In conversation with Ahmad Taha Ghani

COVER STORY

What does success mean to you?

For me, success is making your parents proud.

Something you learned early in your career which helped you become a better actor?

Early on in my career, I learnt that it is important to listen to the guidance of your director and observe your co-stars as much as you can to learn from their techniques.

What is the most challenging thing about this career?

The most challenging thing about this career is that you can’t drop the ball at any given point. All of it must be perfect at all given times.

Did you get any formal education for this career? If not, then how did you learn the craft of acting? If someone wants to get into the acting career, where and how should they educate themselves?

I do not have any formal education in acting. However, I have been part of school plays and other theatrical performances since I was in grade 2. Over time, and with the guidance of incredible directors, I was able to work on my skills.

Acting is all about experience. The more you perform, the more you polish your skill. There are incredible institutes in the country which are offering diplomas in theatre arts and that can be a good starting point for aspiring actors.

Who are some of your role model actors/actresses, and what do you like about their work?

Moin Akhtar is an absolute role model for me. He was Pakistan’s most versatile actor.

From all your roles so far, which role was the most meaningful to you, and why?

Majid from Parizaad was one of my favourite characters. It was meaningful for me to be part of such a huge serial with incredible actors. I was able to portray a grey character that shows a spectrum of human behaviours.

Do you believe good looks and connections are the only things that make a star?

Absolutely not. It takes talent and your work ethic.

How has social media changed things for you?

Social media has changed the way actors perform all over the world drastically. Through my social media, I am now able to engage with my followers directly and be able to have a feedback loop. It helps me improve and try to be a better actor.

How do you deal with self-doubt?

Pep talk from my wife.

Three pieces of advice for aspiring actors.

Be honest, on time and stick to the grind.

MY TEENAGE YEARS

Date of birth and star

July 28; Leo

The best thing about being a teenager was

Playing video games

The worst thing about being a teenager was

Homework

I was always listening to

Breaking Benjamin

My favourite actors

Al-Pacino, Robert Dinero, Moin Akhtar

My favourite singer

Enrique

My favourite super hero

Batman

My favourite movie

Scarface

My favourite book

Cheatcode Central for video games

My closet was full of

T-shirts

What hurt me the most was

Waking up early for school

I wish I had known then

I wouldn’t have time to play video games as an adult

Relations with family were

Amazing

My favourite subject was

Mathematics

My least favourite subject was

Chemistry

I couldn’t stand

Cheating in sports

My favourite food

Biryani and coke

My favourite hangout

Late night sneak outs with friends

My favourite sport was

Cricket

5 things you couldn’t live without it

Coke, video games, cricket, friends and family