Abubakr Shak has set his hopes and aspirations high. But being a high achiever himself, he would have it no other way. He has fearlessly jumped into a media industry far from home, been trolled on social media, snagged appearances in commercials and already had the chance to star opposite his screen idol, Babar Ali.

But since the sky’s the limit for this lad from London, he says there’s still a long way ahead of him before he can kick off his boots and chill out.

Explain the controversy regarding your character Noman Ahmed’s accent from ARY Digital’s Khudsar?

Abubakr Shak: Well, my character Noman is a kid from London who visits Pakistan for the first time, which is actually like myself in real life — I visited Pakistan for the first time in 2022. I came on a Pak visa, as British passport holders can’t travel here without one. I had a lot of people doubt my British English accent, especially those who can’t even spell ‘London’ properly! I understand that for people here in Pakistan speaking English is a big deal but, for me, speaking Urdu and learning this beautiful language is way more fascinating, as it’s much harder and rarer.

The young actor Abubakr Shak has become a target of plenty of memes mocking his British accent in TV dramas. Most assume it’s put on, though he actually hails from London. How does he react to it and what does he hope to achieve in the future?

How did it feel like working opposite a veteran actor like Babar Ali, who played your character’s father Subhan Ahmed in Khudsar?

AS: Babar Uncle, wow what a man he is! Great personality and a very intelligent actor, I must say.

I learned more with him in a few days than I did

when I studied drama for two years, back in high school in London.

What’s next on the anvil? What kind of roles are on offer? Who would you like to play next?

AS: I am ready to try all sorts of roles, from action to chocolate boy hero! I’m really looking forward to acting in our amazing Pakistani dramas, which are immensely popular back home, and even around the world.

Who are your influences in showbiz and entertainment?

AS: Imran Abbas and Feroze Khan, as they are both experienced and have faced similar criticisms, but they answered back with their great work. I believe the best response to haters is success.

Any hot favourites right now regarding films, dramas, OTT series, etc?

AS: Yes. I loved Ishq Murshid starring Bilal Abbas Khan. It was beautifully set in the prime locations of northern Pakistan and aesthetically pleasing.

Who would you like to pair up with, given a chance? Do you think you share chemistry with someone, when it comes to on-screen couples?

AS: Hmmm… well, me and Sajal Aly both have big, round eyes and are of similar age. I believe we would look great on screen, so let’s see….

Do you have a wishlist about things you’d like to do? Name the top five ‘to do’ items on the list.

AS: Yes, I do and I’ve actually done most of them already at 27 years! But here they are: deep-sea diving, skydiving, becoming an actor, buying my dream car, and travelling the world before I leave this world for the next.

Published in Dawn, ICON, October 27th, 2024