‘There was an actor in me from the beginning’: Wasim Akram

Celebrity interview

Wasim Akram, without any doubt, is among those sportsmen of Pakistan, who could not be taken off the canvas even after retirement from their field. After ruling the cricket world for about two decades as one of the best players, the star has shifted his career as a cricket commentator and simultaneously hosting a television show, as well. He even appeared as a regular guest in a show across the border. The legend’s recent venture is a feature film ‘Money Back Guarantee’ (MBG). They say filmdom and cricket are inextricably linked because of the glamour quotient. You show your emotions when you do good, show anger and frustration when the chips are down. However, facing a camera and delivering a dialogue is an all-new ball game and many star cricketers break into a sweat at the very thought of such a daunting prospect. As one of the leads in the film, Akram is very excited yet a bit anxious too. In an exclusive interview with You! the multitalented performer talks about his experience in the field of acting…

You! When and why did you decide to delve into acting?

Waseem Akram: To be honest, I have always wanted to try my luck as an actor. So when Faisal Qureshi (the writer and director of MBG) called me and asked me to do a role in his debut film and when he read my part in the film, I liked it a lot. It is a very different kind of comedy role, which is why I said yes. I have known Faisal for a long time, as we did a series of television commercials for a mobile service together. I really like his out of the box ideas and his style of humour which is subtle yet funny.

You! What is your role in the film?

WA: I am playing the president of a bank in an imaginary country. The bank has money from corrupt politicians thus a heist is about to happen there.

You! How difficult was acting for you?

WA: It was quite difficult for me. I didn’t know that one had to learn everything word to word to be an actor, especially if it is a longer scene with many dialogues. You have to memorise it word by word with all the actions and expressions. It was not that easy for a newcomer like me.

You! How would you describe your overall experience?

WA: I had done commercials before, so it gave me an idea of camera and placement. Yes, it became quite tough on a nine-day shoot, but as my company was great and I already knew most of them so it became fun for me and a bit easier as well. The film is full of comedy, heist and action. I hope people will enjoy it. I had a wonderful time on the sets of the film. I must give its credit to Faisal Qureshi. MBG was a great experience.

You! How was your experience working with Fawad Khan, who plays your counterpart in the film?

WA: I have known Fawad since a long time and we both have great respect for each other. In the movie, he plays the role of a manager, and my second in line in the bank, He wants to take over the place of president from me and I don’t want to leave that easily. A typical tussle of two rivals but in a funny way.

You! Your wife, Shaniera, is also a part of MBG but you both share very little time on screen, why?

WA: Yes, our roles were written like that, so we shared a very short time together on screen time. But, we were together on the sets to support each other. She is playing a journalist from America in the film.

You! Who did you take inspiration from to prepare for your debut in acting?

WA: In Bollywood, I have been a big fan of Amitabh Bachhan since my childhood. From Hollywood the greats like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are my all-time favourite. At present, I admire Christian Bale a lot. Actually, I love watching good movies and plays from the beginning. I can’t say I have learned acting from them but definitely you notice how they are trying to do a particular role. So yes, when you yourself come into acting, these things work in the back of the mind.

You! Do you feel any pressure before the release of your film?

WA: I have an experience of facing this public pressure live, from my cricket days when stadiums were packed with 10 to 20 millions of people. Honestly, I am concerned for my fellow actors, especially the director Faisal Qureshi. This is his first film. I have great hopes for the box office success of MBG, which is releasing on Eid-ul-Fitr, 2023.

You! Will you take up any more acting projects in future?

WA: Acting is a full-time job which needs a lot of time and a strong physical and mental state. Another reason for not continuing it in future is my limited capacity, patience and attention span to read the whole script. So, I don’t think I can continue acting in future but yes, if I am offered a role for a four to five minutes’ duration, I might think about it but not the whole movie. (laughs)

You! What about a biopic (film or series) on you?

WA: I think yes. My book is already out; it will soon be launched in Pakistan, as well. As far as the biopic on my life is concerned, I feel we have problems with the scarcity of budget in our country. If anyone wants to make a documentary or a biopic on my life, it needs a heavy budget. This will show me from my childhood, my ups and downs in life, my triumphs and tragedies of career, and everything. So, let’s see if it happens or not.