Most recently, he solidified his status as a powerhouse with the record-breaking drama Maa, which has amassed a staggering 2.2 billion views, proving his immense pull in the digital era....
US TALK
Since embarking on his showbiz voyage in 2016, Haris Waheed has evolved from a dedicated theatre practitioner into one of the most formidable talents in the Pakistani drama industry. With a career rooted in mastering the intricacies of the craft, he has consistently delivered performances that command both critical respect and massive public attention.
Unlike others who took a direct route to the screen, Haris chose to prioritise the craft, enrolling at NAPA to build a technical foundation. Those years of formal training honed his skills to a razor-sharp edge; by the time he transitioned to television, he arrived as a fully realised performer. His work is marked by impressive dialogue delivery, commanding physical presence and a versatility that makes every character he inhabits feel distinct and deeply engaging.
From the raw, intense complexity of Udaari to becoming a global digital sensation in the viral hit Tere Bin, Haris has displayed an incredible range. A significant milestone in his journey was the serial Pamaal, where he shared the screen with the legendary Saba Qamar and held his own, delivering a nuanced performance that added a layer of gravity to the narrative; their on-screen synergy highlighted his ability to navigate complex, emotional scripts with maturity and grace. Most recently, he solidified his status as a powerhouse with the record-breaking drama Maa, which has amassed a staggering 2.2 billion views, proving his immense pull in the digital era.
Us:: How did you break into the industry?
Haris Waheed: It was a mix of luck and having the right mentor. The veteran actor Saleem Mairaj is a close friend of my uncle, and he was the one who pushed me to get formal training. So I spent two years grinding and learning the ropes at NAPA and studied under the legendary Zain Ahmed who coached greats like Fawad Khan and Vasay Chaudhry. That experience turned my passion into a craft.
Us:: What has been your biggest “I’ve made it” moment so far?
HW: Definitely my role in Sammi. That serial was a massive hit and finally gave me the recognition I was craving. It was a challenging project that put me on the map and proved I could handle the big leagues.
Us:: What do you chase: fame, money or success?
HW: Honestly? None of the above. For me, acting isn’t a race to the top; it’s an escape. I’m not out here chasing clout or a fat paycheque. I just want to lose myself in a character and leave the real world behind for a bit.
Us:: Who has been your ultimate pillar of support?
HW: My father was leaning towards a more stable path for me, like banking, but my mom always knew I had the acting bug since I was a kid. She’s been my rock. She gave me her blessing with one condition: secure the degree first, then follow your heart. So, I did exactly that – I stayed with books until I could stay on the stage.
Us:: With projects piling up, how do you keep your energy levels from hitting zero?
HW: I’m big on “health is wealth”. To keep from burning out, I hit the gym religiously, stay active in sports and keep my diet on point. If your body isn’t fuelled, you can’t bring that magic to the set.
Us: Do you think good looks and connections give you a fast pass in this industry?
HW: For sure being easy on the eyes or having a recommendation might get your foot in the door, but it won’t keep you in the room. Talent is the only thing that actually drives you forward in the long run. Without the skills to back it up, those connections are just a flash in the pan.
Us:: At the end of the day, what really matters in this industry?
HW: Authenticity. Your image is just PR, but being real is what connects with the audience.
Us:: How do you handle moments of self-doubt?
HW: To be real, I’ve been maintaining a high-key confidence since I was a kid. I don’t really do the whole self-doubt phase. I firmly believe that if you’re sincere and put in the work, nothing is impossible. I’ve jumped into every genre imaginable and never felt like I couldn’t hack it. I’m so confident in my craft that I used to think if they don’t cast me, it’s actually their loss.
Us: How much of a factor is social media in your journey?
HW: It’s huge. Everything has shifted to digital now, so if you aren’t active online, you’re basically invisible. It’s the new portfolio.
Us: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
HW: Transitioning into filmmaking. I’ve got a lifetime of experiences and stories locked away that I’m dying to bring to the big screen. I want to build worlds, not just live in them.
My date of birth is
January 2nd.
The best thing about being a teenager was
The best part was definitely having endless time for sports and gaming with the buddies.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
Being perpetually broke! Being short on pocket money definitely cramped my style.
I was always listening to
I just followed my heart, and I’ve always been about trusting my instincts over everything else.
My favourite actors were
I’m a hardcore Shah Rukh Khan stan! I also have a lot of respect for Kate Winslet’s range.
The artists on my playlist were
A mix of local legends like Strings and the trippy vibes of Pink Floyd.
My friends were
Loyal to the core and always had my back.
My closet was full of
It was basically a museum of tees and jeans.
What hurt me the most was
Finding people fake.
My relationship with my family was
Super strong. I’m one of three brothers, so things were always lively, but we’re very tight knit.
My favourite subject was
Maths. I liked the logic of it.
My least favourite subject was
Sindhi. Let’s just say it was definitely not my jam.
My ultimate comfort food was
My mom’s pulao or nani jaan’s daal chawal served with fried fish. Nothing else even comes close.
My favourite sport was
Cricket was – and still is – my go-to! There’s nothing like that game-day adrenaline and the camaraderie it builds with your squad.
