Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: February 22, 2024 | 
| 中文
Fawad Khan and Yumna Zaidi in Nayab
In the sprawling landscape of entertainment, few manage to remain diverse and not get typecasted, one such actor is Fawad Khan. A consummate artist traversing the realms of theatre, television and film, Khan's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to storytelling.
Khan's odyssey into the realm of performance art was sparked by an abiding love for literature and cinema as a young man enrolled in BBA. "We used to get the channel Movie Magic on cable, it had a lot of good films. Even international ones, and not just from Hollywood, and that's where my interest in films stemmed from." Enrolling in the inaugural batch of the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), his initial aspiration was to delve into the intricacies of filmmaking. However, fate intervened, leading him down the path of theatre, where he discovered his innate talent for acting. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Khan fondly recalls: "After my first stage performance, I had an epiphany that I could act, and from that moment onwards, there was no turning back."
Fawad Khan and Meesam Naqvi in the Plague
Under the tutelage of luminaries such as Rahat Kazmi, Zia Mohyyedin and Khalid Ahmed, Khan's artistic sensibilities were nurtured, and his passion ignited. Kazmi's larger-than-life persona and profound insights left an indelible mark on Khan, shaping him into the versatile actor he is today. "Rahat Kazmi Sahab had a profound impact on me," Khan reflects. "His class was one of the most captivating experiences, and I found myself mesmerized by his charisma and his knowledge of the craft. Zia Sahab's diction class was also a transformative experience."
Transitioning seamlessly from student to practitioner, Khan's tenure at NAPA's Repertory Theatre proved to be a crucible for his burgeoning talent. Starting as an assistant director and stage manager, he soon ascended to the roles of director and actor, leaving an indelible mark on every production he touched.
Despite brief forays into television, Khan's heart remained steadfastly devoted to the stage. Even with the guidance of industry veterans like Mohammad Ahmed, he found solace in the immersive world of live theatre. "Television never quite felt like a medium I was comfortable with," Khan confesses. "While working on soaps, I realized that my true passion lies in the visceral experience of live performance."
A still from Anarkali Se Aagay, directed by Fawad at the Pakistan Theatre Festival
It was through digital platforms that Khan found a renewed sense of purpose and recognition as a serious actor. Projects like Churails and Ik Jhooti Love Story allowed him to showcase his versatility and depth, earning accolades from both audiences and critics alike. "Online platforms offer a level of creative freedom that traditional television often lacks," Khan asserts. "Through performances in digital dramas, I've had the opportunity to connect with a discerning audience who appreciate nuanced storytelling."
Fawad Khan during the shooting of Churails
Venturing onto the silver screen, Khan's latest endeavor, Nayab, underscores his commitment to narratives that transcend commercial constraints. While acknowledging the challenges of Pakistan's cinema landscape, Khan remains steadfast in his dedication to authentic storytelling. "The lack of cinema screens is a systemic issue," Khan observes. "But despite the hurdles, I believe in the power of cinema. That said, I truly believe that bringing Bollywood back to cinemas would bring back the crowd again, helping our own films thrive. I watched Gunjal the other day, it is a good film, but it barely did business because of the way cinema is runs in this country."
Fawad with the cast of Anarkali Se Aagay
Amidst his cinematic triumphs, Khan continues to champion original theatre productions, most recently directing works like Anarkali Se Aagey for Pakistan Theatre Festival. With future projects on the horizon, his passion for the stage burns brighter than ever. "I am not one to meticulously plan my future," Khan admits. "But I am driven by a desire to create, to explore new horizons, to write and challenge myself as an artist."
In a world clamoring for authenticity, Fawad Khan stands as a beacon of artistic integrity and versatility. Whether commanding the stage, captivating audiences on screen, or pushing boundaries in the digital sphere, his journey exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling. As he embarks on the next chapter of his illustrious career, one thing remains abundantly clear: Fawad Khan is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of entertainment. He is one to watch out for!
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