The last appearance of Fawad Khan on Indian screens was eight years ago, in the love story, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). Now, it might be challenging to reconcile that image with his latest role in Barzakh. In this series directed by Asim Abbasi, which dives into the realms of the supernatural and magic realism, Khan portrays a single father, showcasing the actor within him far more than the star. When interviewed via a Zoom call, our first question was, what made him opt for such an unconventional project?
“It’s simpler for me,” Khan responded. “I make it a point to stay away from the noise of social media. I am not unaware of the clamor around me, but I try to focus on what truly matters. In the early stages of my career, I was enticed by the glitter and glamour, not having a formal acting background. Initially, the ‘bling’ was attractive. However, even before my stint in India, I began to fall for the craft itself. I dedicated myself to improving my process and enriching my skills. I was seeking out meaningful characters and tales. As an artist, I don’t aim to preach or impart moral lessons. Instead, I strive to present characters that people can relate to, with their own conflicts and resolutions. Moving towards being an artist rather than a star became a natural progression for me. Stardom is incidental; I don’t perceive myself as a major star at all.”
Widely recognized as one of Pakistan’s most popular actors globally, Khan revealed that agreeing to work with Abbasi was an easy decision. He was captivated by the script’s raw genius. “It was love at first sight,” Khan admitted. “Asim Abbasi is an exceptionally talented writer-director. The script is sacrosanct for me. When offering a project, I expect the narrative to speak for itself, not rely on my persuasion. Despite his intense writing, Asim is an incredibly fun and organized individual. His sensitivity makes him remarkable. We developed a friendship that transcended the project. We engaged in table readings and physical rehearsals extensively before filming began. These sessions allowed us to delve deep into character nuances and interactive dynamics. I could explore the mental landscape of Sheryaar, understanding his past and potential futures.”
Khan acknowledges that his experimental ventures are not devoid of apprehension. “Initially, I was nervous too. I questioned whether we had embarked on something too experimental. However, the trailer reassured me and strengthened my trust in Asim. This man can create something visually stunning and profound without succumbing to pressure. It was an enriching experience, especially as we shot it during the COVID-19 pandemic. During those times, I found solace in cooking. With limited connectivity in Hunza Valley – our shooting location – human connections took precedence, and cooking from scratch became therapeutically fulfilling.”
A show like Barzakh offered Khan an opportunity to introspect, a meditative journey. “Every role, every viewing experience, is a pathway to internal exploration,” he mused. “In recent years, I steered clear of emotionally taxing content.
. Despite their brilliance, emotionally intense works drained me. I gravitated towards animation but even modern cartoons can be emotionally hefty. Now, I find comfort in rewatching The Simpsons and Family Guy, shows from my teenage years. Maintaining a relaxed mindset is crucial for me as an actor. Someone once remarked, ‘har waqt aapke zehen mein earthquake chal raha hota hai.’ Indeed, each role impacts you deeply, leaving scars. Therefore, I prefer emotionally lighter roles that involve comedy, adventure, or action.”
In Barzakh, Khan reunites with his Zindagi Gulzar Hai co-star, Sanam Saeed. The duo remains one of South Asian TV’s favorite on-screen couples. “It has been 12 years since our first project. Back then, we hardly knew each other. Through Barzakh and other recent collaborations, we’ve developed a genuine friendship. As an actress, Sanam has evolved immensely. She tackles diverse roles with consistency and excellence.”
When asked about his understated approach to stardom, Khan shared, “I often feel anxiety about fame. Taking stardom seriously could lead to an addiction to the accompanying frills and that scares me. I consciously distance myself because fame is fleeting. I don’t desire to peak and subsequently fall, as the pain would be too much. Better to remain grounded and appreciate the craft. If I take my fame too seriously, I might neglect my professional dedication.”
Despite his humility, Khan’s romantic allure makes him a universal favorite among women of different age groups and backgrounds. “I consider myself extremely fortunate. Often, people say, ‘haan, thik dikhta hai, itna kya hai?’ They think it’s modesty, but I’m being realistic. Appearance fades. I am profoundly grateful to my fans, particularly female fans, for their unwavering support. However, I also respect the men in their lives, hence treading cautiously with female admiration.”
Concluding the interview, we shared how much his Indian fans missed him. Although he has an upcoming project with Sony Liv and a movie with Vaani Kapoor, both are still in early stages. Asked about his eight-year hiatus and the prospects of his ‘comeback,’ Khan reflected, “I am resuming where I paused. The absence didn’t feel significant then, but now I notice the years. I have grown children now. I was somewhat selfish, detaching myself for a while. This new phase’s outcome will reveal itself over time, but I hope to meet the expectations previously set. I strive to be as proficient as I was. I seek more from life now. Having been reclusive, I’m stepping into a changed world. The pursuit is no longer just about scripts but also life experiences.”
