The son of veteran actor Waseem Abbas, Ali takes guidance from his father to hone his skills and comprehend the aesthetics of this craft....
COVER STORY
Coordination by Ayla Ahmed
Ali Abbas is one of the few actors who have amassed dollops of critical acclaim through the prowess of their trademark talent, impeccable versatility, and enticing charm. Rishtay Biktay Hain, Mehar Posh, Deewangi, Rubaru Tha Ishq, Shehr-e-Malal, Kahin Deep Jaley, Fitrat , Ghisi Piti Mohabbat, Dour, Mere Apne, Badzaat, Guddu, and Qalandar are some of his serials which manifest his position as a top actor, and with serials like Meher Aur Meherban, Baylagaam, and Wafa Be Mole (the winner of a Best Soap trophy in 2022), his winning streak has continued unabated.
The son of veteran actor Waseem Abbas, Ali takes guidance from his father to hone his skills and comprehend the aesthetics of this craft.
Us: What does success mean to you?
Ali Abbas: As you grow in life, the definition of success keeps changing from materialistic things to meaningful pursuits, and today it means attaining happiness.
Us: What is something you learned in your career which helped you become a better artist?
AA: Earlier, I was distracted and not focused, but my life completely changed when I met some really good people – like Mujahid Hussain, Saima Waseem, and Zeeshan Ahmed – who helped me grow and become more pragmatic.
Us: What is the most challenging thing about this career?
AA: Challenges are aplenty, both mental and physical, but I think everything becomes worthy if you have the passion for this field. The most challenging thing about this career is the long working hours and you don’t have a permanent address.
Us: Did you get any formal education for this career?
AA: I went to NCA, but I suggest that just come and practice, as things are way too difficult practically. So the more you experience it, the more you will be able to comprehend the aesthetics of this art.
Us: Do you believe good looks and connections are the only things that make a star?
AA: When I’m working in any play, I never feel a need to focus on how I look, as it has never been my priority. What really matters to me the most has always been my character for which I just work hard with love and passion.
Us: Who are some of your role models and what do you like about their work?
AA: Well, my first role model will always be my father (veteran actor Waseem Abbas) and grandfather. I think my father is one of the most brilliant actors that this industry has ever seen. He is like an institute of acting, whereas my grandfather was the whole package himself – he was a singer, actor, producer, and scholar – and people like my grandfather don’t come to this world anymore. I am so fortunate to have such role models around me.
Us: How do you deal with self-doubt?
AA: I sit with my family. My wife is a great companion; whenever I’ve been in disbelief or self-doubt. I talk to her, and she always manages to pull me out of that situation.
Us: How has social media changed things for you?
AA: I’m a procrastinator and not a social media person. I am on Instagram but I’m not crazy about it. I don’t take pictures and usually people push me to take pictures.
I think we have used social media as a negative tool. We haven’t worked on this society; because of social media it’s just about self-obsession. Everybody has started believing himself to be an actor with a mandate to do whatever he feels like and it’s a rat race. I look at a nine-year-old making videos that are bizarre and inappropriate for me. There is an age for everything and it only suits when your age justifies what you post. Besides, there is no check and balance, so parents should be very strict with their kids and not let them use TikTok or Instagram until they are at a certain age.
Us: Could you please share three pieces of advice for young actors?
AA: I would advise that you should respect your profession number and please go and study about the past actors and how the industry started in Pakistan.
Birthday and zodiac
February, Aquarius.
The best thing about being a teenager was
Being independent, freedom, and social circles.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
Receiving dictations from all and sundry.
My favourite actors were
Jack Nicholson, Ranbir, and Saleem Mairaj.
My favourite singers were
Kishore Kumar and Sajjad Ali.
My favourite movie was
Tamasha and The Prestige.
My favourite book was
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.
My closet was full of
Jackets and coats.
My friends were
Nasty, notorious.
What used to hurt me the most was
Atrocities in the world.
I wish I had known then
That nothing lasts forever.
Relations with family were
Mutual respect and love.
My favourite food was
Bhindi gosht.
My favourite subject was
History.
My least favourite subject was
Maths and chemistry. I’m still waiting for the chemical reactions and algorithms that I learnt to change my life!
I couldn’t stand
Losing a cricket match.
My favourite superhero was
Iron Man and Batman.
My favourite sports was
Cricket and football.
