Daniyal Raheal

you & me

With a desire of becoming a multifaceted artist, Daniyal Raheal dabbled into the world of acting as a theatre artist when he was just 17. Daniyal later in life pursued his passion for production and acting while studying theatre and television at Beaconhouse National University. We can say that acting was in his genes as he is son of veteran TV actor Simi Raheal. “The first time I was ever on TV was with my mother for a public service message for the Punjab government.

I was a 6-year-old but that wasn’t the beginning as such. I started my career with amateur theatre in Lahore when I was a teenager,” says Daniyal whose sister Mehreen Raheal is also a famous model and actor.

Although Daniyal debuted in drama serial ‘Silvatein’, he had been involved in the theatre circuit off and on, and even produced television commercials and campaigns.

After ‘Operation 021’, ‘Dua’ and a couple of other drama serials, he has established himself as a credible actor in media industry. Daniyal also starred in ‘Motocycle Girl’ (2018) with Sohai Ali Abro.

He has been very prominent in several music videos including Telenor’s famous one ‘Rawan’. This week You! talks to this young and ambitious actor to get to know about his likes & dislikes...

How do you perceive acting as a form of art?

Acting can be perceived in two ways; as an art form and as a functional way of running a kitchen. I have to perceive in both ways but there are certain projects that you do, that you really connect with emotionally and that is when you actually think that you are making something artistic. So it is an art form but in the industry it’s also a job.

Did you always want to pursue career as an actor?

Although I enjoy acting in most instances, I want to eventually pursue a career in creating content for television and direct something of my own.

What do you like most about your job?

I get to travel and other people pay for it. And, I also get to meet interesting people in most cases.

Your claim to fame project:

A couple of music videos but in recent times, ‘The Motorcycle Girl’ and the music video called ‘Rawan’.

Your favourite work:

Music video ‘Rawan’.

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

‘Starboy’ by The Weeknd.

Your favourite designers:

YBQ.

Your favourite international labels:

Zara and Massimo Dutti.

Your most irritating habit:

I sleep a lot!

One thing you like best about yourself:

My sense of humour.

You don’t like people who are...

Manipulative and fake.

You like women who are...

Honest, genuine, funny and who smell good.

You always feel happy in the company of...

My nephew and niece.

You are afraid of...

Heartache.

Which one is your favourite genre in music?

Different genres with different frames of mind. For instance, I listen to Electronic Tech House when I am working out, but when I want to listen to music, I listen to Alternative Rock.

Your most valuable possession:

My passport.

Your all-time favourite movies:

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’.

Are you a shopaholic?

I am a functional shopper but who doesn’t like spending money.

What bores you the most?

When I am stuck in traffic.

When feeling low you prefer:

To be on my own.

You are crazy about...

Travelling and ice cream.

Are you a social person or a loner?

No one can be completely a social person because it gets exhausting.

How do you like to spend your Sundays?

Eating lots of junk food (as it’s a cheat day for me), going out with friends and watching movies. When I am in Lahore, I go to meet my sister and spend time with her kids.

Among your friends you are known as...

They have lots of names for me. They call me Doony, The Flash - as I drive really fast - and they also call me Peter Pan as they say that I will never grow up.

Your idea of romance...

Travelling with somebody and discovering a completely new place I have never been to. Being in a new environment with that person and eating new kinds of food and creating amazing memories.

Any misconceptions about you?

The thing that I am an actor who fits in one specific role. I am rather a character actor and I can do multiple acts.

Something very few people know about you as a person...

That I have a one-eye dog named Paddington.

Your ultimate desire...

To be able to travel freely anywhere in the world and do all the fun things that come with travelling.

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

A journalist, writer or maybe someone connected to literature.