When was the moment you realized you wanted to be an actor?
I’ve always been a hyper-sensitive individual, even as a child, my environment and the influx of sensory stimuli around me always sparked a visceral response from me. The word ‘sensitive’ gets a bad reputation. The moment I knew I wanted to be an actor was the first time I was on stage because it helped me realise that sensitivity is a gift and not a character flaw and acting is a profession where I can really use it to my advantage.
From theatre to acting, how has the transition been so far for you?
Theatre and Screen acting are vastly different and initially I struggled with acting on screen which is why I decided to pursue a degree in method acting – it helped me understand the subtleties and nuances required for acting in front of a camera as opposed to the larger than life presence you need to have on stage and after graduating the transition has been seamless.
How was the experience being a part of the short film ‘Road Trip’?
‘Road trip’ has and will always have the most special place in my heart because I consider that to be my first on screen character that had presence and was featured heavily in the narrative. Everything on that project was ideal, from the beautiful locations to the wonderful team, not to mention working with Feroze Khan and Waliya Najib was incredible because I learnt a lot from them and of course, I will forever be indebted to Sultan Sir for giving me this amazing opportunity.
How was it like interviewing stars on Majeed Live?
The purpose of Majeed live was to be able to get people from outside the industry as well as within the industry to tell their stories; an objective I feel the show achieved and it was extremely insightful while it lasted – it came at a time where people really needed entertainment and I did my best to provide that while also giving the audience a glimpse into the way people think. My biggest takeaway from the live interviews was that there are 7.9 billion stories in the world waiting to be told, if only we choose to listen.
The acting industry is a competitive world. How do you plan to make a mark and stand out?
Every industry is competitive in its own right – I don’t think of the acting industry as being more competitive or harder to get into, I see it as if I would see any other profession I could have been a part of and it requires the same things; discipline, hard work and focus. Fame and recognition is arbitrary but I wholeheartedly believe that if I keep my head down and play every role I’ve been given with authenticity then my work will speak for itself – having said that the one thing that I bank on making me stand out is that I’m a trained method actor from the Lee Strasberg institute and no effort goes unrewarded, I’ve given a lot to this craft and it will always give back to me.
Who is one Pakistani Actor and Actress you are really inspired by?
I love Ahmed Ali Akbar’s work – he was brilliant in Laal Kabootar ehd-e-wafa and of course Parizaad and an actress who I’m really inspired by is Mahirah Khan because of how much she has achieved and continues to both locally and internationally; a true icon.
Which Actors are on your dream working list?
Of course there is Ahmed Ali Akbar and Mahirah khan on this list as well but apart from them I would really like to work with Sajal Aly or Iqra Aziz and Noman Ijaz as well as Fahad Mustafa but I think top of the list will definitely have to be Sir Zia Mohyeddin. I’ve heard dreams come true so really hoping this one does.
Theatre or TV: which will you choose?
I want the best of both these specific worlds – Theatre is my home but TV is outside of my comfort zone and I love a good challenge so at this moment I would choose TV.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 5 years?
On every billboard, on every screen and in every heart.
What is coming up next for Ahmed?
There are things in the works and that’s all I’m allowed to say but definitely great things.