Zahid Ahmed is one of the best additions to the drama industry of Pakistan. This man usually admired for the sexiness in his voice has always presented himself as a fine actor whose body language, expressions and dialogue delivery seem to hold a weightage equal to his matchless voice, proving that the actor’s own hard-work aligns with the naturally bestowed talents to completely form this new chocolate hero of ours. His eyes would exude a sadist’s ferociousness in “Alvida” and his Adam’s apple would conspicuously run up and down while playing a helpless simpleton in “Zara Yaad Kar”. Other popular works of Zahid Ahmed include “Dil-e-Jaanum”, “Be-sharam”, “Visaal”, “Tum Mere Pass Raho”, “Tou Dil Ka Kia Hua” and “Mor Mahal”. I asked this actor a few questions, which are as follows along with their answers.
Your very first drama serial was written by Zafar Mairaj, a popular name in the Pakistani drama industry. How did you feel about it? Had you seen his earlier works?
At that time, I had no idea that I was working on such a brilliant writer's script. Upon research, I felt very lucky and honoured to have my first serial written by him.
Your character in “Jugnoo”, in my opinion, was of a man who never stood up for his wife. Still, the drama ended on a reconciliation note between the husband and wife. Do you personally adhere to such endings?
The entire premise of the play revolved around a girl of courage and a man lacking in it, but they struck a balance and that's something possible in nature. I adhere to any stories which stay close to the imperfect perfection of nature.
“Pukaar”, “Jugnoo” and “Zara Yaad Kar”: Which of these drama serials with Yumna Zaidi did you enjoy the most?
Since you use the word "enjoy", I would have to say that we enjoyed “Pukaar” the most because by that time she and I had built a bond of familiarity and trust between us and could rely on each other in work and also to lift our spirits. Farooq Rind was also a huge factor in achieving a fun work environment.
Your drama serial “Sangat” faced a lot of criticism at one point. How difficult is it for actors to deal with such criticism, especially when they have established themselves as well-liked and respectable performers?
You have a life as an actor and as a character. The characters might receive criticism but as an actor, I always opt for roles that help me grow in my craft. So, criticism or appreciation is part of the parcel.
Do you think that drama serials with moral lessons such as “Daldal”, “Pukaar” and “Naimat” easily reach every section of the society?
They hit home in the sections where the issues are prevalent but I do feel that issue-based dramas will never receive hype or ratings of a good old love story or other popular subjects. That is simply because generally, audiences are looking to be entertained and not to be preached.
Tell us about your work experience with Saba Qamar.
She's the most reliable superstar there is. She'll arrive on time, she'll learn her lines, she'll rehearse with you and she'll keep her makeup time to the minimum. After all this, even if she does act as a Diva, it's totally worth it.
Many actors are trying their hands at direction and script-writing. Do you have any such plans?
I incline towards direction but I won't be trying my hands at it very soon. There’s still a lot of acting to be done.
With which writers do you wish to work but still haven't got the opportunity?
I would like to work with Umera Ahmed, Mustafa Afridi and Haseena Moeen
The showbiz industry, not only of Pakistan, but of all the countries, is obsessed with fair skin and slimness. Do males have to face these issues as well?
I've observed that a wheat-ish tone such as mine is fine but actors of any tone darker than this do face issues which is sad. Slim figure requirement for a hero is understandable, for who wants to see a good-looking fat guy charming the ladies?