s the countdown to Eidul Fitr begins, all eyes are on rising star Abbas Ashraf Awan to see if he can draw crowds to cinema halls with the highly anticipated release of his film, Kabeer.

In a striking departure from his previous roles, Abbas, the younger brother of superstar Imran Ashraf, is diving headfirst into a whirlwind of action and thrill. “My character, named JJ, doesn’t just walk in—he struts!” he says. He stands out as a lone wolf in the narrative, breaking moulds and transcending conventions. “It’s a negative role, which keeps things interesting,” Abbas adds with a chuckle.

Beyond his current film, Abbas’s journey has been marked by unyielding ambition and relentless determination, fuelled by a lifelong fascination with Bollywood films.

His career began in 2010, navigating the unpredictable world of auditions. “It was a tough ride,” he shares. “Each audition became a stepping stone towards the grand stage I envisioned.”

Having a superstar brother like Imran Ashraf offers certain advantages, but it also brings intense scrutiny. “True acceptance demands talent and hard work,” he notes. To navigate these challenges, Abbas has focused on honing his craft through diverse roles, including a pivotal character in the drama serial Sabaat, where he chose a negative role over a conventional leading part. “I wanted to break the mould—so I jumped right in,” he recalls. This bold decision not only earned him critical acclaim but also reinforced his confidence as a performer.

Abbas’s latest outing, the serial Woh Ziddi Si, showcases his remarkable versatility as an actor. Seamlessly transitioning from a spoiled young boy to a violent young man and ultimately evolving into a refined gentleman, Abbas delivers a performance that is both strong and layered.

Reflecting on his journey, Abbas candidly admits, “This ride hasn’t been without its fair share of bumps along the road. There was a period when I was juggling multiple projects, and I didn’t have time to catch my breath. It was a mad grind! I was knee-deep in shooting for television while also working on my first film. But my urge to prove myself gave me the grit to power through.”

When discussing the current landscape of films and the alarming ratio of films that are just not breaking the box office or bringing audiences back to the cinema, Abbas isn’t deterred. “Yes, the industry is tough, and the numbers can be scary for newcomers,” he explains, before adding, “but every film that doesn’t work is a lesson in disguise.

Take Ranbir Kapoor—his debut film didn’t exactly light the box office on fire, and he had his fair share of flops too. But that didn’t stop him. He came back stronger and scored massive hits, proving that persistence pays off. We’re all here to deliver our best, and no one wants to see their project tank.”

For Abbas, his earlier movie Mastaani was a turning point that strengthened his confidence and expanded his skill set. “That experience was eye-opening,” he shares. “With Kabeer, all those lessons have been fuelling me to step up my game and achieve perfection. Every project is a chance to grow, and I’m all in for the ride.”

Abbas strategically chooses his roles, aware that his early projects will be scrutinised through the lens of his brother’s success rather than his own talent. By opting for demanding characters, he aims to establish a reputation based on merit, allowing his performances to gradually chip away at the stigma of nepotism.

Returning to the topic of films, Abbas shares that Kabeer is packed with adrenaline, thrilling action sequences, and flamboyant get-ups. “The outfits I have chosen are outrageous!” he exclaims with a grin. “They’re laced with jewellery and designed to turn heads, drawing substantial inspiration from Tamil cinema.”

Directed by the fiercely dedicated Neha Raaj, Abbas describes her as a powerhouse of creativity—a true workaholic who allows her actors to fully embody their characters. “Working with her has been a blast,” he admits, his enthusiasm evident. “She provides space to explore and prove your mettle, making the entire process so much more enriching.”

Amid the heart-pounding moments on set, Abbas recalls a particularly close call while filming a scene with actress Sukaina Khan. “I crossed a particular spot, and a steel stand came crashing down right behind me!” he recounts, shaking his head at the near miss. “God forbid, had it struck me, it would have been disastrous—but that’s the unpredictable nature of shooting intense scenes.”

Despite the adrenaline rush, Abbas assures fans that Kabeer offers enough humour to keep audiences entertained. “The film balances thrills with fantastic comic relief,” he promises. Sharing the screen with seasoned actors like Sakhawat Naz and Jahangir Khan transformed every scene into an unforgettable journey. “So, be prepared for an electrifying experience that boasts thrilling stunts and plenty of chuckles.”