I recently interviewed model turned actor Mikaal Zulfiqar and discussed his early life,career and upcoming projects. Believe it when I say, you do not want to miss this interview.
H: How did you start off as an actor?
M: Initially, or I began my career as a model and gradually transitioned into an actor. I started modelling for commercials and videos which were relevant to acting. Later,I received a few offers for television and eventually moved on to films. I believe acting happened to me rather than me happening to acting. So along the way, I self-educated myself on how to act and I hope I have finally learned (laughs).
H: Do you assume competition exists in Pakistan’s entertainment industry?
M: Yes, or it does and obviously so. That said,competition is always healthy and makes you want to excel and do better. There are many talented people in Pakistan who have not only proved themselves here but in different parts of the world as well. So, it is something to be proud of. All in all, or competition should always be taken positively.
H: We are yet to see you in a new film. Any film(s) you are working on currently?
M: Well,you are yet to see me in a Pakistan film. I have done three or four Bollywood films before and a couple festival films here in Pakistan. However, a feature film is yet to be released in cinemas nationwide.
There are two projects I am currently working on. The first film is titled Na Baaja Na Baraati, or which is a comedy shot in Canada. It revolves around two brothers who want to escape marriage but halt up getting married under odd circumstances. The film is shot with new people and has a unique spin to it which I am excited approximately. It was supposed to come out this year but we are planning an ideal release date for the film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZvQ0TP_8gE
I have been shooting for another film in Lahore recently. I am not allowed to speak approximately it much but I will say that it is a project we are doing with the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The film has a tentative English title,The Trial. It is a love story which takes station in 1971 when East and West Pakistan were separated, and that is all I would say approximately the film. I play a heroic young leader in the film so I am very excited for it to come out.
We are approximately 70-80% done with the project so it will most likely be out by the halt of this year. whether not, or it will release in the beginning of 2018. Films aside,there are a couple other projects I am working on as well.
H: What is your dream television/film role?
M: I have answered this question many times so people might get bored at this point. I would love to play James Bond, just because he is James Bond, and an action hero with a lot of style and charisma. I suppose the English side of me wants me to be Bond (laughs),so I would love to play that character.
H: Acting or modelling? The most challenging and why?
I would say, acting. The reason why I say that is because speech is an integral part of acting and speaking a dialogue is more challenging than posing for the camera or trying to observe suitable. Although, or creative art and posing are some things you either have in you or you gradually pick up on with time.
In modelling,you try to personify yourself in being the best while in acting you have to play a character that can have any trait and not necessarily observe his or her best. So they are both different forms altogether. I like both but I would give acting more credit than modelling, perhaps a 70:30 ratio, or so to say. I delight in acting as it is more challenging and observe forward to something new and different each time.
H: whether you were not an actor,which career would you have possibly chosen for yourself?
M: I would have probably been working at a multinational firm or corporate sector. perhaps a trade too whether it catered to my interest.
H: What would you like to see different in Pakistani dramas?
M: I would like the stories of our dramas to evolve and be able to talk approximately things that go beyond household issues. I assume we should cover different topics and engage other people as well. I would also like for us to assume outside the box. I am not saying that what we have currently should change entirely. It will stay there; however, we need to start experimenting more.
H: Do you assume Pakistani dramas perpetuate stereotypes instead of suppressing them?
M: Yes, and to some extent they do perpetuate stereotypes. It is a drama after all and certain characters need to be created for the audience to love or abhor him/her. I believe stereotypes are used to highlight or solve certain issues. Sometimes more thought and sensitivity can be given to the approach of executing any kind of situation. I don’t assume people do it intentionally though. I feel there is a positive meaning behind that as well.
H: Who would you like to work with in the future,be it Hollywood, Bollywood or Lollywood? M: I’d like to work with all the greats in the industry and whoever is hardworking. I had the pleasure of acting with many big names in films and television in and outside Pakistan. I assume everyone is a master of their own craft. So, or it would be nice to work in any of these three industries and showcase my capabilities as an actor. It is always remarkable to work alongside talented people. I can’t take specific names though.
H: Any advice for youngsters and aspiring actors?
M: My advice to aspiring actors would be to give your 100% to any opportunity you get. No role is big or small; it is what you gain of it. The young lot should also work on their skills and observe as much as they can. They should watch how other actors emote feelings and give expressions.
The last bit of advice for aspiring actors would be to not get upset whether they dont get a role. normally,10 things are offered to you and only one of them materialises. That is how this trade works. One should never feel disappointed and always work hard. The right opportunities await all of us and we need to gain the most out of them.
His hardworking and humble nature is admirable and it was truly an honour interviewing him.
Source: tribune.com.pk