Speaking to Indian film critic Anupama Chopra in the first interview ever since, well, forever, Fawad Khan gave his fans all across the world lots to dwell on in this exclusive with Film Companion.
Fawad Khan, undoubtedly Pakistan’s biggest star today, has been MIA for such a long time that everyone is eagerly waiting for his comeback. The actor was last seen in Bollywood’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) and then in a gobsmacking trailer of Bilal Lashari’s The Legend of Maula Jatt in 2019. The film, for one reason or the other including controversy and Covid, still hasn’t released though.
That said, there is a lot to look forward to, he promises in this interview. While The Legend of Maula Jatt is awaiting release, Fawad has shot director Faisal Qureshi’s multi-starrer comedy Money Back Guarantee, his own production Neelofer which stars Mahira Khan alongside him in the lead. He also signed a Haseeb Hasan film titled Aan with Sanam Saeed and Zara Noor Abbas. Recently, it has been revealed that he is a part of Asim Abbasi’s next web series on Zee5. There were also news about him signing a film, titled Albela Rahi, in which he will play legendary singer Alamgir. And lastly, there is his role in Disney+ TV series, Ms. Marvel.
Fawad Khan is not active on social media and his interviews are as scarce as hen’s teeth. However, this list shows that he hasn’t been sitting idle as many would have assumed. Here are some highlights from his interview with Anupama Chopra.
His take on not being on the big screen
“I am a lazy worker. If I can have it my way, it would be raining money without me even moving a finger. I loved the work that I have been a part of; I have never been too worried about how much I’m doing as opposed to what I’m doing. Life has been kind of weird; there has been a long hiatus but then came Covid and we were all stuck at home. So, somehow or the other, it has just been one long party. I’m enjoying life and during this time I shot three films. I know that I have been away for five or six years but when the dam breaks, there will be a lot of stuff to watch. All complaints will be resolved and there will be no insecurities. You don’t have to be number 1 to enjoy life,” he said.
Fawad Khan as Maula Jatt
His presence in Ms. Marvel
“I can’t deny I’m a part of it because they have already announced it, but I’m tightlipped because Disney. It’s a wonderful experience and fun.”
His stance on propaganda in films
“I don’t feel that it is our job or position to preach philosophy or morality to our audiences, to tell them to change their point of view and make it more in alignment to our views. You can definitely tell a story and an experience, and if the audience takes something back with them, that’s another thing. But otherwise, when something starts turning into propaganda then propaganda is always dirty. Whatever I choose, it should steer far away from very visibly trying to form an opinion in the viewers’ mind. That makes me jittery and I don’t even like watching work that gives that impression.”
What he feels the role of artists should be
“I would love that our artists (from India and Pakistan) would collaborate and work together. That’s my wish and what more can I say. It is an educational experience; it increases your exposure and understanding when you work with people with different parts of the world. And yes, it fosters relationships, friendshipsand things that we look for like more peaceful times.”
Read: Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed to star in Asim Abbasi’s next project
Have his good looks ever gotten in the way of his work?
“I don’t think so. If I lost a role, I think I wasn’t good enough for it or I wasn’t suitable for it. There have been much more beautiful faces in the world, they land all the roles that they want to. So, I don’t think that can be an excuse. At least, I don’t feel that way.”
Does he miss Bollywood?
“I do, I do and I have made some great friends there and I still keep in touch with them. Yeah, I miss it. I miss Mumbai, it’s a beautiful city. In fact, all the cities that I have been to, I have had a lovely experience.”
His advice to Pakistani and Indian fans
“I have spent time in India, and in whatever limited way, I travelled to different cities and all I received was love. I never felt any anger towards me and probably the hatred is only like chai ki jhilli [a thin layer over tea] while the rest is all love. We don’t see the good part because of that cover on top. I have seen this interest, this intrigue in Pakistan as well in India about what must be happening on the other side. Everyone makes connections and people are quite easy.”
Watch the full interview here:
