One should do all the different things that keep them going: Adnan Malik

As a model, visual artist and film-maker, Adnan Malik may have lot on his plate but he wouldn’t have it any other...

LAHORE: Adnan Malik is a rising star to say the least. He recently made his acting debut opposite none other than Mahira Khan in Sadqay Tumhare but that is not to say the drama was his big break in the industry. Aside from modelling, Malik has donned the hat of director at his eponymous production company many times, with some noteworthy documentaries, advertisements and even music videos to his credit. Speaking with The Express Tribune, the ever-talented Malik opened up about his latest offering Dil Banjaara and why his two-year absence from television was a calculated decision.

According to the actor, starring in Sadqay Tumhare was an opportunity for great personal growth. “The drama involved playing a role that was based on the writer Khalil-Ur-Rehman Qamar himself and doing an autobiographical was very rewarding indeed. My role as Sikandar in Dil Banjaara has a lighter, more contemporary feel,” revealed Malik. “He is a photographer , which really resonated with me. The drama had less investment and the fact that some of it was being shot in Nepal was the best because I love travelling!”

A lighter role is exactly what Malik needed as Sadqay Tumhare took a huge emotional and physical toll on him. “I waited till I was ready to act again and then Dil Banjaara came along. I take on acting projects that also complement directing and film-making because they’re both aspects of visual storytelling.”



At first glance, Dil Banjaara seems like a clichéd love triangle but Malik gave some useful insight. “Sanam’s world is a conservative joint family system whereas Sikandar was orphaned at a young age and brought up by his aunt. The aunt’s daughter is played by Mira Sethi and Sikandar and her character have been brought up together,” he shared. “It is intriguing because my side is urban and contemporary and Sanam’s is conservative. It’s an interesting narrative with our love story as the center point.”

After studying film-making in the US, Malik started making documentaries on various topics, including the highly acclaimed Bijlee. He has also worked on another film called Bhuli Hui Hoon Daastan (The Forgotten Song) which explored Pakistani cinema and advocated that Indian films should be played in cinemas to avoid piracy. “This documentary was also used to influence policy in 2007 because it traces the history of Pakistani cinema up until 2004, when we were losing money to piracy. With Indian films,more people would go to the cinema so we were able to make money.” This relates to the current situation wherein people are still watching Ae Dil Hai Mushkil illegally.

Other than this, the visual artist has directed music videos for Coke Studio and others with Aamina Sheikh, Zoe Viccaji. Malik even has video of Jawani Phir Nahi Ani’s title track under his belt.  “These things keep me alive and energised and in this day and age, one doesn’t have to have just one job. You can do multiple things that influence each other and keep you going.”

Malik also plans to direct a full-length feature film within the next two years but is in no rush to do so. “My stepping stone would be to make one short film and then a full length feature film by next year. There is a lot happening and acting is much less of a time investment but once I get into directing, I’ll have to take a year off,” he said. “But then I look at Farhan Akhtar, Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood and George Clooney… they all direct and act simultaneously.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2016.

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