Faran Tahir cast as newest member of TV serial ‘Prison Break’

Pakistani-American actor says he ensures his roles are not stereotypical

KARACHI: In a career that spans over three decades, Faran Tahir has made a habit of appearing in notable Hollywood productions. While most of them may have been bit-part roles or supporting characters in movies such as Iron Man, Star Trek, Elysium and The Jungle Book, the Pakistani-American actor has done enough to leave an impression on audiences worldwide.

On Friday, the actor took to Twitter to break the news of his casting in the fifth season of the popular Fox crime-drama series Prison Break. “I will be playing the recurring role of Jamil on Prison Break: Sequel (Mini TV Series) Season 5 which is expected to air from September 2016,” he wrote.

During an interview with The Express Tribune, Tahir revealed how he bagged the role in the first place. “Actually my agent was approached for the TV series offering me this specific role and I accepted,” he recalled. Although Tahir is yet to begin filming his scenes for the latest season, he is looking forward to interacting with his fellow actors Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell and Sarah Wayne Callies to name a few.



“The beauty of the show is the reunion of all these loved characters with the inclusion of some new ones. What I can say is that the story has been taken forward in a very smart way,” he hinted.

The mere mention of him essaying the role of a character named Jamil is enough for people to draw conclusion that he has once again been cast as a typical Muslim man. Clearing the confusion surrounding his character, the thespian said his latest assignment is quite different from his previous roles and reiterated that he himself avoids stereotypical characters. “For Prison Break Season 5 I will be playing the role of a man who has an inner conflict which again is something I love experimenting with … I always enjoy playing characters that have a very human element [to them],” said the Iron Man actor. “It’s more challenging and rewarding as an actor to explore various human traits.”

He is one of those who carefully examine and research their characters before okaying projects. “If there is a level of bias or negativity which I feel is not justified, I either speak to the director and writing team or just let the role go.”

Citing the example of his character in Iron Man, Tahir said he worked with the production team of the movie to ensure that his on-screen avatar of Raza looked more like a power hungry leader rather than a religious rebel.

Following the conclusion of its original four-season run in 2009, the show has been revived for a special nine-episode series which will be aired later this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th,  2016.

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