We speak to actor and singer Farhan Saeed about his journey in Lollywood, his hobbies and his inspirations

You started off in a boy band called Jal. How did the journey from there to here happen?

I started my career with Jal and I would say it was meant to be. I was performing at one of my university’s events where a common friend introduced me to Gohar Mumtaz and we recorded Woh Lamhey and from there we just never looked back.

How does it feel seeing yourself on the cover once again?

As always it feels so good to work with GT and to be on their cover story. And my favourite part is communicating with my fans through GT.

How are things with you and Urwa now?

Unanswered.

How did you decide to pursue acting as a career? Did you always want to become an actor?

I never wanted to be an actor but it just happened! To be honest initially, I never thought I would be taking up acting this seriously. Now I think I’m in love with the process of acting as I want to discover the new roles and the boundaries I can push as an actor and I think that keeps me going. Choosing a right script, the right role and performing to my best abilities is what I’m enjoying right now.

Has your perception of the entertainment industry in Pakistan changed over time?

I don’t have a perception about the entertainment industry as such but yes one keeps meeting people everyday and keeps discovering. I also think our entertainment industry is very talented. Be it music, drama or the film industry we are like a family. We are a very small industry and everyone knows everyone and I think overall it’s a good industry but the perception as such has never changed. I think our industry is different than the other industries in the world and I see people standing for each other quite often in this industry.

What are your hobbies outside of singing and acting?

I like sports. I have always been a great fan of outdoor sports. Cricket, volleyball and table tennis have got to be my favourites. So the minute I get some time off I love indulging in these sports.

Do you work out?

I do work out but unfortunately, I’m not that regular. But I am strong believer of going to the gym. It keeps you sane, fit and fresh.

People in Pakistan don’t consider signing or acting a proper profession. What do you have to say about that?

Unfortunately, that’s sad. But once you cross a certain line then you know it’s a parallel and proper profession. Fortunately, in singing and acting Allah has been kind to me so it never came to my mind whether it is a proper profession or not but people would be very surprised to see how much actors and singers earn.

How do you handle the fame that comes with being an actor? Does the hate or the pressure ever get to you?

Well, I think once you’re a successful actor or a singer that comes with it and you know that’s when people like your work. I have learnt to filter the haters and that really helps. But people think that actors and singers are public property and anyone can say anything about them. I am fortunate enough to filter all that and I don’t let it get to me if I don’t want to. I really like and respect my fans and whatever we are, we are because of them.  The good and bad just comes with it. We are what we are because of the love we get from our fans. My fans mean the world to me and make me strive to keep doing better with each passing day.

What’s your favourite part about your work?

My work is my joy and passion, it’s what keeps me going everyday – so I love everything about it. Making new music, performing at a concert in front my fans, acting in a drama, shooting for a TVC and now making my film Tich Button – the journey of creating something for people to see and react is an altogether different high … and what keeps me going.

Name three things on your bucket list?

Performing Hajj. Travelling to my favourite destination. I have quite a few actually… third would be doing a dream script.

Tell us about your first TV shoot. What was it like?

My first shoot was a music video Woh Lamhey. Everybody knows about it. It’s a memory that stays with me forever.  T-shirt, pants, shoes and car, everything was borrowed. When we shot the video for Woh Lamhey. We had no experience and yet Allah blessed us with the number one song of Pakistan for months.

Who is your inspiration?

My inspiration would be any hardworking individual I love and respect wholeheartedly. The people who are honest with their profession inspire me. I literally note every single thing about people who I think are very honest with their profession. You could be a salon worker, waiter, singer and if you are honest with your work, it shows and if you are not then that shows too and that’s how you lose my respect right then and there.

Describe your perfect day off when you’re not working.

Waking up then breakfast, gym and friends coming over for a good jamming session. Basically, lots of chilling.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

Just be honest and passionate about your work. Just don’t do your work for the sake of fame and money but instead do it for the love of your profession. Whatever you are doing be at acting, singing just do it wholeheartedly and then there’s no way anyone can pull you down.

Photography: Mohsin Khawar

Wardrobe: Munib Nawaz

Makeup & Styling: Toni & Guy

Location: Eggspectation; Client Management: Alchemists