InstepInterview
Actor Farhan Ally Agha on Maalik, Hollywood and more…
Farhan Ally Agha is no stranger to the camera; he has been acting for television for more than two decades now and has attracted a considerable fan following over time. His career includes a diverse set of roles, from being the lead hero to being the father of a female lead; he’s pulled off every role with panache regardless of age, cast and creed. And it seems after a well-spent career on the small screen, it was finally time for him to prove his mettle on the big screen. Maalik, running successfully in local cinemas, is letting him do just that. The veteran actor spoke to Instep about his late entry into films as well as his choice of roles that have put him in different age brackets over the years.
Instep: You have been part of the modeling world and television for a long time; why did you stay away from films until now?
Farhan Ally Agha: Every actor wants to be part of films but unfortunately, when I was busy acting on TV, we weren’t making quality cinema, so I was reluctant to be associated with movies. Thankfully things have now changed and with Maalik, I have finally managed to enter into filmdom.
Instep: What qualities, in your opinion, should a TV actor have if he wants to do well in films?
FAA: TV and films may look different but if you are a good actor you can do well in both. I believe that it’s never too late for films and being experienced helps you big time. I am a fitness freak and that helped me a lot in Maalik where I played an SSG Commando; I was able to execute the fight sequences as per the director’s vision and I feel that’s a good thing.
After essaying the role of Major Haider in Maalik, veteran actor Farhan Ally Agha will play brother to Moammar Rana and son to Nadeem Baig in the upcoming film, Sikandar.
Instep: Were you not hesitant when Ashir Azeem approached you for Maalik, which is his debut film as an actor and director?
FAA: Ashir may be new to films but Dhuwan made him a real-life hero for many. When he approached me for the role of his friend Major Haider, I was surprised as well as relieved. It was a great experience working with him because he knows what he is doing and that’s what matters. He loves Pakistan dearly like I do and I wanted to pay my country back in some way – Maalik provided me with that opportunity because it’s all about taking ownership of it.
Instep: You are also part of Moammar Rana’s Sikandar as his brother; what kind of role is it since the teaser didn’t reveal much?
FAA: It’s a very positive role and I am glad to be working with Momi; he is a good friend. It’s his role in the movie that is negative and we both are sons of Nadeem Baig, the veteran actor. The teaser does feature me in a couple of shots but that’s because the trailer hasn’t been released yet. Once it does, you will have a better idea of the story.
Instep: Did doing voiceovers for Mera Sultan help you in any way in films?
FAA: Every bit of acting we do helps us in one way or another. Doing Mera Sultan was a wonderful experience and I made many fans during that period. In fact, after a live commentary of the flag hoisting ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House, which I did a couple of years back, one of the ministers asked me if it was my voice in Mera Sultan.
Instep: Do you feel you made a mistake by making cameo appearances in Good Morning Karachi and Jawani Phir Nahi Aani?
FAA: I had a bigger role in Good Morning Karachi but when it was screened, it was reduced may be because they wanted to release it when the industry was on its way up. For JPNA, Humayun approached me to play a young boy’s father which I did since he is a friend. I don’t think that any of the roles reflected badly on me because due to GMK, I am now in talks with producers in Hollywood.
Instep: That’s great…when can we expect the good news?
FAA: Soon hopefully. I think they approached me because of my not-so-quintessential ‘Pakistani ‘looks and my ability to speak English fluently. I can promise you that if the deal is done, I will try to portray my country in the best way possible on an international level. I want the world to know that we are peace-loving people and Pakistan has just as much talent as any other nation.
Instep: Your fans were seemed disappointed when you played Adnan Malik’s father in Sadqay Tumhare; you could have easily played a role better suited to your age…
FAA: I took the role as a challenge because it gave me a margin to prove my skills as an actor. We usually don’t get a chance to explore our acting abilities and that’s why in that play, I broke away from the monotonous roles I was being offered. I was disappointed when I wasn’t nominated for that performance because I felt I had given it my all; maybe next time.
Courtesy : The News
