Faysal Qureshi

you & me

Aman cast in the mould of a true thespian, Faysal Qureshi belongs to that rare breed of actors who take each role and make it their own. He has always entertained his audience with some really unusual, interesting, or eccentric characters, which can be recalled even today. Faysal Qureshi began his career as a child artist and appeared in several plays such as ‘Emergency Ward’ and ‘Andhera Ujala’ on PTV. He made his debut as an actor in the film ‘Saza’in 1992. He first played minor roles in TV serials before landing his first lead role as ‘Boota’ in ‘Boota from Toba Tek Singh’. Today, he is one of the most versatile and sought after actors in Pakistan entertainment industry, who owns the credit of numerous drama series under his name including: ‘Aaina’, ‘Aashti’, ‘Manay Na Yeh Dil’, ‘Man-o-Salwa’, ‘Jumka Jaan’, ‘Umraao Jaan Ada’, ‘Haal-e-Dil’, ‘Aap Ke Liyeh’ among many others. Qureshi is also known for his lead role in the 2012 drama serial ‘Bashar Momin’ which was the most expensive drama ever made in Pakistan.

Faysal Qureshi has won many awards in the category of Best TV Actor for dramas likes ‘Rang Laga’, ‘Meri Unsuni Kahani’, ‘Main Aur Tum’, Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan and others at the ‘Lux Style Awards’ and ‘Pakistan Media Awards’. Nowadays, Faysal Qureshi is seen daily as a host in one of the morning shows called ‘Salam Zindagi’ and his latest drama series ‘Khalish’. This week, You! got in touch with the veteran Faysal Qureshi, to get to know about his likes and dislikes. Read on...

You! Did you always want to pursue career as an actor?

I have never thought about anything else in my life. So... yes.

You! What do you like most about acting?

When you love something, you start loving everything related to it.

You! What do you enjoy the most acting or hosting?

Acting is something which I always wanted to do. On the other hand, hosting has connected me to all of those people who I wanted to meet and talk to. So I have a platform to meet people and express what I feel.

You! Your claim to fame project:

‘Boota from Toba Tek Singh’.

You! At this point of life, what song can be your life’s theme song?

‘Jab koi pyar se bulaye ga, tum ko ek shaks yaad aye ga’.

Your favourite international labels:

There is a list of international brands that I wear, but I like Diesel and Zara the most.

You! Your favourite international actor:

Daniel Day-Lewis.

You! What do you usually wear in daily life?

Pyjamas and tee. These are my favourite things to wear.

You! Your favourite designers:

There are many.

You! You like women who are...

Beautiful and intelligent.

You! Happiness is...

Family.

You! Your most irritating habit:

You should ask my wife (haha).

You! One thing you like best about yourself:

I always speak the truth, though people get irritated by this habit most of the time.

You! You don’t like people who are...

Narcissists.

You! You always feel happy in the company of...

My friends and family.

You! You are afraid of...

I have height phobia since childhood.

You! Which one is your favourite genre in music?

Any kind of music.

You! Your all-time favourite movies:

It’s a long list.

You! Are you a shopaholic?

Oh yes... I am an aggressive shopper.

You! What bores you the most?

When people brag about themselves.

You! You are crazy about...

Bikes and cricket.

You! Are you a social person or a loner?

I don’t socialize much. I mingle with few people who I am close to.

You! How do you like to spend your Sundays?

When I don’t go for bike rides, I spend time with family on Sundays.

You! Your favourite hangout:

Can’t name them, since there are quite a lot of places where I love the food. So I prefer going there often.

You! The biggest misconception about you...

When I start losing weight, people think that I am taking drugs.

You! Among your friends you are known as...

There are different names. Like Aijaz calls me ‘doctor’, and a few of my friends call me ‘papa’ (haha).

You! If you weren’t doing what you are doing today, you would be...

As I mentioned, I never thought about anything else except acting.

You! What would be your advice to the budding actors of today?

To get fruitful results, stay focused and pursue acting religiously.

You! Your ultimate desire...

I want to elevate my career as an actor. Want to try my hand at movies.