Aquick Google search of the name Yasir Ali Khan yields a long list of sites that carry profiles of the handsome young actor and model. They usually feature a list of his modelling assignments with leading menswear designer brands such as Deepak Perwani etc, and popular Pakistani television dramas in which he has worked so far.

What is it that makes him such a hot favourite with fashion aficionados and drama buffs alike? Icon got in touch with him to find out and to see if there’s more to him than his online profiles put out…

When did you start modelling? Who gave you your first break?

Director Asad-ul-Haq gave me my first break. I did a commercial shoot for a brand of biscuits with him, followed by a Telenor campaign, which was massive.

What is your personal style statement? Which designer or style team would you like to work with?

Suits remain my all time favourite personal style statement. If I can, I would love to suit up everyday. Tom Ford is my favourite international designer and, God willing, I hope to team up with him some day.

Model and actor Yasir Ali Khan’s star is on the rise with more and more projects coming his way. How does he navigate the treacherous waters of fame and showbiz?

When did you take up your first acting assignment for television and with whom?

My first role was with Nadeem Baig and director Marina Khan for Takay Ki Aayegi Baraat — it aired on Geo TV. Although I had a small role to play in it, I got noticed and my character went on for two seasons, first with Takay Ki Aayegi Baraat and then Ainee Ki Aayegi Baraat. Working with Nadeem [Baig] bhai and Marina ji has been one of the greatest experiences of my life so far.

What kind of roles do you prefer and which one has been your most memorable so far?

I like to play different kinds of characters. I don’t have any special preference, as in antagonist or protagonist roles. To be honest, I don’t have the luxury of turning down roles that don’t meet my expectations. I used to do it for a while, because I couldn’t relate to the characters being offered to me, to the effect that I vanished from the television screen. Now I just want to play a wide variety of characters, be it the good guy, bad guy or all the grey areas in between the two.

Who do you like to watch on screen? Who are your all-time favourite actors?

My top picks from Hollywood are Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando, Tom Hardy and Christian Bale.

In Pakistan, I think everyone will agree with me when I say that Naumaan Ijaz and Faysal Quraishi are the finest actors we have, and I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to work with Faysal Quraishi on my upcoming project, Zulm. Also, Fawad Khan and Fahad Mustafa are great actors and legends in their own right.

Which drama character do your fans mostly associate you with or recognise you for? How do you react to fans approaching you for social media selfies?

My fans mostly recognise me for my role in Hum TV’s 2020 drama serial Soteli Maamta, and then also Geo TV’s Takay Ki Aayegi Baraat. But mostly for my role in Soteli Maamta. It feeds an actor’s ego when you are recognised in public spaces such as malls, and it’s a truly humbling experience. I absolutely love it when somebody recognises me. It doesn’t bother me one bit when people come up to me to take selfies. On the set for a drama shoot, I tell them to approach me once my work is done, which makes perfect sense.

I have yet to perform a character that’s truly memorable. There is still so much left for me to explore. I have stepped up from what I was doing. I want to keep moving on to newer, challenging roles that will be memorable for television viewers, and my fans.

What is the next big project that you are working on?

Zulm with Faysal Quraishi, Javed Sheikh and Shehzad Sheikh and a totally new cast. In it, I play a politician’s son. And the other one is director Kashif Saleem’s Takabbur from Hum TV with Fahad Sheikh, Ayeza Awan and Hiba. I play a very normal, middle class office-going young man. Both the roles are poles apart and have many shades to them. I’m loving both and really enjoying myself.

Where do you see yourself as an actor in the near future?

I believe in living in the present and trust in God for all tomorrows. One never knows what tomorrow may bring.

Do you think it’s hard for young models and actors to get a break these days, as compared to the past?

It’s easier than it was in the past, with talent agencies in place now to streamline the process. Once you’re ready to become a part of this industry, everything else just falls into place.

What importance does social media play in your professional life? Has it helped to boost your career or get you good projects?

Social media is a great tool to boost your personal image. At the end of the day, what really, really matters is how well you handle your craft. But I have to admit that it does help in its own unique way. It’s like the cherry on top.

Are you willing to do a web-series?

I would love to work on a web-series, although the audience is very different, free from the concerns of the censors and preferably a story based on the present trends and issues involving young men and women.

What is a typical day like for model/actor Yasir Ali Khan?

I am an early riser and go to bed well before midnight. I’m a family man, watch movies and spend as much time as possible with those near and dear.

Besides modelling and acting, what are your passions — such as food, travel, music, art, sports?

I love to travel internationally, especially with my bestie and celebrity stylist Faraz Sheikh. I play the guitar. I love art, play football, basketball, hit the gym regularly, etc.

If you were not a model or actor what would you be?

I would be in my birth place, Oman, Muscat where I was brought up, working for an oil company. I have studied business, so I would probably have joined the white collar workforce.

Published in Dawn, ICON, November 12th, 2023