The upcoming actor talks about his TV debut and why, despite living in the UK, he chose to work in Pakistan.
Emerging actor Alamdar Hussain is fast becoming a known face in the entertainment industry. Just after debuting on the small screen with the currently airing Main Khayal Hoon Kisi Aur Ka (MKHKAK), the British-Pakistani caught our attention for his boy-next-door charm and impressive acting chops. Self-admittedly a “regular, humble guy, who loves playing sports, bodybuilding, and spending time with friends and family,” Hussain spoke with Instep, from his hometown Manchester, about stepping into a new and rather cut-throat territory.
Alamdar landed his big break as part of the televised love-triangle alongside the popular pairing of Hareem Farooq and Ali Rehman Khan (they’ve appeared together in Janaan and Parchi) in the romantic drama but not many people know that he’s related to the producer of the play, Imran Raza Kazmi. The young actor isn’t a find of nepotism though, he assured.
“I was always passionate about acting. My passion and potential was somewhat known to my cousin (Imran), who happens to be an accomplished movie and drama producer. I wasn’t offered this role because we’re related,” he reiterated.
“In fact, I had to undergo auditioning, rigorous training with sleepless nights and took acting lessons back in the UK before (coming to Pakistan and) we went on floors,” Alamdar added of how the assignment wasn’t served to him on a platter as may be the misconception. “Imran had initially offered me a lead role in the movie, Janaan. Back then, I myself felt, I needed more time. So, when the opportunity arose again to play the character of Armaan in MKHKAK, I took it up and gave it my best.”
Sharing space with two modern-day stars, Hareem Farooq and Ali Rehman Khan, Alamdar confesses to have been intimidated at the outset, but was welcomed with open arms.
“Hareem and Ali are both awesome actors. Initially, it was quite daunting, but once you warm up to the environment and their company, you get to know that they’re very supportive and down-to-earth,” Alamdar shared. “My greatest inspiration was the drive and passion they have for acting, which I hope to take away with me in my future acting endeavors.”
Pakistan’s entertainment industry is growing but it’ll take time to establish to anything substantial, especially compared to the west. One wonders what made Alamdar pursue acting in Pakistan only and not at a much more established arena, in the UK.
“Pakistan is my country and I’m proud to be a Pakistani and so, I wanted to pursue my passion here before anywhere else,” he responded with a patriotic approach, yet hinting at exploring international avenues that he’s much closer to than his contemporary budding actors.
In a recent wave in local television, many serials have highlighted social taboo subjects such as child abuse in Udaari and the ongoing Meri Guriya, transgender rights have been tackled in much-acclaimed serials like Alif Allah Aur Insaan and Khuda Mera Bhi Hai amongst others. Whilst MKHKAK is primarily a romance drama that focuses on the journey of three urban individuals, I asked Alamdar what he made of the content being written for television and what kind of characters, considering he’s a newcomer, he wished to take up in the current landscape.
“I personally think that Pakistani entertainment industry has done a pretty good job at highlighting the taboos of our society,” he responded, applauding the efforts that have been made by production houses, directors and actors. “But changing perception(s) is a slow and gradual process. In the future, I too, hope to play roles that have a positive impact in taking something forward in society as well as for the viewers.”
Opinionated, albeit reserved and filtered in his answers, Alamdar is already on his way to establishing himself as a promising new face on the horizon. Although he’s signed nothing new as of yet, he’s surely open to working on a second offering.
“I definitely plan on taking up future acting roles in Pakistan but if the opportunity arose abroad, I would be equally thrilled,” he maintained on a parting note.
