In order to fill in the gaps of information regarding the Real You since Your fans constitute a marvelous proportion of our readership and they would like to know more about you we have striven to highlight the kaledioscopic colours of your life.
Growing up One has certain dreams and aspirations What were your aspirations and how have they contributed to shaping your present?
Answer Acting has been my passion since childhood because I used to observe my father Qurban Jillani act and always felt that I want to be like him. I had a lot of career options but I always choose acting as the one thing I wanted to do. My father only supported to the degree where he said that I need to work really hard if I want to achieve my goal. Kazim Pasha sahib is my teacher from Karachi TV who in my first TV serial Aitaraf in which I was selected after an audition and I worked hard and became popular. I thank Allah for blessing me with so many success. I believe that One should work hard and then leave everything to Allahsubhanotalla.
Being a distinguished actor does not come easy. What personal traits of yours have contributed in your opinion to make the hall of fame yours?
It’s all about passion to work hard in a determined manner. I believe that when you work with full commitment towards achieving your goal the universe conspires to help you achieve it.
Riyasat, Zever, Dohre, Chubhan and Anhoni are all star blazers. How have you celebrated these achievements
Since 1994 all the plays like Riyasat, Zever, Dohre, Chubhan and Anhoni that I have acted in made me more determined to succeed. I celebrated my successes by treading the middle path because I feel that extremities can cause One to go astray. Yes I have at times feted my friends but other then that I have only focused on thanking Allah for his mercy and thus practiced gratitude . This is my funda.
You are taken seriously by your peers because not only have you successfully made a place for yourself but also because your talent as an actor continues to grow.
What are you aiming to do next?
Everyone wants to be Numero Uno and for that I believe that One first has to work really hard. To progress, One has to move forward with dedication and without ever giving up. I don’t really have any solid plans for future, but yes tentatively I know what I want to do but most importantly I keep on working to achieve my goal.
As you continue to tread the path to starhood, I am sure some uncertain times must have also crossed your path. How did you tackle these tricky times ?
One faces difficulties in an actors life because they are a part and parcel of every life. My father used to say that Beta up and downs come in every life but whenever you are in a tough spot just be patient and InshaAllah it will go away whenever Allah wills it. One should pray that whatever I am doing it should prove to be the best option for me. Tensions, up and downs, hard times also came but went away. I am lucky to have really sincere friends.I also believe in Karma that what you do comes back to you therefore we should behave sensibly and refrain from hurting anyone.
Would you be interested in acting for films ?
I would like to work in film only if a good character comes my way. A lot of offers have come my way but nothing that caught my attention. I am inspired by Al Pacino and Robert Diniro because in my opinion a character does not have to be a traditional hero only. I can also do a commercial film but it should have a didactic purpose. I have acted as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto but it still has to go on air. Let’s see what happens. I would like to work in film only if a good character comes my way. A lot of offers have come my way but nothing that caught my attention. I am inspired by Al Pacino and Robert Diniro because in my opinion a character does not have to be a traditional hero only. I can also do a commercial film but it should have a didactic purpose. I have acted as Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto but it still has to go on air. Let’s see what happens. It is my belief that
Allah has set a time for everything and that timing is the best for it to happen . Therefore InshaAllah whatever has to happen will happen but at the right time.
Would you like to share some interesting anecdotes of your childhood?
When I was in sixth I used to steel money from my father’s briefcase and wallet. My father knew that I was stealing from him .When my father found out he really scolded me and sat me down and asked me as to why I was stealing from him. I told him that I really like to treat my friends and when I don’t have enough funds then I steal from you. After that he started giving me a special allowance with which I could entertain my friends. So I feel that it is okay to take the problem you are facing to your parents because when you go to your parents they can help you resolve it.
Would you like to make any suggestions for improving the culture of Television industry in Pakistan?
Pakistan Television is in a bad shape because I think that overall Pakistan is facing a downturn economically.
There are no private productions anymore. In my opinion, the producers should be sent abroad for trainings so that their performance improves and they can then be better equipped to deal with actors and a chain reaction should take place to catalyse better actors into giving better performances.
Why are the funds allocated for artists in Sindh or Punjab not being provided to deserving artists Why are the artists suffering when there are funds through which they can be taken care of. Bad times can hit anyone. That is why I feel preturbed on the account of artists who have fallen on hard times.
Would you like to point towards Do’s and Don’t’s for youngsters who are aiming to enter the field of acting?
Youngsters must join showbiz after completing their education cause we need fresh blood. Join any genre be it Theater, acting, radio or production that’s up-to you.
Talent is god gifted and cannot really be learnt but still I would suggest that youngsters should try taking part in Showbiz just as a part time hobby.
Respect your seniors and be kind to your juniors and remember that only if you give respect then can you receive respect.
The youngsters can use social media as a tool for giving positive direction to our nation through drama or a talk show instead of just focusing on Tik Tok.
I would advise them to say no to negativity so that whatever content they create it should be a cause of uplifting the society and especially our own country.