Working with Maya Ali is both easy and challenging: Osman Khalid Butt

Osman Khalid Butt on debuting with co-star and why he prefers direction over acting

KARACHI: From the day Pakistan’s favourite YouTube funny man Osman Khalid Butt switched over to TV and film, he has continued to impress. Ever since they featured alongside each other for the first time ever, both Butt and actor Maya Ali have become household names and today they are one of our most popular TV couples.

Their chemistry clearly shows with the three successful projects that they have featured in: Aik Nayee Cinderella, Aunn Zara, and the very recently Diyar-e-Dil. Talking to The Express Tribune, Butt was all praises for his partner in crime.



“She’s seen the struggle, the heartbreak and my growth as an actor and as a person. I’d like to think I’ve seen the same in her too,” he said. “Working with her is easy and challenging at the same time. Easy because I’m extremely comfortable around her and challenging because she is a formidable co-star. She forces you to up your game and match her pace.” Butt added that the two have a habit of discussing every scene beforehand and coming up with their own approach to them.



He might have been appreciated for his versatility, from specialising in comic roles to portraying the stern Wali Khan in Diyar-e-Dil, Butt’s interest lies in working behind the camera. With his heart set on screenwriting and direction, the actor has wasted no time in assuming a different role. “I am actually quite seriously considering a shift to film direction and have already started working on ideas and writing one-liners for potential scripts,” he said. “I’ve always been more fascinated by the other side of the camera.” Butt has his plate full for now as he is currently working on his very first directorial venture, alongside his acting projects. And it doesn’t end there. He is also busy writing another film script.

His screenplay writing skills will soon be unveiled in the form of Janaan, a comedy film starring Armeena Khan and Bilal Ashraf, slated to release on Eidul Azha.

Butt was quick to add that he owes his diverse skill set his to theatre. “Growing up, I was the joker of the family but I never thought I’d have the confidence to act professionally,” he said. “The stage was where I first discovered my passion for acting, choreography, writing and direction. I owe whatever limited knowledge I have for these mediums to theatre.”



The last few years have seen a marked increase in the number of Pakistani actors cross over to Bollywood, because clearly, the grass is greener on the other side. But does this appeal to Butt? “I’ve always been quite enamored by Bollywood because while growing up there weren’t many movies [to see] as far as Lollywood is concerned,” he shared. “But of course with the rebirth of Pakistani cinema, I’m obviously going to favor local productions. It’s an exciting time for Pakistani film but I do have a wish-list of Indian directors that I’d love to work with. A guy can dream, right?”

Fans will be able to see Butt on the silver screen soon with the release of the Haissam Hussain directorial Balu Mahi, a project that is on the floors at the moment. “I can’t reveal much about the film except that it’s about two polar opposites and the unlikely alliance they form after many an insane adventure,” he shared.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2016.

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