Most trans characters on TV have been stereotypes: Asad Malik Mumtaz

The actor burst onto the scene as the queer Guru from ‘Parizaad’

Asad Mumtaz Malik, who burst onto the acting scene with his debut as Guru in Parizaad has been around in the showbiz industry for longer than you think. While this may be Malik’s first acting credit, he has been directing for several years, serving as the DOP for the Hamza Ali Abbasi-starrer Alif. In a recent interview, Malik spoke about his breakout performance and what went into getting the queer character of Guru, who takes Saboor Aly’s character Dilawar under his wing, right. 

Speaking about the love he has received so far, Malik shared, “I wasn’t expecting the kind of response I received. It’s true that people from all over the world sent me messages of appreciation. I’ve done video calls and have been sent video messages from different countries.”

On the switch from direction to acting, he revealed that he feared the criticism that would follow if he didn’t get the role right. “When we were shooting, it was always on the back of my mind how I had worked in the industry for so long and had been blessed with respect and recognition. I feared that if I did not perform well, I would be criticised. People would ask me why I ventured into acting and didn’t just stick to what I know. But, I managed to control the fear and left it all in God’s hands,” explained Malik. 

Reflecting on the sensitive nature of the character, the actor shared, “When I was offered the character and was told that my character was a guru for unisex individuals, I was very worried. I have always been a very manly person. The biggest challenge for me, besides the fact that this was my first appearance, was that this was such a different character. I just wanted to make sure it was conveyed properly.” 

While Malik explained that he did not actively look for any references, he cited an encounter with a trans guru in his younger years that helped shape his character. “There was only one person who came to my mind whom I had encountered as a child,” said the actor, adding, “They were the guru of a group of trans individuals. The guru was so old that they didn’t even have teeth anymore, and would always have a long braid of white and yellow hair, and I noticed that their demeanour was rather manly. The guru would take a seat and the others would perform. That was in my mind. Most of the characters that have been on TV so far have been stereotypes, so I avoided that at all costs.” 

On delivering an emotionally riveting and animated performance, Malik shared, “I was greatly supported by the lines written by Hashim Nadeem sahab. They were the kind of lines that, if I didn’t deliver them with my full attention and didn’t give the required expressions, they would not have the same impact. God has also given me very big eyes, so it was relatively easier.”