By Kaukab Jahan
Ahad Raza Mir is a new sensation of our showbiz world. After stealing million hearts as Dr Asfandyar Ali Khan in drama serial Yaqeen Ka Safar, the foreign graduate in acting has also become a star of film industry. His debut film Parwaaz Hai Junoon was a phenomenal success, opening more doors for this young, shy and promising actor. Ahad also made a musical debut on Coke Studio with Ko Ko Korina, however, that did not go as expected as the song received a lot of backlash.
Captain Saad of PHJ talks to Pakistan Today about his experience of working in the film and acting in general.
Where did you get the inspiration for the role of a fighter pilot in PHJ?
There was no particular reference to follow for this role. When I came to know that we would shoot the film inside the base with real officers, I was a bit relieved. That made my work easier as inspiration came naturally from there. It is true that portraying a cadet and a fighter pilot and getting their psyche right was a challenging task but I was fortunate that my references were authentic.
How was the experience of working with Hania Amir and Hamza Ali Abbasi?
PHJ was my first interaction with Hania as co-star and it was great working with her. Hamza is an experienced actor. He is the someone to whom actors of my age and experience look up to. I have learned a lot from him especially how to carry yourself on set.
You have a scene with your father Asif Raza Mir in the film. Was working on the same set as him tense?
I was initially very scared to work with him but when he came on a set, he forgot that he was my Baba and I his son. It was interesting in a way because he was just an actor before me and was in character which eased me to perform without any pressure of proving myself to him. Now I understand that why he is a legend.
Between dramas and film, which medium you prefer more?
I think for an actor it is very difficult to choose just one. Film is a big canvas and has an immense feeling of pride and joy. Moreover, in films, you have limited time to give your full and maximum efforts in every scene whereas drama is a medium in which you have ample time to explore a character and groom it. The respect which I have got from dramas is very dear to me and I can’t say no to drama. I love both and it also depends on my mood.
You have studied theatre in United States. How much it did help you in acting here?
A lot. I do have formal training in acting, but the interesting bit is that here I had to unlearn all of that and adapt to the practices of the local industry. In the creative sense, it a learning and dynamic experience.
Considering you’re from a showbiz family, what have you learned from home?
My father is very professional and not always on my head. He wants me to learn everything myself but also guides me where he thinks necessary.