SD: Your diverse upbringing exposed you to various cultures and environments. How has this rich cultural background influenced your creativity and work in the arts?
Salmaan: I’ve been fortunate to live in cities like London, Paris, Abu Dhabi, and Islamabad growing up. Language stands out first in my mind. I learned English and later some French at school and outside home, while my parents always spoke Urdu with me at home to keep me connected to my roots.Experiencing different cultures and environments expanded my perspective and consciousness. It taught me to see the world from diverse viewpoints, which I think enhances creativity.
SD: After completing your law studies in Canada, you initially pursued a career in real estate. What motivated you to shift your career path to the media world and the arts?
Salmaan: I’m still involved with real estate but in a more freelance way. As for how I got started in the arts, I was into music for quite a while, but interestingly acting wasn’t something I planned to do. I still remember that one day I got a call from two young filmmakers in Islamabad who were making a short film and they asked me if I’d be interested in a role. I think a friend of mine suggested me to them. I laughed it off and politely declined. But, soon after, we spoke again and I went to meet them and ended up doing that short film. I immediately fell in love with the process. After that, I was very lucky to get some good opportunities and I kept doing the work that came my way.
SD: As a versatile artist, you have made significant contributions to both music and acting. How do you balance these two demanding careers?
Salmaan: Honestly, I haven’t been keeping up with my music lately. I’ve been more focused on acting, which has caused some anxiety. As a musician, I feel the need to express myself, but I haven’t been doing that. I think I need to collaborate with others or find someone to keep me accountable and release music more regularly. Unlike acting, where the work gets done with a team, as a solo artist, I sometimes hold onto songs for years before releasing them, which feels like self-sabotage.
SD: Your music tracks on SoundCloud have garnered attention. Can you tell us more about your creative process when writing and composing your songs?
Salmaan: This reminds me I need to get on Spotify! See, this is what I mean. When writing, I draw mostly from personal experience. We all go through life and we all have stories to tell, and if you can tell them from an honest, vulnerable place, I feel like they can resonate with people at some level. When I compose, it often just comes to me. As I write a song and set a mood, a melody will naturally come to mind. It’s a process of trial and error—I may instantly like the first melody, or it might take some tweaking until it feels right to continue with.
SD: Your discography includes tracks like “Raabta,” “Laut Aa,” “Jaoon Kahan,” and “Le Chaloon.” Which of your songs holds the most personal significance to you, and why?
Salmaan: This is like asking a parent to choose which one of their children they like the most! I like them all for different reasons. Raabta will always be special for me because it was my first ever original song that i wrote, composed and sang myself. And Laut aa I like because it was a bit dark. I have a new song called Behaal that I haven’t released yet, that I enjoyed a lot as well.
SD: You’ve played a range of characters in Pakistani cinema, from Imran in “Jalaibee” to Prisoner Jabroo in “Maula Jatt.” Why do you feel there hasn’t been a major release like Maula Jatt again?
Salmaan: Maula Jatt is a masterpiece. Definitely one of my favorite films to ever have come out of Pakistan. It was an honor to be a part of it, however small. To answer your question, I think Maula Jatt was an anomaly. There are many factors that made MJ as successful as it has been. No doubt about the quality of the film in all departments and the near-flawless execution. But some other factors have to be taken into consideration as well. Undeniable superstar power in the cast, it being the first major release in cinemas post the covid lockdown, a robust and comprehensive marketing and promotion strategy and a well-managed global distribution plan. All of that, along with the well-deserved word of mouth, made it an unprecedented success.
SD: In “Verna,” you worked with renowned director Shoaib Mansoor. How was the experience of working with him, and what did you learn from that project?
Salmaan: I’ve been incredibly fortunate to collaborate on amazing projects with talented individuals. Working with Shoaib Mansoor sahab was a privilege. Every artist has their own process, and Shoaib sahab’s unique style was fascinating to observe. Creative minds often have a unique perspective or eccentricity that sets them apart. I believe he exemplifies this, contributing to some of our country’s most iconic music and film work. Interestingly, my character in Verna (Jamil) didn’t have any lines throughout the entire film. This experience taught me that as actors, we can convey emotions and messages without relying on words alone.
SD: Your latest releases “Abhi” and “Umro Ayyar” have garnered major attention. How important was it for you to work on these movies and what kind of impact do you think they’ll make on our film industry?
Salmaan: Abhi was special for me because it was the first time I played the primary antagonist in a film. I was thrilled to get an opportunity to play a character that could display a wide range of emotions and had some inner turmoil going on. We shot in the most beautiful locations in Kalam, Swat and Kund Malir, Balochistan. It was a challenging role to play and a memorable experience making the film. Umro Ayyar was an absolute pleasure to work on! Like I said before, I’m very grateful to have worked on some stellar projects, but UA has been the highlight of my career so far! From the wonderful people who made it all happen – our courageous producers, the visionary director, the brilliant cast, the hardworking crew – to the beautiful sets and just the feeling of doing something that hasn’t been done before in our cinema – it was a dream come true! I believe it will become a cult hit over time with those who understand the genre and it will always be remembered as the first of its kind from Pakistan.
SD: Having transitioned from real estate to the entertainment industry, what advice would you give to someone looking to make a significant career change like you did?
Salmaan: Follow your heart, even though society often emphasizes logic over emotions. If what you’re doing doesn’t fulfill you or make an impact, it’s worth making a change. Pursue your purpose sincerely and unexpected opportunities will arise. While career security is important, position yourself to do what truly inspires you.
SD: Looking to the future, what are your aspirations in both music and acting, and are there any new projects or collaborations you are particularly excited about?
Salmaan: Recently, it has just been about promoting the two films and then the premieres and everything that goes on around that time. It’s been a little hectic, but also very exciting. As for the future, all I can say is that I love to act and I love to make music! So if I’m lucky I’ll be able to keep doing it and keep learning along the way. 
