Khaqan Shahnawaz isn’t someone who plays it safe. Whether it’s jumping from digital content to acting or throwing in a joke where most would hold back, he brings an authenticity that’s hard to miss. But in a time where the internet latches onto every word, that kind of honesty comes with its own set of challenges.
I’ve definitely toned down my humor because the internet isn’t ready for unfiltered honesty
In this conversation, Khaqan reflects on his journey so far—the overlaps and differences between content creation and acting, why he’s had to dial back his humor, and the unexpected controversy that came his way. He also lets us in on a side of him that fans don’t get to see: his all-consuming love for video games. If he weren’t on set, chances are he’d be glued to a screen, controller in hand, lost in another world for hours.
From dream roles to unexpected Google searches, this chat is as unfiltered as it gets.
You’ve had an exciting journey from digital content creation to acting. Looking back, do you feel like the two worlds overlap, or do they challenge you in completely different ways?
The two worlds definitely overlap, but they also have stark differences. With acting, there are moments where you need to interpret a scene in your own way, and in that sense, you are creating content. However, acting also demands stepping away from your personal identity to embody a character fully. You can’t always just be yourself. So, while there’s a lot of overlap, the process and approach can be quite different.
People misunderstood what I said about Kareena Kapoor Khan—it was never meant to be controversial
Your fans love your humor, whether it’s through your content or in interviews. Do you ever find yourself holding back because people take things too seriously, or do you think the internet is just hypersensitive these days?
If I ever became a gaming streamer, my followers would have endless content—I can play for six hours straight!
Yes, over the past few years, I’ve definitely toned down my humor, whether in interviews or my content. I feel like our audience isn’t entirely accustomed to people being unfiltered or speaking their minds openly. The internet is a hypersensitive space, and I’ve had to learn how to navigate it carefully.
Speaking of that, you recently found yourself in a bit of a controversy over your comment about Kareena Kapoor Khan. Do you think people misunderstood what you meant, or was it just a lesson in how quickly things can escalate online?
Yes, people definitely misunderstood what I was trying to say. Honestly, I wasn’t even trying to say anything controversial—it was just a spur-of-the-moment thought. When people discuss actors pairing up, the assumption is always a romantic pairing. At that moment, I felt like it wouldn’t be appropriate because she’s much older than me and a senior actor. So, I casually suggested we should work on something that reflects that difference. But it quickly blew up online, which was a lesson in how fast things can escalate and how people will hear what they want to hear. It was an eye-opener to how the internet works today.
The industry is shifting toward shorter dramas, and I think that’s exactly where we should be headed
Whether it’s cooking, traveling, or random musings, you share a lot of fun content with your followers. What’s something about you that people don’t know yet?
People don’t know that I’m really into video games. If I ever became a gaming streamer, my followers would have endless content to watch because that’s what I spend most of my free time doing! Whenever I get a break, I sit down for 5-6 hours straight and play games like FIFA, Fallout, or GTA. So, maybe one day, I’ll dive into streaming, and people will get to see that side of me.
If you had to swap lives with one of your co-stars for a day, who would it be and why?
I would swap lives with Adnan Samad Khan, who I’m currently working with in My Dear Cinderella. He’s a brilliant actor, and I’d love to step into his shoes and experience what it’s like to perform at his level.
We’ve seen you experiment with a variety of roles. Is there a character you’ve played that made you see the world differently?
My character in Hadsa definitely left a mark on me. It took a toll, but it also changed my perspective in many ways.
Someone once told me to give up on acting and stop dreaming—I’m glad I ignored that advice
If a director handed you a blank check and said, “Make whatever film you want,” what kind of story would you tell, and who would be in it with you?
If I had a blank check, I’d definitely make a period drama directed by Martin Scorsese. As for my co-star? Probably another Pakistani actress—whoever is willing to work with me!
The industry is evolving so fast, with streaming, social media, and changing audience tastes. What’s one trend you’re excited about, and what’s one thing you hope disappears forever?
I’m really excited about the rise of short dramas—8, 9, or 10-episode series. That’s where the industry is heading because our attention spans are getting shorter. Shorter series mean more variety, more stories, and more opportunities to explore different kinds of characters.
There’s no role I wouldn’t play—acting is an art form, and every story deserves to be told
Something I’d like to disappear forever? Any form of hateful content, whether online or on television.
If I had a blank check, I’d make a period drama with Martin Scorsese
If you had to describe yourself in a movie title, what would it be?
I’d go with my favorite movie—The Perfection.
What’s the most chaotic thing that’s happened on set that no one knows about?
Honestly, all of my sets have been very calm and smooth. I haven’t had a chaotic experience yet, so no crazy stories to share.
Hateful content—whether online or on television—is something I wish would disappear forever
Rapid-Fire Round
● A co-star who always makes you laugh?
Tamoor Akbar! He was with me in Dil Pe Dastak, and he’s an incredibly funny guy.
● If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
The Office (U.S.) theme song.
● Worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
That I shouldn’t hope to become an actor or a creator and should just stop dreaming. I’m glad I didn’t take that advice because I kept working toward what I wanted—and luckily, I made it.
People always ask me who I have a crush on, and honestly, I wish they’d stop!
● A role you would never play, no matter how much you were paid?
There is no role I wouldn’t play. I don’t have a bias toward any kind of role because acting is an art form. If it’s a great story with a bad character, that story still deserves to be told.
● One thing you wish people would stop asking you?
Who I have a crush on.
● Last thing you Googled?
Singapore weather—because I might be going there soon.
● If you weren’t an actor, what do you think you’d be doing right now?
● Probably just chilling at home. It’s 10 p.m., and most people are relaxing, but as an actor, I’m on set!
● A fictional character you relate to the most?
Ash Ketchum—because, like him, I also want to be a Pokémon Master one day.
● What’s your most used emoji?
The laughing emoji.
If I weren’t on set right now, I’d probably just be chilling at home—it’s 10 p.m. after all!
● If you could guest star in any international series, which one would it be?
Right now, Fallout or The Last of Us, because they’re ongoing. But if we’re talking about past shows, I’d love to be in The Office, Succession, or Game of Thrones.
Interview: Sundus Unsar Raja
Styling: Rao Ali Khan
Photography: Hasan Hashmie
Hair & Makeup: Javed Anwar
Outfits: Amir Khan Couture