Dressed in the vibrant, offbeat sophistication of Tayyab Aabo, Ahad Raza Mir returns to the cover in a shoot that’s as unexpected as it is undeniably cool. From twirling pasta mid-bite to goofing off with fruit, the actor brings a rare kind of playful energy to each frame—grinning, lounging, and breaking the mould of how leading men are typically seen. The designer’s flair for structured tailoring with a bold twist finds its perfect muse in Ahad, whose ability to switch from cheeky to contemplative, casual to classic, is all on full display here.
But beyond the colors and charm, there’s a thoughtful artist at the center of it all. With each role he takes on and every direction he leans into creatively, Ahad continues to prove he’s not just riding the wave—he’s helping shape it.
Ahad Raza Mir is and always will be an actor.
Ahad Raza Mir enters 2025 with the quiet confidence of someone who has steadily carved his own space in the entertainment world—both at home and beyond borders. With each performance, whether on stage or screen, he’s proven there’s depth behind the fame, and substance behind the screen-ready charisma. At a time when the industry is moving faster than ever before, Ahad seems to move with intention—always looking inward, always recalibrating.
I spend my life becoming fictional characters—so if I had the choice, I’d love to just be me
“I reflect almost all the time on how fortunate I am to do what I love most,” he says thoughtfully. “It’s a challenging career to succeed in, and yet, I get to call it my job.” That quiet gratitude anchors him, even as his creative interests continue to evolve. While acting has brought him global recognition, it’s music that seems to be tugging at his heart these days. “It’s more of a personal thing,” he says with a smile, “but you never know.”
I want each of my performances to be preserved. There’s something beautiful about the idea that my work will live on
The shifting dynamics of the entertainment industry don’t escape him. He acknowledges the abundance of content—how the constant churn of new releases has made choosing what to watch feel like a task in itself. But at the heart of it all, he says, “People still love a great story, compelling performances, and strong on-screen chemistry. That hasn’t changed.”
He’s lived the difference between stories told on a grand stage and those captured on camera. Playing Hamlet in Canada was a defining moment. “It pushed me to my limits,” he shares. “It showed me just how much the body, voice, and emotions can endure.” Then came Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, which took him into emotional spaces he hadn’t explored before. He doesn’t reveal much about his method there—but the shift, he hints, was profound.
Hamlet pushed me to my limits—it showed me how much the body, voice, and emotions can endure
Naturally, talk turns to legacy. Would he ever revisit a classic? “Tanhaiyan,” he says without hesitation. “Especially since my father was part of it.” Reimagining the character of Zain would be a nod to his roots, but with a fresh, individual twist. “I might take the character in a new direction while still honoring its essence.”
Yet for all the intensity that has defined many of his roles, Ahad has learned the art of letting go. “It was quite challenging at first, but over time, I’ve become better at it.” And though he’s not actively chasing the director’s chair, if he were to helm a film one day? “The first scene…” he muses, before letting the silence linger—perhaps an answer in itself.
I’ve had a pretty wild life so far. I’m not sure a single moment could capture it
Ahad represents a new kind of Pakistani leading man—one who rejects one-dimensional portrayals. “Every character should feel fully realized, like a real person,” he says. “Maybe that’s why people say I’m redefining the idea. I just take the time to craft a character who feels alive.”
His dream cast for a future project? “Everyone’s in the list,” he says with a grin. “And it’ll be an epic.” He’s not wrong—there’s a quiet magnetism to his ambition.
Maybe that’s why people say I’m redefining the idea of a leading man—I just craft characters who feel alive
As for the performance he wants immortalized? “I want each of my performances to be preserved,” he says. “There’s something beautiful about the idea that my work will live on.” He doesn’t seek legacy through one standout role—it’s the sum of all parts thatmatters to him.
When asked about the new wave of Pakistani talent, Ahad is generous in praise. “It’s exciting to watch their contributions shape the future. We’re fortunate as an industry to have such fresh energy.”
I believe every character should be fully realized—like a real person, with flaws, contradictions, and strength
Would he ever be the subject of a film? If so, “The opening scene would be intense,” he says, half-laughing. “I’ve had a pretty wild life so far.”
In a world where actors and audiences are more connected than ever, Ahad tries to keep it real on social media. “People see a very different version of me on screen,” he explains. “So Instagram and Twitter give me a space to share my actual personality.”
It’s time we start telling the stories of our legends—our artists, athletes, and changemakers
And yes—he’s open to surprising people. A villainous turn? Maybe. An international series? Possibly an adventure-mystery or family drama. “Those things are always in the works,” he says.
Looking ahead, he hopes to dive into visual arts. “There’s just so much to learn and discover,” he says with the same curiosity that has defined his journey so far.
I love subtle humor—the kind where the attempt to be funny is what makes it funny
If time travel were an option, he wouldn’t look far. “It would’ve been special to collaborate with my grandfather,” he says, reflecting on a lineage that spans generations. “The idea of my grandfather, father, brother, and I working together—that would’ve been incredible.”
Ahad also has a clear sense of the stories our cinema needs to tell: the lives of national legends. “Biopics should be a major focus,” he insists. “We need to shine a light on the incredible individuals who have shaped our past.”
It’s more of a personal thing... but you never know—music might be something I pursue more seriously.
And if you imagine a world where Ahad Raza Mir isn’t acting? You can’t. “Ahad Raza Mir is and always will be an actor.”
RAPID FIRE
If you had to describe yourself using only an emoji, which one would it be?
Be like that guy who’s shrugging.
You get a call at 3 AM—who do you hope it is, and who do you fear it is?
I hope it is my mom and I fear it’s my manager.
If you were a fictional character, who would you be?
I spend my life becoming fictional characters, so in that case I’d love to just be me.
What’s a line from one of your dramas that you secretly think is too iconic?
Kabhi kabhi dil chahta hai ke raasta khatam na ho.
You’re offered a Marvel or DC superhero role—who are you playing?
Ironman.
What’s the most unnecessary thing you splurge on?
Candles. Too many candles.
What’s a weird flex about yourself that people might not know?
I don’t flex.
The last thing you Googled—be honest.
Myself.
What’s a scent that instantly reminds you of your childhood?
Fresh cut grass and rain.
If you could be invisible for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do?
I would go to the cinema. Or the mall!
What’s a TV show that you could watch on repeat forever?
Old cartoons.
You’re going on a road trip across Pakistan. Who’s coming with you, and what’s playing on the speakers?
100% my family is with me—my dad, my mom, and Adnan. And for music, some classic or rock for sure.
You get to raid the wardrobe of any historical figure—who are you dressing like?
I don’t know… maybe James Dean.
What’s the most random skill you’d love to master?
How to make my own shoes.
If you could design your own dream acting project, what’s the genre, and who’s directing it?
Genre: a full-on character study.
Interview: @sublimerantr
Featuring @ahadrazamir
Designer @tayyabaabo
Stylist @raoalikhan
Photographer @shahbazshaziofficial
Videographer @ahmerirshadfilms
Project head @aun.mm