PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAM
KARACHI: I remember the day one of my colleagues came back after watching Thora Jee Le. The movie had already made quite the buzz, courtesy of its fresh cast and its prospect of offering newcomers a fair chance - an aspect that's presently rather rare.
"It's something a third semester university student would have made for a project," my colleague had summarised the movie. Consequently, Thora Jee Le bombed terribly at the box office.
Out of all of its cast, one shone bright like a diamond. Bilal Abbas Khan, essaying the role of Party Khan, a taboo-ridden drug addict, nailed his role in the not-so-appreciated flick.
PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAMKhan was a new face, a gorgeous one as a matter of fact, who held his own in a movie that garnered nothing but bad reviews. Nonetheless, I knew then that it was only the beginning of a fruitful career this 25-year-old had in store for him.
With no prior connections to the industry, Khan is what he is right now, purely because of his acting prowess. A business student turned actor. Now, that's a story.
So, I sat down with him to know all about a name that just gathered my attention. The first thing I noticed about him was the fact that he was extremely easy on the eyes.
PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAMI understood right then and there how three dramas and a movie had landed comfortably in his kitty - and the reason behind how he managed to fetch such massive fandom so early in his future-flourishing career.
I had my questions ready but much to my surprise, the chat went on to be rather candid as compared to how I had expected.
ET: So, how did the idea of showbiz come about?
Khan: I was always into acting. This was the ultimate dream that I am living at the moment. I was in theatre plays at my school and later on in college. From there on, I started making vines on Facebook.
PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAMET: Go on...
Khan: Then, I did a play at the Napa, Jinne Lahore Nahi Vekhya, Wo Jamya Nahi. It was after the play, a talent agency hired me and I landed my first role as a second lead in Saaya-e-Deewar last year. After Saaya-e-Deewar, came Dumpukht.
ET: Dumpukht had quite a star cast. How was the experience?
Khan: It was nerve-wrecking to work with the legendary Noman Ejaz in such an initial stage of my career. I was apprehensive. But it was such an honour to work with him.
ET: So, let's talk about Thora Jee Le.
Khan: I knew this was coming. (laughs)
PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAMET: How was the experience?
Khan: Thora Jee Le was a brilliant experience. I know it didn't break any box office records, but it was a special film, my first film. This movie is my baby, it'll always be my baby.
ET: Any regrets?
Khan: None, actually. I never regretted doing Thora Jee Le. I was a newcomer and it felt like a smart choice. I still believe it was a smart choice. It felt like a great opportunity and I definitely own it.
ET: So, did you feel like your career might have taken a hit after the movie bombed at the box office?
Khan: No, actually. If anything I feel like it opened more doors for me. After Thora Jee Le, I was offered an imperative role in Rasm-e-Dunya.
ET: A star-studded show yet again.
PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAMKhan: Yes. It had a brillaint cast. Armeena Khan, Sami Khan, Samina Peerzada ji, Javed Sheikh sahab. It was a perfect 'next show' for my career.
ET: Let's talk about your current show, O Rangreza. How's the experience working with Sajal Aly?
PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAMKhan: Sajal is probably the finest actor we have at the moment. She definitely knows her craft exceptionally well. A very easy girl to work with.
ET: Future projects?
Khan: I'm currently finalising things to star in another show after O Rangreza. It stars Iqra Aziz, Shehzad Sheikh and is written by Dumpukht's writer, Zafar Miraj. I'm extremely excited for it!
PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAMET: Any movies?
Khan: I do have few movies lined up. But, I wish to focus on the drama industry for now. Working in the Pakistani film industry is a very risky business. The film market in Pakistan is very unsettled. It's still on it's way to the top. So, I'm not in a rush to make hasty decisions.
ET: I have seen a few pictures circling around the social media. And it brings together two of Pakistan's most in-demand artists of this age. So, what's going on with Hania Aamir?
PHOTO: HANIA AAMIR/INSTAGRAMKhan: That' quite the talk of the town, isn't it? (laughs) Well, let's just say it's a secret but you will surely see something very, very soon.
ET: Any one Pakistani star you wish to work with?
Khan: I always wanted to work with Noman Ejaz and I already have.
ET: Given an opportunity, who would you rather work with? Mahira, Mawra or Sanam Saeed?
Khan: Mahira, for sure.
ET: You have mostly played a romantic in the dramas. How so?
PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAMKhan: I believe that romantic characters appeal to masses the most. The audience can relate more to the character. However, I'm still learning. I'd love to experiment with my roles in the future.
ET: Any particular inspiration?
Khan: Would love to work on something like Ranveer Singh's character Alauddin Khilji in Padmavati. I want to explore the dark side in me. If I can nail a negative character, why not?
ET: Talking about Ranveer Singh, Bollywood dreams?
Khan: It's a bit early to think about that, isn't it? Well, if opportunity knocks, then absolutely! I believe talent has no boundaries and it shouldn't have any. If I do get a chance to work across the border, I'd love to.
ET: Which divas would you love to work with?
Khan: Alia Bhatt!
ET: Is the fandom overwhelming?
PHOTO: BILAL ABBAS KHAN/INSTAGRAMKhan: It is! I still can't comprehend that I'm such a known face now. I won't lie though, I love it.
ET: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Khan: Like I said before, I'm not in a rush. I'd rather do three brilliant projects than 15 average ones. I would always give quality priority over quantity. I'm here and I'm here to stay. Hopefully.
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