His breakout role as a mujahid in the film Azaadi demanded high-octane physicality and served as the ultimate launchpad....
US TALK
For Zeeshan Khan, his silver screen debut wasn’t just a performance; it was a trial by fire. His breakout role as a mujahid in the film Azaadi demanded high-octane physicality and served as the ultimate launchpad.
Despite being a cinematic purist at heart, he then successfully transitioned to the small screen. Zeeshan has seamlessly kept his feet in both camps, delivering compelling performances in serials like Nadan Dil, Madawa, Baddua, and more. Whether navigating the redemptive arc of an antagonist in Pal Do Pal or demonstrating comic skills in the telefilm Zoya Ne Haan Kardi, Zeeshan continues to go from strength to strength while reaffirming his belief that genuine talent allows one to break the glass ceiling of nepotism.
Us: Every actor has that one project that changes their life. What was your breakthrough role?
Zeeshan Khan: My entry into the limelight was through the silver screen with the film Azaadi. It was the ultimate launchpad that provided the recognition I needed to establish my presence in a competitive industry. Sharing the frame with a stellar lead cast that included Moammar Rana and Sonya Hussain was a masterclass in itself. I portrayed a mujahid, which was an incredibly demanding role; it required intense physical preparation for high-octane action sequences and a deep emotional connection to the spirit of the character.
Us: Did it take you long to adapt to the television screen?
ZK: No, but to be honest, I don’t find the same level of excitement in television. The grand charisma and larger-than-life feel of the silver screen are simply unmatchable.
Us: Action, negative, serious, or comedy roles – what is your true calling?
ZK: I have to admit my heart beats for action. I think I developed a taste for it during my debut film, and nothing has quite matched that adrenaline since.
Action is a demanding genre – it requires physical endurance, emotional depth, and technical precision. You have to give 110 percent of yourself to make it look authentic.
Us: Have you ever ventured into comedy?
ZK: I did! I worked on a telefilm titled Zoya Ne Haan Kardi. It was a refreshing departure from the heavy, serious, and action-oriented roles I’m known for. I found comedy to be even more challenging than drama; it requires a very specific kind of mental agility, impeccable timing, and a natural sense of rhythm to land a joke perfectly.
Us: Coming from a non-showbiz background, did you feel welcomed, or did you face the hurdles of nepotism?
ZK: I firmly believe that for those with genuine talent to showcase, nepotism becomes a secondary concern. Talent has a way of cutting through the noise, no matter how gatekept an industry might feel. In the end, respect is earned through versatility and dedication to the craft. If you focus on your work, the industry eventually has to make room for you.
Us: What has been the most challenging aspect of your career so far?
ZK: In the realm of television, my role in Pal Do Pal stands out as a significant milestone. It was a brilliantly layered character that allowed me to flex my muscles as a performer. I started as a gritty antagonist, but the character eventually underwent a profound emotional arc to become positive. Navigating that transition without losing the audience’s interest was a delicate balancing act.
Us: Why do you think Pakistan excels in dramas but struggles with cinema?
ZK: It’s a complex issue. We are currently grappling with budget constraints and a limited number of cinema screens, which makes it hard to recover costs. We have the stories, but we need the infrastructure and a sustainable commercial model to bring back the golden era of movies.
Us: Which social issue are you most passionate about?
ZK: Education is the cornerstone of everything. The growth of a nation is an impossible dream without a high literacy rate, yet we seem strangely indifferent to the fact that our standards are slipping. I’m particularly concerned about the lack of practicality in our system. We spend years studying things we never use, while the real-world skills we need when we step into the field are never taught in a classroom.
Us: If someone wishes to join showbiz, how would you guide him?
ZK: I wouldn’t let him jump into the deep end immediately. First, I’d insist he enrol in a proper institution, like NCA or NAPA, to understand the aesthetics of the craft. You need to learn the rules before you can break them. Once he has a refined understanding of his own craft, he could approach production houses as a finished product rather than a raw amateur. You have to carve your own niche through preparation.
My zodiac sign and date of birth are
I am a creative and intuitive Pisces, born on February 23rd.
Between morning and night, I prefer
I’m a bit of a hybrid; I can be a productive morning person or a night owl, depending on the demands of the set!
The best thing about being a teenager was
The beautiful sense of security – knowing that no matter what happened, my family was there to catch me if I fell.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
That typical youthful foolishness – having an unclear perspective on life and making choices without seeing the bigger picture.
The one rule I followed was
My philosophy is to give 100 percent effort but keep my expectations at 20 percent. Whenever I’ve let my expectations fly too high, it has led to disappointment. Low expectations keep you grounded.
I’ve always looked up to
The personality and leadership of Pervez Musharraf.
My teenage crush was
Kareena Kapoor – she was the ultimate screen queen for me!
My friends were
I’ve always kept a few good, loyal friends close to my heart.
If not acting, I would have
Pursued fine arts.
My favourite subjects were
Physics and art; those were my forte.
My least favourite subjects were
Chemistry and maths were just too much for my brain to process!
My favourite food was
Anything grilled. Barbeque is my absolute favourite cheat meal.
I wish I had known then
Looking back, I wish I had moved to an arts-centric college, like NCA, earlier in my journey to sharpen my creative vision.
My caffeine fix was
I’m a massive coffee lover, but because I’m a hypersensitive person, I have to be careful with my intake!
If I had a superpower, it would be
If I could have one out-of-this-world power, it would be the ability to instantly eliminate toxic people and negative energy from my surroundings.
