Shuja Asad | The Making of a Screen Sensation
Dive into the compelling world of Shuja Asad, an actor who has swiftly risen to fame with his standout role in the drama series ‘Khaie’. As someone who entered the spotlight as a self-described shy, starstruck fan, Shuja's journey is as inspiring as it is fascinating. Off-screen, he embodies a blend of humility and passion, which has not only won him roles that challenge the conventional but also the hearts of fans. He has quickly become a household name, captivating audiences with his profound performances and undeniable charisma. In this candid interview, Shuja shares insights into his journey, his transformative experiences in the industry, and his aspirations for future roles that push creative boundaries. He opens up about his early influences, the challenges and triumphs of his career thus far, and the profound impact of his latest role. From his methodical approach to character development to his visions for future projects, discover the depth and dedication of an actor who is reshaping what it means to captivate and inspire through performance. Join us as we delve into the life of a man who lives beyond the script, both grounded and driven by a love for the craft.
We're thrilled to have you with us, Shuja! To start off, could you share a bit about who you were before diving into the entertainment realm and who you are behind the camera?
I was a shy, starstruck fan before entering the industry, and I remain so today. Nothing has changed.
What inspired you to pursue a career in acting? Were there specific films, actors, or events that played a pivotal role in your decision?
My father was a film buff, and I grew up watching a lot of Hollywood and Bollywood content. I found it magical how actors brought characters to life.
Starting with 'College Gate’, could you share how your initial roles prepared you for the complex character you played in 'Khaie'? What were the key learnings from your first project that helped you in your breakthrough role?
I’ve been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to play very complex characters from the beginning.
‘Bilal’ and ‘Mateen’ were both challenging characters requiring significant emotional depth, which helped prepare me for 'Barlas'.
'Khaie' has been a significant milestone in your career. Can you walk us through your process of getting into the mindset of your character? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Hours and hours of standing in front of the mirror practicing my expressions and accents is what helped me get into character.
‘Barlas’ was initially written to be quite ruthless, and that’s what I had worked on, but a little into the project, his character was rewritten to be the soft lover boy everyone got to see, and that shift was quite a challenge.
What helped me overcome that challenge was just time. There was no magic trick.
After 'Khaie’, how has the recognition impacted your career choices and opportunities? What changes have you noticed in the way you are approached for roles?
After 'Khaie', I've found many scripts and characters underwhelming. I frequently receive roles where the bad boy transforms into a lover boy.
In both 'College Gate' and 'Khaie', your characters were completely different from each other. How did these interactions influence your performance and personal growth as an actor?
They helped me learn and develop control over my tone of delivery, which I believe is a super important skill for actors.
Moving on, what kind of roles are you looking to explore? Are there any specific genres or characters you are eager to tackle in your future projects?
I'm eager to play an anti-hero. One genre I'm particularly excited to tackle is action—stunts and all!
When you are not acting, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any hobbies or passions you would like to share?
In my free time, you’ll find me praying, gaming, or relaxing at home with my wife and cats.
Can you share a time when you faced significant adversity or doubt in your personal life or career? How did you navigate through it?
‘Khaie’ had me on the verge of a breakdown. I had no confidence in myself and was very worried about doing justice to the character. It was a battle I fought with myself to overcome self-doubt.
The entertainment industry can be quite demanding. How do you manage stress and maintain mental health?
I train my mind and body by praying, exercising, and unwinding with childhood friends.
Fame often comes with both privileges and challenges. How do you handle public attention, and what has it taught you about yourself?
I am grateful for the attention. I handle it with warmth and patience—people have been really kind to me. It’s given me faith in the fact that I am who I am and nothing is changing me.
What are your thoughts on the current state of diversity and representation within the industry?
Our industry is quite diverse, with representation from various backgrounds. I believe talent, respect, and hard work should be the only job prerequisites.
What kind of impact do you hope to have through your work? How do you want to be remembered?
I want my work to entertain people, and I want to be remembered as a person who was kind and worked hard.
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
STYLING: EHTESHAM ANSARI
PHOTOGRAPHY: HASEEB SIDDIQUI
GROOMING & LOCATION: N-GENTS, KARACHI
COORDINATION: ALCHEMISTS