CALLING JUNAID KHAN

Junaid Khan’s star has been on the rise for quite some time. After a successful music career, he transitioned to becoming a critically acclaimed actor. This fortnight he speaks with Mehek Raza Rizvi about his work, peers and more

Your drama serial “Kashf” has a brilliant script and stellar performances. Tell us about the vibe on set—the stuff your audience doesn’t get to see. 

The plot of the drama serial itself is very serious and apart from a few scenes with dark humour, through Kashf’s father, there isn’t much comic relief. However, behind the camera the atmosphere is very different. The entire cast is extremely fun-loving; most people think I’m reserved, but that’s not true when I’m around people who I’m comfortable with. Hira Mani, as everyone knows is full of life, Danish Nawaz is the absolute king of comedy on our set and Mr. Waseem Abbas, owing perhaps to this theatre background, has excellent comedic timing even in real life. Every time we’re in the makeup room, it’s a complete party! The female cast, in particular, is very supportive of each other; they’re always seen encouraging and rooting for their costars. The vibe on our set is definitely very positive.

“Sun Yaara”, “Mohabbat Na Kariyo”, “Kashf” and another untitled project in the pipeline—you and Hira Mani have done quite a few projects together. Recently, she called you her “lucky charm” in an interview as well. How would you describe your working relationship with her and why do you think you two are casted together so often? 

Hira and I have been doing projects together for quite some time now, due to which we’re aware of each other’s working style and thus are very comfortable with each other as costars. Not only the two of us, but our families too, are friends, so a comfort zone has been developed. Our energy on set is focused on improving our performances solely, instead of having to worry about first getting along with or understanding our costar. We keep pushing each other to do better. The energy Hira brings onscreen is phenomenal; I love working with her because she’s very positive, is very cooperative and believes in teamwork.

As far as production houses wanting to cast us together repeatedly is concerned, I think that happens when an on-screen couple is liked by the audience. It also helps that we’re both professional and with us, there won’t be any issues or tantrums on set.

“Since I’ve always been of a reserved nature, I realised I struggled with expressing my feelings at times, which led to people misunderstanding me.  Any positive emotion that you feel must be communicated”

Talking about the new untitled project, we want to know more.

It’s a very interesting script. The concept may seem basic, but the way the plot evolves, the way each scene is put together and how the characters are knit in, is all very interesting; you won’t feel there was a single scene that was insignificant. The audience is bound to remain on the edge of their seats. Armeena Khan is going to be seen in a drama serial after about three years; Armeena, Hira and I have had a ball together. Overall, it’s looking like a promising project. I just heard the OST (original sound track) and loved it. I think the promos will be out in about a week and you’ll get an idea of what I’m talking about.

You’ve also launched your own motivational web series titled “Keh Do”. What’s the thought process behind that and where did the inspiration come from? 

“Keh Do” is an original song of mine that I released about seven to eight years ago. The concept behind it is very simple, yet personal. Since I’ve always been of a reserved nature, I realised I struggled with expressing my feelings at times, which led to people misunderstanding me. Any positive emotion that you feel must be communicated.

Over the years, I’ve read scripts and characters that have helped me understand, not just other people, but myself as well. I’ve given a lot of thought to who I am and what my purpose is. There were a lot of topics that I tried to decipher and breakdown. Negative thinking is something most of us deal with, so the way I dealt with it, is what you see in the web series, It’s all in my own, simple and brief words. It’s my own modest understanding of things, because, of course, I’m not a psychologist or expert in the field. It’s all about positive thinking and emotions I’ve felt in my life. I’ll be discussing them episode by episode.

“The energy Hira brings onscreen is phenomenal; I love working with her because she’s very positive, is very cooperative and believes in teamwork” —Junaid on Hira Mani

Do you think it’s important for actors these days to explore the web and other avenues apart from traditional television? 

I don’t think any individual is bound to stay confined to one particular avenue, for example, I started my career as a musician. This is a very fluid field; whether it’s important or not is relative. For some, like me, it’s just a creative outlet. I felt if I wanted to put forth something like “Keh Do”, YouTube was the best place for it.

You started your career as a singer, as you just mentioned, but it seems acting has replaced that. Would that be true to assert? 

Music may have taken a back seat due to my other professional commitments, but it’s a huge part of who I am and will always remain the platform with which I started my career. I’ll always be a musician.

“Every time we’re in the makeup room, it’s a complete party! The female cast, in particular, is very supportive of each other; they’re always seen encouraging and rooting for their costars”

Can we expect anything from you as a singer in the near future? 

I’m working on a lot of things, both with my band and solo. I’ll be sharing more details with you very soon. GT will be the first to know!

“I’m working on a lot of things, both with my band and solo. I’ll be sharing more details with you very soon. GT will be the first to know!”

We ran a little search on you and the web is full of projects you’re doing. How does that leave any time behind for family or yourself?

The web at times gives the impression that us actors don’t have time for ourselves, but over the years, I’ve learnt how to balance things. I think balance is very important, in everything in life. I don’t really have much of a social life, so the time that I’m not working, on weekends for instance, is spent bonding with my family.

What is Junaid Khan like at home? 

Junaid Khan at home is like any other regular guy. I’m mostly around my family, watching television, eating my favourite food and connecting with my loved ones.

Designer: Nauman Arfeen
Make up & Grooming: Sabs
Courtesy: Dewan Baqi Farooqui
at Harley Davidson