Riz Ahmed discusses being 'brown' in Hollywood

In the past, actor has spoken up on racial issues, representation and refugee crisis among many others

British-Pakistani star Riz Ahmed has not only proven his mettle as an actor but is also the first South Asian and Muslim to bag an Emmy award. He was also featured on the cover of Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people across the world. Apart from starring in films such as The Reluctant Fundamentalist and his latest venture Venom, Ahmed has been very vocal about the lack of representation in the film industry and refugee crisis among other issues.

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In a recent interview with Mehdi Hassan for The Intercept, the actor discussed politics, religion, art and identity. Playing an evil billionaire genius in both, Venom and Jason Bourne, Ahmed believes that his characters are "not evil" at all and that it's an actor's job to defend the role being played.

Speaking of being a brown person in Hollywood, Ahmed said, "I'm open to playing any character that is three-dimensional and fully formed. Being a South Asian in the industry is both a gift and a curse because it gives you the ability to subvert minorities which are not visible or have been marginalised. It's nice when people see me on screen and say, 'Oh, we didn't expect to see a brown person in that role'."

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/RIZ AHMED

The 35-year-old actor, who also happens to be a rapper, added that while choosing a role, he evaluates if it will challenge him or push him and the culture he's representing. As the film industry in the UK lacks roles that represent the black or brown community, many artists flee to the US to find work.

Discussing his own journey to Hollywood, Ahmed explained, "US has its own problems, but the industry there is much bigger. It can support niche markets and communities, which means more roles and opportunities. US promotes itself as a multicultural state which is probably the reason why it's easier for artists to find suitable roles."

PHOTO: EVENING STANDARD

The Emmy-winner has also stuck his neck out when it comes to politics, whereas other actors have often shied away from commenting on the matter. On being asked why he chooses to speak on politics, Ahmed stated, "It's not a decision that I made. If you're born in a certain place or body, politics choose you. A lot of stars don't discuss politics because they don't want to upset their fans. But I believe that it shouldn't be about upsetting someone or not because sometimes your mere existence can upset people. So what do I do? Stop existing?" Ahmed explained that he just tries to stand tall with dignity and look people in the eye.

Speaking about his rap songs which often feature his political stance, he continued, "If you are a white girl who lives in the suburbs, goes to prom in a limo that's paid by your dad and write a song about it. It's your reality. My reality is getting stopped at passport control before I board the plane and then finding my face on the cover of the magazine that's tucked in the seat. So my reality is no less valid than someone's prom experience."

Riz Ahmed became the first Muslim actor, as well as the first South-Asian actor, to win an acting Emmy when he took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series Sunday night. (MARIO ANZUONI/REUTERS)

Often being termed as the first Muslim to win an Emmy and get roles that reflect his descent, Ahmed revealed that if he's only offered characters because he's a Muslim, then he would not like to be described as one. "I feel that it then becomes a qualifying adjective and limits me from doing more things that I know I can. Other than that, I don't have any issues," he confessed.

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The "first Muslim" or "first South Asian" tag can sometimes put a lot of pressure on an actor, but Ahmed feels privileged that people are able to connect to his work. He concluded, "It's moving and affirming on a fundamental level. At the same time, it's tragic that people need to be reminded that there are more like them in the world. But then again, it's exciting to be part of the change and this shift in culture and society."

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