Theatre and TV actor Umer Naru, who made his television debut in popular drama serial Durr-e-Shehwar as the leading lady’s kind brother-in-law, has been very selective about the kind of roles he chooses to play.
Having worked in theatre for over 13 years, Umer Naru, a selective actor, has high hopes from his role in the fantasy TV serial, Mor Mahal.
CatchingUp
Budding actor Umer Naru talks about his role as Nawab Taimoor Jehan in Mor Mahal and how it allowed him to diversify as an actor.
Theatre and TV actor Umer Naru, who made his television debut in popular drama serial Durr-e-Shehwar as the leading lady’s kind brother-in-law, has been very selective about the kind of roles he chooses to play. With supporting roles in some very popular TV plays (Pyarey Afzal, Mirat-ul-Uroos, etc.) under his belt, the actor has now landed a prominent role in Geo TV’s new period drama Mor Mahal. He will be essaying the role of Prince of Jahanabad, Nawab Taimoor Jehan, the only child of Farrukh Zaad (Meesha Shafi) and Nawab Asif Jehan (Umair Jaswal) and the only legal heir to the throne.
Instep caught up with the actor to find out about his character and more…
Instep: How were you approached for Mor Mahal?
Umer Naru (UN): I read about the audition call online. I sent my submission, asking for a spot and a couple of weeks later I was called in for a screen test. It was a lengthy and strictly merit-based process which rarely happens, if at all, but eventually after months of suspense and anxiety, I was given the ‘Royal’ nod.
Instep: In what ways is Mor Mahal different from other plays that dominate television consistently?
UN: Everything, from language to screenplay to characters to the shooting style. This is not your run-of-the-mill script put together by too many cooks to appease the inner melodrama of a middle-class housewife. This is a meticulously structured, plot-driven period fiction that will not only entertain but also educate viewers. I really hope it triggers a change in the way TV is done today.
Instep: How does it feel to be a part of such a grand production?
UN: To be a part of such an amazing, talent-packed ensemble and working with a director who is at the peak of his career, I certainly feel a sense of achievement. But I wouldn’t discount luck or destiny as I also feel fortunate to have landed such a central role in a play that promises to offer something different and challenges the current norms of viewership. For that I’ll be forever grateful to the casting directors who put their trust in me with such a huge responsibility. I hope I live up to their expectations.
Instep: What impact does your character have in the play?
UN: I am playing one of the central characters in the play. It’s an in-depth, layered character which has a proper arc. My story also follows a love track which is one of the best love stories in the play. I will be introduced in the 8th episode and there will be a major change in the whole power struggle of the play by the 15th episode. Even though Nawab Taimoor Jehan is raised in a royal family, he has a love-hate relationship with the overall politics going on. While the impact of my character in Mor Mahal is undeniable, a lot of characters have a major impact on my character.
Instep: Did you go through some training to look the part?
UN: There was an eight-day workshop where we received training on how to present ourselves as the characters we are playing in terms of language, posture, etc. It was very helpful in sketching our own characters and understanding the world that has been created in Mor Mahal.
Instep: How challenging was the shooting process?
UN: The challenges were numerous as one would expect from a production like this but when it comes to acting I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love to take on characters that are out of my comfort zone and it has been a great learning experience and a very satisfying one at that.
Instep: Do you think Mor Mahal will be a game changer for you as an actor?
UN: As an actor (or as any performing artist for that matter) you require a certain freedom to explore and discover yourself and Mor Mahal allowed me to do something I’ve been craving since I started acting on screen. Unfortunately television doesn’t give you enough opportunities to diversify yourself as an actor and I had been struggling to find a place in the industry till now. I don’t know if it was self belief or pure denial but in my heart I knew it was just a matter of time before the right opportunity knocks on my door. And the opportunity would come in the form of an exquisitely penned period fantasy came as a cherry on top. For now I won’t comment on what effect it would have on my career, that lies on part of the viewers.
