Of actual explosions and bromance: Ahad details essaying Indian officer in BBC's 'World on Fire 2'

After starring in Netflix’s Resident Evil, Pakistani actor Ahad Raza Mir surprised fans with the news of him securing a place in yet another international production. The Ehd-e-Wafa actor will be seen in the magnificent return of the World War II drama, World on Fire’s second season, which premieres in October 2023.

Speaking to the BBC about his role in the war series, Mir revealed that he’s playing the character of Rajib – an Indian officer serving in the British Army. “He's fearless and determined but a fairly complicated character who does everything by the book, sticks to the rules, a total military man,” he said, adding that his character’s depth increases with the show’s progression – especially when he becomes a target of racism despite being a soldier from the Commonwealth.

“You see him realising that maybe what he thought was right - the place he was meant to be - isn't that at all. It's heart-breaking what he goes through, especially when he comes up against racism, because he doesn't really notice a person’s race,” he added.

Mir reveals Rajib’s belief in equality shatters in the show when the officials discriminate in minor things like ration. “I genuinely think he feels he is the equal of everybody. But he realises that he's not being treated the same as the Australians, for example. I mean, they were all part of the Commonwealth, right?" he said, adding that he’s glad his character will tell an important story.

When asked about filming the grand set pieces in the desert, Mir opened up about the challenges and the immersive nature of the experience. “The fact that we had actual explosions happening on set was probably the most daunting bit of playing the part!” he exclaimed. While he had previous experience with explosions, Mir described the physicality of the scenes, mentioning the dust and dirt that would engulf them as the explosions went off.

Moreover, Mir also shed light on the role of the Sappers, the military engineers responsible for handling explosives and clearing mines. “They're the people who lay the minefields but also make sure that the path is clear for the rest of the troops to go out,” he said, pointing out the symbolic nature of the sappers' work, as they take significant risks for the army while facing systematic racism.

Regarding Rajib's relationships in the show, Ahad spoke about his character's friendship with Stan, played by Blake Harrison. He described their relationship as "great", while Harrison described their bond as a “bromance” since his character finds Rajib “quite amusing.” According to Mir, they share some beautiful scenes together.

When asked about the leadership skills of his character and whether Harry (played by Jonah Hauer-King) could learn from Rajib, Mir said, “I think it depends on whether you lead with your head or your heart." He explained that Rajib initially leads with his head, making decisions based on rationality. However, as he senses things going wrong, he begins to follow his heart and adapt his approach. Whereas Harry consistently leads with his heart, seeking to do what is right and be there for others.

World on Fire Season 2 will see Mir featuring in a supporting role, alongside original cast members including Lesley Manville, Julia Brown, and Zofia Wichlacz. The synopsis teases that the six-episode second season will see RAF pilots be sent to destroy German bombers "prowling the skies above Manchester, with rescue operations underway on the streets below – the true reality of war has arrived in Britain".

The BBC also revealed that season 2 would take viewers "from the war-torn streets of Britain deep into Nazi Germany, the resistance within occupied France, and the brutal sands of the North African desert – where troops struggle to adapt to a very different kind of combat".

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