The singer-actor talks about his film dreams, love for comedy and his rock idols
To say that the lead vocalist of Call, Junaid Khan, is Pakistan’s only pop artist who is also one of the busiest actors in the country, would be no hyperbole. Currently, he has around five drama serials running simultaneously on different TV channels. And then there are re-runs and repeat shows.
Mercifully, too many shows haven’t meant he is hopping from one set to another without caring for quality. In the latest episode of Ishq Tamasha, for instance, where he plays a no-nonsense and rather overprotective big brother to Faizan Khawaja’s spoilt brat, there’s a face-off between the two siblings in which Khan is supposed to show outrage. A lesser actor in his place would have easily descended to melodrama; not him. Khan’s expressions in this scene are commendably restrained and yet betray just the right degree of force.
In an exclusive chat with Gulf News tabloid!, the 36-year-old gracefully accepts the fact that most screen roles that have come his way — ever since 2012’s Mata-i-Jaan Hai Tu — are “the sober, serious types,” and explains why he is in no hurry to do films:
Most TV plays these days are women-oriented. Do you believe there are significant roles being written for male actors at all?
I agree that the focus of most dramas is on women’s characters and their stories. Films, on the contrary, are more targeted towards the male audiences, because it is believe that TV drama is housewives’ compulsive viewing. The women are the ‘heroes’ in these dramas; the male actors are mere supporting [characters]. Occasionally, you do get roles of substance, such as Aplus’s Yeh Mera Deewana Pann Hai.
You haven’t tried comedy yet. Is it on your bucket list?
Of course, it is. Actually, TV comedy these days has become tasteless — loud and absurd. Film, on the other hand, offers more variety. I would personally like to do something like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety [Bollywood film]. It’s a very dialogue-based film; no one is making too many faces or doing absurd things. I am looking forward to my next drama serial, for TV1, where I play a lively, witty, comic character, literally for the first time.
Why have films not happened to such a talented and handsome, young actor like you?
Well, I get lots of offers, but I haven’t been able to convince myself to do film. Big screen means big banners shall fall into your lap.
How ambitious are you about music now?
I am passionate to the point of being obsessed.
What kind of music have you grown up on?
I started with rock. Actually, I happened to attend a rock music concert in Lahore, back in the year 2000, which ignited my interest in the genre. I loved listening to Pearl Jam, Bryan Adams, Creed, Linkin’ Park etc. And I always wanted to perform live. My focus was never to make videos and become popular.
Being an introvert, I always had an energy waiting to explode, and rock music was my right tool to express myself. It still is.
Tell us how did the Call reunion happen?
See, there comes a time in a relationship when you parts ways. We took a gap of three years. Then, stronger and more mature than ever before, we sat down and resolved our issues. I had so much regard for my band members — Sultan and Xulfi. I think Xulfi is the most talented producer in the whole industry.
These days, celebrities are judged by the count of their Twitters and Instagram followers. Does this worry you ever?
I am not that aggressive on social media. Even I have so much content to share. I do it myself, so that I can check out what’s happening, what’s the feedback, how’s my work perceived abroad.
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