Canadian born actor, singer and model, Adeel Chaudhry might seem like he has it all: good looks, stellar personality, an impressive career and the adoration of millions of fans. Although all of these things are true, he has remained humble. Chaudhry is a dentist by education but he has been making rounds in the industry through his praiseworthy acting and singing skills. He has also done some commendable work in Bollywood which gained him a lot of recognition. He signed with Tips Industries Limited to enhance his music career in India. Adeel jumped to stardom after singing Move Your Body for the Shahid Kapoor and Vidya Balan starrer Kismat Konnection which led him to bag the MTV Popular Choice Award to his credit. He has also worked in various advertising campaigns in Pakistan and India, rubbing elbows with titans like Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan. He made his debut in the Pakistani drama industry with comedy-drama TV series Yeh Zindagi Hai in 2008 and soon became a household name, not only for his dashing good looks but also for his awe-inspiring acting skills. In 2018, he made his big screen debut with a romantic-comedy movie Maan Jao Naa. His most recent successful venture was 2019’s highly rated drama Bharosa Pyar Tera. The all-inclusive and well-accomplished star speaks to MAG about his career, and his personal life. Excerpts:

Who is Adeel Chaudhry? Which three words best define you?

I can’t define myself in three words, but I can in a sentence. I am an aspiring actor, a caring gentleman and a man of principle.

You are a dentist by education. What made you switch fields?

Acting and singing have always been on my to-do list, or more like a must-do list. Once I had my qualification in dentistry, I decided to chase my childhood dream of becoming a singer and an actor and if that failed I could always go back to my back up, which was dentistry. But fortunately, I progressed in the entertainment industry and it has been going well for me.

Compare and contrast Lollywood to Bollywood as per your experience.

Our industry is different because we are upcoming, we have a lot more new actors and actresses, we are a creative nation that can implement inspiration from old school Bollywood and use that into our creativity when it comes to our own films and dramas.

Singing/songwriting, acting, or modeling? Take your pick.

Some songwriting and some acting with a little bit of modelling too. Why not, ey?

You’ve played a negative role in your currently on-air drama Munafiq. Was it difficult to adjust yourself in such a character when more often play the protagonist?

No, it wasn’t at first. When I got the script I was not nervous but I had questions. Once I got to know the character I was more comfortable with it. I am an actor, it’s what pays me so there’s no time for any indecisiveness or uncertainties.

Which project had the steepest learning curve for you?

I have not come across that project as of yet.

What is the one character you played that resonated most with you?

Faris in Maan Jao Naa.

What’s the weirdest thing you have heard about yourself?

The weirdest and the most incorrect thing I have heard about myself is the same thing that you have heard about me. [laughs]

If you weren't famous, what would you be up to right now?

I would be at my dental clinic, fixing someone’s teeth.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Who knows? But I hope to see myself as a family man with some acting and singing on the side.

What’s the one quality you possess that you love the most?

I have a big heart and I think I am selfless and altruistic. I also have a lot of patience and I believe that patience makes you healthier. Anger and stress are two things that are enough to ruin a person's health. And patience is the antidote to both these illnesses.

Celebrities are often subjected to a lot of criticism. How do you cope with it?

When you are in showbiz, criticism is part of the package. It’s the price a lot of us actors have to pay. I am mentally strong and it takes a lot to get to me. As long as God, my family, my fans and most importantly, I know who I am, it doesn’t bother me.

Who has been the biggest role model in your professional life?

My father, he still works till date. His drive, motivation, work ethic, all whilst keeping his family happy and spending time with his loved ones, to me is truly admirable. He is someone who I respect a lot not just because he’s my father but because of his solid ambition, big enthusiasm and passion. He has worked hard for what he has earned. He really is a true role model for me.

Lastly, give us an insight on your upcoming projects.

I am currently working on a project called Uraan. I star alongside Kinza Hashmi and Aijaz Aslam. It’s an Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi production.