An actor's job is to explore. Anyone worth his/her salt hardly ever gets satisfied by playing one character successfully. It's never enough. You have to play another character and preferably someone diametrically different from your last one. And play it so well, that it's sometimes easy to forget that the same actor played both characters. Amar Khan is one such actor. May it be the role of a dayan in Belapur Ki Dayan, or the role of a rich and sophisticated girl in Dil-e-Gumshada or a visually impaired girl in Chashm-e-Num, Khan has shown tremendous range by playing diverse roles. She has enjoyed success in nearly every facet of entertainment, first as an actor, then as a screenwriter and director of numerous movies and TV serials. Khan is an actor and writer who visualises, develops and creates unique stories and concepts. The varied artist talks to MAG about her passions for acting, writing, and much more in a lively tete-a-tete. Read on…

Who is Amar Khan, before and after making a career in the entertainment industry?

I was a very emotional and sensitive person who was a movie buff but always had a creative inclination. However, now I am reliving the dream by acting and trying to make good content.

Can you tell us about your beginnings in the industry?

I studied Filmmaking from Beaconhouse National University. I studied for four years and got a degree where I learnt about storytelling, script writing and acting. While in university days I made my debut for Hum TV where I did my first telefilm Chashm-e-Num. After that, there was no looking back.

You debuted in the entertainment industry as a writer, what sparked your interest into acting?

I very much started my career as an actor and not as a writer. Writing I did later on, for my first telefilm. Now, I have written my first film titled Dum Mastam. As for my interest goes, ever since I was a kid, I was fascinated by the entertainment industry largely owing to my mother. I think it’s inherited as well.

Which projects do you consider to be your best projects to date?

I think Belapur Ki Dayan.

Your short film Black Wednesday won the Best Film Award in Peace Category at 60 seconds International film Awards. Walk us through the creative process behind the film.

I was in my third year of university when there was this festival happening for which I conceived an idea about APS Peshawar attack on school kids. So, I made this short film on that and I think I was very fortunate that the film I directed won the Best Film Award at an international forum. I believe it is important to address social issues in your writing.

What marks a great script according to you?

Believable, original script and fearless story telling makes a great script.

Your upcoming movie Dum Mastam in which you’re playing the lead and have also penned the script, what should we expect from your role in the movie and also from the movie itself?

Expect a lot of entertainment, a lot of laughter, and a lot of tears. The movie is a roller coaster of emotions and various performances.

What are some challenges in the film and TV industry for a young female actor and writer? How hard is it being both, if at all?

I think there is a challenge whenever you’re going to start something new, not just film and television. You have to strive hard and prove your mettle. I think whatever profession it is; you have to show your distinct credibility, be it an actor or anybody else.

What kinds of stories for film and drama appeal to you and why? How do you approach acting?

Anything which is honest, engrossing and touches you at a humane level. As for my approach, it depends on what the role is or the script demands. Be it the horror character in Belapur Ki Dayan or be it Dil-e-Gumshada’s uptown girl, its different for every character.

What inspires you? Do you have favourite works or actors you look up to?

There are so many that I look up to, Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Francis Mdoman, Saba Qamar, Smita Patel, there are so many great actors!

Apart from Dum Mastam, what's in the future for you?

Right now, I’m totally hooped to Dum Mastam and nothing else but I am reading a few drama scripts so you will hear something in the future.

Lastly, what advice do you have for aspiring screenwriters and actors?

Whatever field you opt for, be serious about it and go full throttle; give your best shot and don’t expect overnight miracles. Give two to three years and only then you can set the pace.

RAPID BUT FIERY

Favourite cartoon character of all time?

Tom & Jerry.

One thing you are exceptionally good at and one thing you are epically bad at?

Good at reading, bad at drawing a straight line.

Favourite book?

Our Lady of Alice Bhatti by Muhammad Hanif.

The three qualities that got you where you are today?

Patience, focus, and hard work.

Happiness is…

Home.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

Reading minds!

Best and worst purchase you have ever made?

Best would be bags and worst would be some shades.

How would you define your style sense?

Ease over effort.

• Hair & makeup: N-Pro
• Designer: Attire By Bushra Wahid
• Coordination: Umer Mushtaq
• Jewellery: Ombree
• Photography & Styling: Yasser Sadiq
• Featuring: Amar Khan