With almost a week gone by since Chalay Thay Saath released in Pakistan, the reviews and audience reactions have been mixed. While some critiqued its script or rather the lack of it, most of us couldn’t help but commend the casting, which in every way remains top-notch. However, if there’s one name that has stood out from the rest by a long shot, it has to be Osama Tahir.
An actor whose interest in both film and theater makes him one to watch out for, Tahir managed to portray Zain – a man on the brink of a loveless marriage and an impending divorce, with utmost perfection. So much so, that film critics cannot help but call the role one of the best debuts in a Pakistani film. However, does the actor think the same way? He reveals this and more to Something Haute.
Something Haute: With the release of Chalay Thay Saath, what do you have to say about the reviews it has gotten? Do they do justice to the film?
Osama Tahir: I love it! I believe everyone has a right to their opinion. I believe that if a reviewer has written an article with honesty, then I can respect that. We as an industry need reviews, be it criticism or not, to keep improving ourselves because we’re just starting off. Almost everyone is making features for the very first time, so I think that’s fine. I also think everyone would prefer to compare our movies with international standards and that’s a huge compliment, and whether we meet their expectations or not, we should strive to be as good as the greats. That’s the only way we can improve, I believe.
Having said that, it’s their opinion, I don’t have any say in anyone’s opinion. If they like it great! If they don’t, cool, how can we improve it? But that really works if someone with credibility says so. At the end of the day, we’re all working towards the same goal, to be better than yesterday.
Something Haute: How has the experience been post-release? Calmer or more nervous?
OT: The experience of  having to see myself on the big screen was surreal; absolutely wild! Now is much calmer, not that I was very nervous, I was, but more excited. So calm, yet still excited. Does that make sense?
Something Haute: You have also been considered a breakout star in the film. Do you think CTS has provided you a platform?
OT: Chalay Thay Saath definitely provided me with a HUGE platform. Who would gamble on a completely unknown actor to play such a large part? It’s risky! Umer Adil and Beenish believed in me, I am forever grateful that I got this opportunity. No makhan, promise.
Something Haute: What’s next for Osama Tahir; Any more projects in the offing?
OT: I am currently working on a few stage plays, really challenging ones, so I’m extremely excited about those. One of which is with Arad Junejo, an amazing director/writer/actor (watch out for this guy he’s a beast). A few others as well, in the pipeline, let’s see.
Something Haute: On a parting note, what would you like to tell your fans?
OT: We as a nation have done great things in performing arts historically; we just need to push for fresher perspectives and stories to be told so that we can really show off our talent in feature films. I think it’s just a matter of time that we will amaze the world what Pakistan can produce.
