Hamza Ali Abbasi admits fatherhood is 'intense'

Hamza Ali Abbasi has worn many hats in public life: actor, writer, and at times a politician. But in a recent podcast appearance, the Maula Jatt star spoke with warmth and vulnerability about a role he holds closest: being a father.

"My son is turning five now," Hamza shared, calling fatherhood a "transformative" experience. "It's overwhelming in the best way. It changes you."

Adding further on this life-changing experience, he said, "The only word I have for this experience is 'intense.' These are the most intense emotions I've ever experienced in my life."

This is not the first time the actor has touched upon his fatherhood journey. In a separate interview last year, the actor described the early days of parenting as equal parts joy and learning curve.

"When Mustafa was born, I felt a different kind of responsibility," he had noted at the time. "Every little decision suddenly mattered a lot more."

While Hamza is known for sharing his personal beliefs with conviction, his focus now seems to be more inward, on fatherhood, writing, and building a meaningful life off-screen.

However, despite stepping away from frequent TV appearances after becoming a father, Hamza clarified earlier this year that he never "quit" the entertainment industry. "I just became selective. I still act, I just don't take on everything," he had noted.

Meanwhile, Hamza's wife, visual artist and actor Naimal Khawar, has also gone public about her family life. Last year, the artist discussed her take on motherhood with Zara Noor Abbas on the latter's podcast What MomSense?!

"I had my baby at the age of 26…But I am the happiest person right now," remarked Naimal. Touching upon the importance of family planning and distributing responsibilities after a child enters the picture, she added, "We decided on the order of things before Mustafa came into our lives, and my advice to all couples out there is to be practical about this approach."

Offering a window into how she and her actor husband divided and conquered after becoming parents, Naimal added that with Hamza being the family's breadwinner, she focused on managing the household and being the primary caregiver to their son.

Naimal also advised viewers about the dangerous impact a volatile marriage can have on a child's mental health. "If things are not going well in a marriage, then the couple should part ways instead of keeping the kids in a toxic environment," she cautioned.