growth, and the creative journey that continues to shape him as an actor.
We’re thrilled to have you on our pages! Before you became a household name, who was Usama Khan? Can you tell us a bit about your life before acting and how it shaped the person you are today?
Thank you for having me! Before acting, I was a regular guy trying to navigate life. I completed my education in business and was working in a corporate job. Those years taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of hard work—values that still shape me today. Acting was a leap of faith, but my life before it gave me the resilience to chase my dreams.
You’ve worked with Yumna Zaidi both on the silver screen in ‘Nayab’ and on TV in ‘Qarz-e-Jaan’. How has the experience been? Does it feel different, or is the chemistry more natural the second time around?
Working with Yumna has been an absolute pleasure both times. She’s an incredible artist whobrings so much to the table. The first project was about building rapport, but by the second, ourunderstanding and comfort level made the chemistry feel more natural and effortless. Sheinspires everyone around her to perform their best.
What drives you as an actor—fame, artistic fulfillment, or the impact your work has on viewers?
For me, it’s a mix of artistic fulfillment and the impact my work has on viewers. Fame is fleeting,but the ability to evoke emotions, tell meaningful stories, and leave a lasting impression is what keeps me going.
How do you handle criticism, especially when it’s about your acting choices or personal growth?
Criticism can be tough, but I see it as an opportunity to grow. I listen to constructive feedback and try to learn from it. At the same time, I remind myself that I can’t please everyone, and that’s okay. It’s about staying true to myself while striving for improvement.
If you could change one thing about the Pakistani entertainment industry, what would it be?
I’d like to see more focus on diverse storytelling and scripts that explore new genres. There’s so much untapped potential in our industry, and I believe we can push the boundaries to createcontent that resonates globally.
Does working with familiar co-stars like Yumna Zaidi make the process easier, or do you still have to discover new dynamics with every project?
It definitely makes the process easier in terms of comfort and trust, but every project is a new journey. Even with familiar co-stars, we have to discover new dynamics to suit the characters and story. It’s a learning experience each time.
How do you approach roles that require intense emotional depth?
I dive deep into understanding the character’s backstory, motivations, and struggles. I try toconnect with the emotions on a personal level and sometimes draw from my own experiences tomake the portrayal authentic.
Which co-star have you enjoyed working with the most, and why?
All of my co-stars have been wonderful to work with, and each one has brought somethingspecial to the table. It’s hard to pick just one, as every experience has been unique and rewarding in its own way.
What’s your dream role, and is there a genre you haven’t explored yet but would like to?
My dream role would be playing a complex anti-hero or a historical figure. I’d also love toexplore science fict ion or psychological thrillers—genres we don’t see often in our industry.
Do you see yourself exploring other creative outlets, like directing or producing, in thefuture?
Absolutely. I think directing or producing would be a natural progression. It would allow me tocontribute to storytelling from a different perspective and bring unique ideas to life.
Lastly, how would you define success, and do you feel you’ve achieved it yet?
To me, success is about finding fulfillment in your work and making a positive impact on others. While I’m grateful for where I am today, I feel there’s always more to achieve, more to learn, and more stories to tell. It’s an ongoing journey!
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
STYLING & DIRECTION: FAHAD HUSSAYN ACADEMY
PHOTOGRAPHY: MHM
HAIR & MAKEUP: SYED HUSSAIN
WARDROBE: FAHAD HUSSAYN & FACTION
PR MANAGEMENT: KAGENCY