Aashir Wajahat is a rising star in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. He is a multitalented artist, known for his acting and music. Aashir is a fresh face on the silver screen, having recently made his debut as a lead actor in the film industry. He is quickly gaining attention for his versatile performances. Aashir is a talented actor and I’m sure he will go far in the entertainment industry.
‘John’, was a very important project for my career and an extremely interesting one as well’
I am thrilled to have you here. Before we find out about your on-screen persona, fill us in on who Aashir is off-screen?
I stay very real in my interviews, so Aashir off screen is that same person but mostly Aashir off-screen is someone who is very lazy, makes and listens to a lot of music, is a big foodie and always hanging out with those closest to him and his family.
Congratulations on your recent movie ‘John’! Can you tell us a bit about your experience working on the film, what made you say yes to the script and what it was like working with Romaisa Khan?
Thank you! ‘John’, was a very important project for my career and an extremely nteresting one as well. The experience was different and light. The way we shot the film and locations we shot at were all very real. I think for an actor a project such as this is very important to take on where you go through an entire process to get into the character. Before we started shooting for the film, two months prior to that we had rehearsals - they were workshops, look tests. The experience altogether was brilliant.
A lot of factors made me say yes to the script. I loved the story itself plus being offered the main title character of the film is obviously a huge honour. The character of ‘John’ itself, those who have seen the movie will also notice, is very interesting. He doesn’t say much, but he emotes himself a lot through his eyes and expressions. As an actor this gave me a lot of margin.
‘Pinjra’ was a project that connected with a lot of people and it was the last project of the late Asma Nabeel. It was such an important story that needed to be told'
My experience working with Romaisa Khan was amazing. She is a very, very dear friend and a phenomenal actor. When you have that good of an actor opposite you, it gives you the incentive to perform better as well.
We’ve seen you in a couple of movies, TV dramas such as ‘Pinjra’ and ‘Chand Tara’. Which project would you consider as your most memorable? And why?
I’ve appeared in a lot of TV dramas but mostly in my childhood. The two main TV projects that I’ve done this year were ‘Pinjra’ and ‘Chand Tara’. I can’t choose one over the other, they both are equally special to me. ‘Pinjra’ was a project that connected with a lot of people and it was the last project of the late Asma Nabeel. It was such an important story that needed to be told. While ‘Chand Tara’ was a Ramzan play and I’ve always been a fan of Ramzan plays they have precedent reach. Through this project I got to work with Ayeza jee and Danish. So, I think both the plays were very special.
Adding an edge to street style— chic sunglasses and a shirt with a message, talk about making a statement
What inspired you to pursue acting? Have you always known that this was the career path for you?
Since my parents have been in this field for a very long time, it was very inevitable that I would be attracted to the same line of work. There was nothing in particular that attracted me towards acting. The one thing I remember was that I was very good at learning lines; it started as a hobby and I just went with the flow. Every year I developed a new found love with acting and in performing generally. I had no intentions that this would be my career path but I knew I would do something in arts be it music, acting or direction.
90s vibes! The actor surely knows how to serve versatile looks
What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced as an upcoming actor? How have you overcome them?
I’ve been very privileged in this regard because I’ve had my parents to guide me throughout the way and a lot of people to support me, so as of such I faced no challenges and I’m very grateful ‘Alhumdullah’. The challenges I think I have faced though is when you start acting at a very early age, there comes a time in between where you’re not an adult nor a youngster. At that point it gets very difficult to get work. Secondly, there is a lot of competition, it wasn’t a challenge, but I just wanted to do something different - that will make you stand out because there are so many good actors out there. So, it is important you do meaningful work and through that you build an audience that is unique.
‘Pinjra’ was a project that connected with a lot of people and it was the last project of the late Asma Nabeel. It was such an important story that needed to be told'
What are your aspirations as an actor? Are there any specific roles or projects that you hope to take on in the future? You get to, and I’ve had the privilege of, working with the big names, both directors and actors, of the industry. So, it as an aspiration that I get to work with a lot people as I think you learn a lot from others and when on set. ‘John’ was a role I really wanted to do – something very different from my personality, I had to work really hard and change my whole look and way of talk. I am grateful I got to play such a character. In the near future if I had to take on a role it would be something light, colourful and larger-than-life because ‘John’ was very gritty, very real.
A splash of colour, perfect for the summer! Aashir brings a glow of his own to the set, both casual and cool
Outside of acting, what are some of your hobbies or interests? How do you unwind and recharge when you're not on set?
I am really into music; I make music and I listen to a lot of music. Other than that, I don’t have much hobbies neither do I play a certain sport. But I do watch a lot of different content in my spare time. Also, I don’t know if this is a hobby but I’m a big foodie.
Both of your parents have a strong presence in the industry, how has their background influenced your own journey as an actor? Do you feel any added pressure to succeed in the industry?
People work extremely hard nowadays to make their presence known in the industry. If you see it in a positive way, my parents are always there to guide me because they spent so much time in the same line of work. There is an added pressure to an extent. My parents are mostly behind the camera and as an actor I am in front – in this way our line of work slightly differs. Regardless, there is still an added pressure to achieve the same height especially when you have parents who have made a name for themselves.
‘John’, was a very important project for my career and an extremely interesting one as well’
As you establish yourself as an actor, how do you ensure that you are recognized for your own talent and not just as 'Shazia and Wajahat’s son’?
I have no problem in being recognized or acknowledged as ‘Shazia and Wajahat’s son. This is a very proud thing for me. Alongside this I really hope that people acknowledge my talent as well. To ensure that I am recognized for my own talent, all I can do is work hard and improve with time and then it is up to the audience. This journey is forever a learning curve; the minute I think I know it all is exactly when I know I’ve lost. I will try to improve with every project and just hope the masses like my talent and acknowledge that I am their son but keeping in mind my talent is separate from the latter.
You have a background as a singer and have released a couple of songs. What made you decide to transition from being a singer to pursue acting?
Actually, I started acting before music. I knew I would come towards the acting side. I was at an age, wasn’t a kid neither was I an adult, and there weren’t many scripts for me back then due to that factor. It was mainly a break for me. ‘Pinjra’ was the perfect opportunity for me to transition back to acting when Asma ‘jee’ and the rest wanted me to play ‘Azaan’s character.
Only a talent like Aashir could pull off a casual look with so much finesse— some people are just made for the big screen
Both acting and singing are forms of artistic expression. How do you find they differ in terms of storytelling and connecting with an audience? Do you have a preference for one over the other?
This is a very good question. Both are forms of expressing yourself and storytelling but I think there is a difference. When acting you are playing a character, pretending to be someone else – it is fictional. In the end you’re playing a different persona. With music you can write literally anything you want and express yourself through lyrics, you can tell your own story. I don’t have a preference but I’m gravitated more towards music. In acting you’re playing someone else while in music you’ve complete control - you can write and express whatever you feel.
‘Pinjra’ was a project that connected with a lot of people and it was the last project of the late Asma Nabeel. It was such an important story that needed to be told'
What’s next for Aashir Wajahat?
Whatever Allah has planned for me. We had a screening for ‘John’ in LA, so the hype for ‘John’ is still very much around and I’m immersed in that. Next would be a TV play, I’m in talks for one or two projects. My aim is to always do something a little different. I really wanted to do another play after ‘Chand Tara’, so let’s see.
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
PHOTOGRAPHY: SM UMAIR
GROOMING: N-GENTS, KARACHI