HALF HOUR WITH ALI RAZA | LIFE IN BETWEEN SCENES

Tell us a bit about yourself? Who is Ali Raza behind the camera? Where did you grow up? What made you tap into the worlds of modelling and acting?

Behind the camera, I am a visual designer, an artist, a biker, a fitness enthusiast, and a big foodie. I grew up in Lahore. I started modelling and acting because I never wanted to be an engineer nor a doctor with such looks (laughs).

Are there any particular roles or types of characters you would like to take on?

Yes, there are some specific characters I admire, like ‘Guddu Bhaiya’ in ‘Mirzapur’. I would love to play a secret agent in a role similar to ‘John Wick’, and portray a real-life success story like the one Ranveer Singh played in ‘Gully Boy’.

What are some off-screen passions or hobbies that you pursue?

I love to sketch and I’m passionate about heavy bikes, but I’ll pursue my acting right now because it’s my profession. Maybe in the future, I’ll start a clothing brand or a food chain.

How do you navigate the expectations and pressures of the entertainment industry while staying true to your personal values and vision?

I always follow my heart. If I want to do something, I’ll do it while keeping my personal values and visions in mind.

What has been the most challenging role you've taken on so far, and what did you learn from that experience?

Recently, I portrayed a character named ‘Daniyal Bhai’ in ‘Mohabat Gumshuda Meri.’ It was a completely different version of myself because I had to embody so much anger. Even after the drama ended, people still harbored the same level of hatred towards me (laughs).

How do you approach preparing for a new role, especially when it significantly differs from the previous one?

I look out for people around me who resemble the character I’ve been given. I spend time with them, picking up some of their actions, observing how they speak and act.

How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation of Pakistani artists and actors?

People give up too easily, so there’s only one thing to remember if you want to be successful: Have faith in Allah, be consistent, and love your parents.

Three fun-facts about yourself?

I can’t be serious in serious situations. I can’t act in real life. And if I’m dining out with friends, I’ll make sure that I get to eat their food, even if they are not willing to share.

If you had to choose between the two, acting or modelling? And why?

I’ll go for acting because an actor can be a model, but a model can’t act unless they are talented. And if you’re on TV, in a drama or a movie, you present a different image to the audience, and people get to know you better.

What’s next for Ali Raza?

You never know, and even I don’t know, but whatever it is, it will be big.

INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN

PHOTO: ABDULLAH ABID MALIK