Between the Lines with Haris Waheed | Roles, Risks, and the Art of Staying Real

Haris Waheed isn’t one to chase the spotlight but when he’s on screen, you can’t look away. Whether he’s unraveling the complexities of a conflicted character or quietly redefining what it means to be a leading man, Waheed brings an intensity that feels both unfiltered and deeply human. With roots in theatre and a growing body of work in television, his performances strike a delicate balance between craft and instinct. “Theatre is loud, and TV is interpersonal,” he reflects. “Once an actor has exercised both mediums, it becomes easier to navigate and stay truthful to each performance.”

 I’ve never felt proud of my work — and I say that with a heavy heart

While many actors speak of proud moments, Waheed is refreshingly honest in his self-assessment. “I’ve never felt proud and I say this with a heavy heart,” he shares. “I’m still working on making myself proud.” That critical eye informs the way he approaches scripts as well. For him, the decision to take on a role often hinges on passion, not just in the character, but in the people behind the project. “When the makers are genuinely eager to work with you, it shows.

Good acting is when I can’t spot the acting in the acting

 The choice becomes easy when you can feel that passion. It all comes down to that. Or money.” (Laughs)

Positive and negative — those are energies, not people

Known for portraying characters that often walk the fine line between right and wrong, Waheed says none have ever truly shaken his personal beliefs. “Pakistani television stories reflect the morally defective social structure we all live in,” he explains. “Still, I like stepping out of my own beliefs and becoming someone I might never agree with.” He’s also vocal about the gaps in local storytelling, particularly when it comes to narratives that serve younger audiences. “There are so many stories to tell. I wish we could create more content for children and youth.” 

I like stepping out of my beliefs to become someone I might never agree with

My fight against typecasting is less now — I’ve had the chance to show more of what I can do

As Pakistan’s entertainment industry shifts toward tighter, more cinematic storytelling, Waheed’s aspirations are also evolving. He’s eyeing bigger productions that cater to global audiences. “There’s so much out there I want to be a part of,” he says. And while he’s become a familiar face in both positive and negative roles, he doesn’t see those labels as defining. “Audiences like authenticity,” he notes. “My fight against typecasting is less now because I’ve had the chance to showcase more range. Positive and negative,  those are energies, not people.”

 There’s so much out there I want to be a part of — especially work that speaks to a global audience

When the passion is real, it shows — and that’s when the choice becomes easy

His idea of “good acting” has also changed over time. “Earlier, it used to be about charm. Now, it’s about magic,” he smiles. “Good acting is when I can’t spot the acting in the acting.” Off-camera, Waheed’s curiosity extends to writing and directing  not as an escape, but as another form of staying connected to the work. “It’s a form of expression. I want to learn and practice both. It keeps me sane.”

 Most people think I’m like the roles I’ve played… I’m the complete opposite

Earlier it used to be about charm. Now, it’s about magic

Despite the layered characters he’s played, Waheed insists that people often misread him. “Most think I’m like the roles I’ve done but I’m the complete opposite.” In an industry that often demands performance both on and off screen, Haris Waheed stands out simply by staying real and that, perhaps, is his most compelling role yet.

We need more content for children and youth — there are so many untold stories waiting

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Credits : 

Interview: Sundus Unsar Raja

Grooming : Extans By Shahid

Stylist : Aun @Aun.mm

Photography : Shakir Ali Khan @Shakir.Ali.Khan

Celebrity PR Management: KAGENCY @syedumairqadir @kagencypk