When a man's married life is settled, he's more focused on his work: Zahid Ahmed

From a marketeer to an award-winning actor, Zahid Ahmed's journey has been humbling. The popular star who started his showbiz career as an RJ, has now graced the screens in multiple star-studded projects. Ahmed's craft has been lauded by critics and fans alike, who wish to see more of him onscreen.

While his prowess and ability to grab the attention of the audience in a drama serial has never gone unnoticed, the Mehram star is now gearing up for his first film. The range Ahmed owns has made him take up roles of the boy next door to a revenge-plotting antagonist, all of which he has managed to nail flawlessly.

Weighing options

Usually in any play, only the characters of the lead roles are accepted because the whole story revolves around them. However, sometimes the role of the villain instead of the protagonist succeeds in attracting the audience's attention. There are very few actors in Pakistan's drama industry who get people's attention by playing the role of heroes, but even when they appear on the screen as villains, they become the 'centre of attention'.

Ahmed is one of those stars who has managed to make his mark in a very short time with his 'versatile' acting. He played a role of a dual personality in Ishq Zahe Naseeb and was lauded by the audience for his brilliant performance. Whether it was a role of a loving husband in Muhabbat Tujhe Alvida (2021) or a negative role he played in Visaal (2008), the actor made his mark by opting for diverse characters.

As of late, his recently released short film, Prince Charming, was well received. Talking to Urdu News about the experience of working with Mahira Khan, Ahmed said, "This is the first time I have worked with Mahira Khan. She is a very professional actor. Her attitude and way of working do not imply that she is a big star."

On taking up roles

When the about his choice of plays, he said, "When I am offered a role in a play, I pay attention to the importance of the male character in the story." Ahmed said that in all the plays he has done so far, it can be seen that the male characters were not typical but strong character. Speaking about the roles he has taken up in dramas, he explained he was not only concerned about love and affection but believes in playing grey characters instead of black-and-white ones.

Responding to criticism on dramas, he said, "If the channels are showing the same stories, then it is obvious that they are popular among the audience." Ahmed added how ordinary people, especially women, are connecting stories to their lives, and therefore channels are also making and selling similar stories. "Nevertheless, I would say that a serial based on unique stories should also be made. Plays based on untold ordeals should also be made. Each channel makes a few non-quintessential projects in a year."

Social media woes

Unlike his peers, Ahmed isn't too active on social media. The Mein Na Janoo star commented, "I use social media as much as I need to." He said he mostly uses Instagram. "I am well aware of the importance of speak with thoughtfulness. So, I try not to make any statement that would cause me to be mentioned in issues other than my work," he said.

According to the actor, "If someone wants too much fame, then they would make statments without thoughtfully. If someone isn't looking for publicity, then he would speak thoughtfully." Ahmed continued, "There are all kinds of artists in the industry. Some people like to be in the news, while some people don't, they have their own preferences."

Gearing up!

Shedding light on his first big-screen project, the artist shared that his film Ghabrana Nahi Hai has been completed. In the movie, he will be seen with his Sangat co-star Saba Qamar. Ahmed said that he is always impressed by the performances of Qamar, Yumna Zaidi and Sonya Hussain, while among the male crop of actors, he likes the performances of Gohar Rasheed, Bilal Abbas and Ahmed Ali Akbar. He also said that he watches his own plays to review his performance.

But Ahmed isn't someone who is not afraid of criticism. He remarked, "If criticism is being made for improvement, then it is fine. Public figures are criticised all over the world, the key is to not react."

Ahmed often shares his photos with his wife and children on social media. "I was married when I got into the industry, and when a man's married life is settled, he more focused on his work," he concluded.

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