While there have been many that have made successful transitions from TV to celluloid very few have survived the switch from the big screen to the small screen; the place where eyeballs really matter and stay. Ahsan Khan’s career goes notch above all the exceptions. Few people know that now a staple name of Pakistan’s TV content was once a 17-year-old who made his debut with the film Nikkah in 1998. He has since then not only carved a niche with surgically selected roles on the big screen but amassed a huge following as a TV star that is here to make a statement. Not just with the roles he signs but the kind of hosting opportunities he picks from the mishmash of opportunities out there.
Khan is currently gearing up for one of a kind celebrity talk show on Express Entertainment. Titled, Time Out with Ahsan Khan, the show will see some of our favourite celebrities spilling beans on their professional front and personal lives.
According to Khan, it takes a certain set of tricks to get the talk show right and not be in the limelight for the wrong reasons.
The mantra
PHOTO: JAFFER HASSAN
"When hosting someone from the fraternity, you have to first understand they are humans as well,” Khan told The Express Tribune. “What many forget while conducting interviews is that our [public figures] lives are as flawed as their fandom so we have to be really careful about peeping into the lives of others.”
The key, the Udaari star remarked is how you frame your questions. "I feel like it's all about words. You have to frame your questions in a manner that is not offensive to your guests. You certainly cannot ask someone to come on your show as your guest and then nitpick into their personal matters. You should make your guest comfortable enough; make sure they trust you to open up to you. It is a great responsibility," he shared.
"This fraternity is like a family - my family. So, it really isn't a surprise when I tell you that I am quite possessive about my colleagues and costars. I make sure they feel respected, because if I - someone who is from the same industry - don’t give them the respect they deserve, why would the audience look at them any differently? “
PHOTO: JAFFER HASSAN
Be it a celeb or someone ordinary, for Khan, there are two things he keeps in mind while conducting an interview; no content should be offensive to the guest, and the guests should know in advance what they will be talking about.
The Chupan Chupai feels it is rather imperative to not make everything about ratings and clicks. "You should know where to draw a line. Issues as profound as #MeToo, sexual harassment shouldn't be sensationalized and manipulated. They should be handled and tackled with such expertise that it starts a discussion, which is not hurting the victim."
Magic continues
His recent talk show Time Out with Ahsan Khan is more than just a ‘talk show’. It has some fun segments that Khan feels the audience will instantly fall in love with. "I always take up projects that I will be comfortable watching with my family and Time Out will be exactly that,” Khan said.
PHOTO: JAFFER HASSAN
"We will also introduce some new characters in the show," he unveiled, adding that it is somewhat of a surprise for the viewers. "There will also be a few games that we shall play on the show. Hina, Adeel, and Danish Khwaja have been working day and night to make this venture a success."
Most wanted
Other than his upcoming show, Khan has been busy on the acting front. The actor's drama serial Bandhay Ek Dor Se, starring Ushna Shah has garnered rave reviews. He is also preparing himself for another issue-based serial Qayamat, which shall reunite Khan with her onscreen love interest Neelum Muneer.
Apart from his small-screen projects, Khan is all set to star in an upcoming Yasir Nawaz suspense thriller. Chakkar will see Khan as one of the three lead actors, while his leading lady will be played by Muneer, once again. The film also stars Mehmood Aslam and Javed Sheikh in pivotal roles.
PHOTO: JAFFER HASSAN
"When you know a film is being helmed by Yasir Nawaz, you know you are in good hands," he laughed. "But the script really caught my attention. The suspense thriller is a genre that hasn't really been explored in the Pakistani film industry. And I really liked the fact that Chakkar wasn't a rom-com."
Khan added that he himself is an avid fan of crime thrillers. "Oh, you name it! Spanish, Korean, Italian thrillers, I've watched it all! I love such storylines, they interest me. Other than the script, I was really drawn towards it thanks to its ensemble cast."
However, as far as how well his upcoming film will be received by the audience, Khan remains skeptical.
"I personally feel that the taste of Pakistani and Indian audience has really matured over the years,” said Khan. Our audience is very intelligent - they wouldn't like just one particular genre. I think they would appreciate anything that is well-made. As long as we are presenting engaging content, the viewers will love it."
Man with a mission
PHOTO: JAFFER HASSAN
Apart from his engagement with the showbiz Khan is also known for his philanthropic work. The actor is also the Ambassador for Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab - a role he took up after portraying villainous Imtiaz in drama serial Udaari. "I think Udaari had a lot to do with how I became so vocal about child abuse," Khan said. "When you play a character that vicious, you understand why it is so important to raise awareness about such issues. In trying times like these, where we come across horrific cases of child assault and abuse every other day, I think everyone should put in the effort to fight this societal evil. “
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