Fahad Mustafa: An insight into Pakistan's budding superstar

Published October 14, 2014
Fahad Mustafa – Photo courtesy: Fashion Universe
Fahad Mustafa – Photo courtesy: Fashion Universe

Fahad Mustafa's journey into the acting fraternity has been smooth sailing so far.

Stepping into the industry as a television star, producer and game show host, the multi-talented actor's first feature film, Na Maloom Afraad, co-starring Javed Sheikh, Urwa Hocaine and Mohsin Abbas Haider, was released last week and has done exceptionally well at the box office.

 From left to right - Urwa Hocaine, Fahad Mustafa, Javed Sheikh, Mohsin Abbas Haider and Kubra Khan in
From left to right - Urwa Hocaine, Fahad Mustafa, Javed Sheikh, Mohsin Abbas Haider and Kubra Khan in 'Na Maloom Afraad' official poster.

Speaking to Instep, the 31-year-old said movies were the obvious next step in his booming career: "I believe that I am from that generation of actors who helped revive the TV industry with good plays. We changed the concept of Pakistani dramas (which were following what Star Plus was a decade back) and that’s why I decided to venture into films next and kick off a revival of sorts."

Clearing up the misunderstanding that he had a role in the movie's production, the actor stated: "I am not Shaan; a producer would never put his money on me. It is your work that should speak for itself and that’s why I gave my 100 per cent to this film. I am not producing it, but I was on the sets before any actor and I stayed there late even when I didn’t have a scene because I had high hopes from the project."

Just like the much-adored leading lady Mahira khan, the Na Maloom Afraad star also doesn't take up every project that comes his way.

"Before this movie, I was offered O21 and Delta Echo Foxtrot but films on jihad are not my cup of tea. I want people to watch my films because of me, not because it has some hint of patriotism," said the actor.

"I wanted to sell NMA on my own and I am glad I have succeeded," he added.

Fahad also put to rest speculation about Na Maloom Afraad being inspired by Bollywood's Hera Pheri, stating that the rumours were "not true" in the least.

"Even if people say it’s a copy of a Bollywood film, I would take it as a compliment as it means we have shot something of an international quality, otherwise hamari soch Gujjaron se aagay nahi jaati hai,” the actor joked.

Hosting the biggest game show in the history of Pakistan, Fahad has stepped on some toes perhaps. Even after Aamir Liaquat taunted Fahad on his show Inam Ghar, the refreshingly genuine star has remained unfazed and talked about the issue with a smile: "I don’t know why Aamir bhai (Liaquat) thinks I am competing with him. I am not. He is a senior to me and wished me luck when I ventured into hosting a game show," reminisced Fahad.

"I don’t know how he assumed that I am trying to be like him when he knows I can’t. He is a scholar who can quote ayaats and ahadees; I am an entertainer who likes to have fun. Yes, my show gives more prizes than his but that doesn't mean that you should mock the competition," he said.

 Fahad is the host of the popular game show, Jeeto Pakistan. — Photo courtesy Brandsynario
Fahad is the host of the popular game show, Jeeto Pakistan. — Photo courtesy Brandsynario

With so much on their plate, anyone would feel overwhelmed, but not Fahad.

"I am not a Superman, I am just a common Pakistani man. It’s basically how you divide your time positively and properly. I am the blessed one here since I work and then get a chance to rest at home, on my terms," said the multifaceted actor.

So what's next for the rising star?

His upcoming venture Mah-e-Meer's first promo, which released earlier this year, caused quite the buzz. The movie is based on the life of the great Urdu poet, Mir Taqi Mir and has a star studded cast that includes Iman Ali, Alyy Khan, Sanam Saeed, Huma Nawab and Manzar Sehbai.

Without revealing too much about the plot, Fahad said: "I believe that I am one of the first actors of this generation who gets to play two characters in one film. You will have to watch the movie to know more."

Like Shaan, Fahad believes in nourishing the Pakistani entertainment industry: “I plan to announce my first film as a producer soon because my aim is to take Pakistan’s film industry to a level that Indian actors would feel obliged to come here. I could have sent my show reels to India for work, but I want to stay back and revive our industry.”

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