IMRAN ASHRAF A TALENT LIKE NO OTHER
On starting out in the industry as a child star to finally achieving a name across the country and making his mark after his breakthrough character Bhola, we speak to Imran in an exclusive interview where he talks to us about his recent roles and getting out of his shadow from his popular role. Read on...
So happy to have you here for this interview Imran. Before we dive in about your acting journey, could you please tell us a little about childhood and upbringing?
My childhood was a lot of fun because I spent it in many cities of Pakistan. The most memorable time of my childhood has to be the time I spent in boarding school.
‘I never really wanted to be an actor and it was in fact inadvertent but you know what they say, you do not think before falling in love. My love for acting was also accidental’
Was acting and working in the Pakistani entertainment industry always the dream? How did you get started and how did you score your first role in 2011’s Wafa Kaisi Kahan Ka Ishq?
Wafa Kaisi Kahan Ka Ishq was not my first play as an actor, because I have done many plays as a child artist as well – I did two to three plays with Naumaan Ijaz sahab and Faysal Quraishi sahab. Besides that, I never really wanted to be an actor and it was in fact inadvertent but you know what they say, you do not think before falling in love. My love for acting was also accidental.
Besides acting, you also write and in fact you wrote a drama that you were also cast in. Where do you get inspiration from when writing a story? What do you enjoy the most acting or writing? Will we be seeing any more dramas written by you?
I do write for my inner actor. When I feel that I’m not getting the kind of scripts that I want, then I write for myself as well as every other character that is there. I even write for them so they get to perform which is their right. It should not just be the hero and heroine who have a margin for a performance. I will definitely be writing very soon and you will see me InshaAllah. You might even see me write for films.
‘I think one should keep on responding to hate with love so hate does not win’
We have seen you exceptionally play many different characters, which always leave us impressed. There is one character in particular your fans can never get over and that is ‘Bhola’ in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi. Is it hard to constantly impress your fans with your other roles as they always get overshadowed and compared with ‘Bhola’?
I think after my character of ‘Moosa’ in Raqs e Bismil, things have changed a lot. I went to this event where there were a few hundred people with one group supporting ‘Moosa’ and the other was team ‘Bhola’. I was happy and thanked God for this appreciation.
It was very difficult to get out of the shadow of ‘Bhola’, that’s why I asked my mother to pray a lot, repeatedly told her that I want another role. Her prayers were heard and I got another iconic role, thank God.
How do you balance your life as a father and an actor?
I have managed to keep a balance between the actor and father. When I am missing Roham, (and I miss him every day) my wife sends him to the set so we could spend time together. Acting does not come between Roham and me. However, Roham’s positive energy comes in between acting and helps me in my work a lot.
The covid-19 pandemic has really shook the world and taken a toll on everyone. Has it changed you in anyway?
Covid-19 has changed me in the same way it has changed others.
We recently saw you on-screens in Raqs-e-Bismal. How was it to be cast alongside Sarah Khan? Do you think you have any similarities with your character ‘Moosa’ since your performance was outstanding?
Sarah was an absolute professional to work with. I think ‘Moosa’ and Imran do have a lot of common traits, which eventually helped me understand ‘Moosa’ even better.
Where do you see the Pakistani acting industry in the future in terms of one day reaching international heights? In your opinion, how can we achieve this?
We have gone global already. I mean wherever Urdu is understood and spoken, Pakistani dramas are doing exceptionally well.
What aspect do you consider before accepting any roles? Is there a certain role you regret taking on or a role you regret not accepting?
I always see performance margin in the role, after that I see if I am not instigating the problem that is against the society. Pointing out a problem is different but I always make sure that I am not initiating it. Then I look at the overall script as well as the meaning of the other characters and how strong they are. I do regret doing a drama (not naming it) without reading the script.
There is so much unnecessary negativity and hate around us, mostly on social media. How do you handle criticism and opinionated people? Does it affect you?
Negativity, bitterness and hate is everywhere in the world inclusive of social media but then there is a lot of good as well. People who love you and like your work, also praise you on social media. So, I think one should keep on responding to hate with love so hate does not win.
Your work is revolved around the public eye. What do you do to keep yourself centered, grounded and always positive?
I know that whatever I have achieved is by the grace of Allah, and after that it’s the support of people who watch us and give us so much love – I never forget my worth and stay grounded.
What are your aspirations for the silver screen? If you get an offer, what kind of role would you like to do for cinema?
I am eagerly waiting for the cinemas to re-open because my film is ready to be released – I have already done a movie Dum Mastam directed by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin and produced by Adnan Siddiqui opposite the very talented Amar Khan. I am waiting for the cinemas to open so I can give a good film to my fans by the will of Allah only.
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
PHOTOGRAPHY: FAYYAZ AHMED
MAKE UP & GROOMING: NABILA’S SALON