Imran Abbas Khan: I am happy that Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan have made inroads in Bollywood

The Pakistani hearthrob talks about his fellow actors, relationship status, upcoming film and more

His debut film Creature went down with a whimper, but Pakistani TV actor Imran Abbas Khan chalks it up to being an experimental flick and looks ahead. While the social media is abuzz with reports that he is married, the actor says it is completely false. Imran, who is currently in Pakistan shooting for his TV shows, clears the air on his personal status, the failure of Creature, upcoming film Jaanissar and more…

How difficult or easy was it to shoot for the period film Jaanissar?

It was very difficult as the character was different from whatever I have done so far. We were going back in history — the film is set in 1877 Lucknow — and I had to transform myself completely. I had to get the dialect, the body language and the psyche of the character right. I had to play the perfect English gentleman from a royal family for which my gait had to be like that of a prince. At the same time, my Urdu had to be extremely good as I had to recite important lines in poetry. I am a poet myself so that helped. Also, Muzaffar saab who is an artiste, poet, musician and a director helped me in every single way.

How did the film come to you?

I had just started shooting for Creature and somebody told me that Muzaffar saab wanted to meet me. When I met him in Delhi, he told me the film had been in his mind for 20 years. I was already a big fan of Muzaffar saab. When he told me he wanted to do the film with me, I had no second thoughts. In fact, irrespective of whether I would be in the film or not, I was just happy to meet him. The film, however, got delayed. Fortunately for me, by the time we started Jaanissar, there were no date clashes as Creature was complete.

The film is set 20 years after Umrao Jaan. Have you seen the film?

I have seen the film several times, not recently though. However, I keep watching the songs. In fact, we shot one song Humein Bhi Pyaar Kar Le sung by Shreya Ghoshal in the same place where Inn Aankhon Ki Masti Mein was shot. The same choreographer Kumudini Lakhia directed it too! It was amazing to shoot in the same location and ambience.

Do you feel this should have been your debut film instead of Creature?

I know Creature did not do well, but I liked it. All of us involved in the film from the director (Vikram Bhatt) to the artistes knew we were taking a huge risk. It was an experimental film and not all experiments are successful. It was a new thought, but I guess Indian and Pakistani viewers are used to Bollywood masala. If the same idea had come from Hollywood they would have liked it. Nobody can predict the outcome of a film. It was my destiny. There are so many actors whose first films have been superhits, but they are nowhere now and at the same time, actors whose debut films flopped are doing well.

You must be banking on Jaanissar now?

I am keeping my fingers crossed. But I can tell you that it’s a film you’ll see again and again. Every element has been set like a jewel — characters, poetry, music, lighting, everything is perfect. It’s a film that will be stored in libraries. Also, not all films are made with the intention of creating hits. It’s a big responsibilty making this kind of a film. Many people want certain historical aspects to be hidden because they are not comfortable. Usually, Hollywood filmmakers show it in a subtle manner. You’ll find that in this film.

There is an influx of Pakistani actors in India…

I am happy that Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan have made inroads in Bollywood. It’s a positive sign. Earlier several Indian actors like Nandita Das, Kirron Kher and Naseeruddin Shah came to Pakistan and were appreciated. It’s about time we stopped talking about borders and hatred. We will discourage it through our art.

There has been talk about you being engaged and married? Is it true?

No, not at all. I am not even committed to anyone! I don’t know from where this news has spread. They have even posted a picture of my so-called wife, but it’s of an actress! I don’t know how to erase that.

When did you start getting Bollywood offers?

Since the last six-seven years. But nothing materialised either because of political strain between the two countries or something else. Rajkumar Santoshi signed me for three films but those didn’t happen. I also couldn’t be a part of Goliyon Ki Raas Leela — Ram Leela and Boss, but the one I regret the most is not doing Aashiqui 2.

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